My end-of-year writing challenge went so well last year that I decided to make it annual, sort of like my own NaNoWriMo, but over the last quarter of the year instead of a month.
You can learn more about last year’s challenge and my targets HERE. I also tried a writing challenge in 2020, but it didn’t go as planned.
I did create a vision board for it, though. I was a bit obsessed with vision boards back then.
What is My Q4 Writing Challenge About?
Unlike last year, I didn’t have an intense creative burst. I had a bunch of ideas waiting, and I picked the one that spoke to me the most and started working on it towards the end of August.
I would like to finish the first draft by the end of the year, and I’m aiming for 95,000 words.
Currently, I am at 47, 320 words, writing a little over 1,000 words almost every day. I take Sundays off to rest and reset.
With 75 days left in 2026, I hope to meet and probably exceed my target at my current writing rate.
Why 95,000 Words?
It’s a guesstimate based on the genre I’m working in and how the idea is taking shape in a much bigger way than I originally planned.
The target will also keep me personally accountable and build momentum.
As I’m sure many of you have experienced, 2026 has been a truly crazy year. There have been times, ok, many times, when I’ve wondered, “What’s the point?”
It’s made me want to give up, not gonna lie. Hopefully, this challenge will keep me on track and push those thoughts aside.
What I’m Doing to Reach My Writing Challenge Target?
- My minimum target is 1,000 words a day, with no expectations. I intend to be kind to myself through this.
- The writing rituals remain the same as before, with a DIY reed diffuser blend added to the equation.
- Set a writing time (10 PM to 1 AM) and stick to it. I’m not sure why those hours appeal to me so much, but that’s when I feel the flow most. I’m between jobs right now, so the late hours aren’t stressing me out.
- I remind myself the first draft is about finishing, not editing, redrafting, or cutting anything.
- I don’t have a motivation wall. I told you this year has been kicking my a**s. At this stage, I’m just trying to finish the first draft. Lol.
How Do I Track My Writing Progress?
This is a different genre for me, and I’m still working on it, so I haven’t added it to my WIP page this year. However, I created a manual word count tracker for my desk.
Do You Have a Writing Challenge?
Do you usually set creative writing or other creative goals for yourself toward the end of the year?
If you do, share your best practices in the comment section. I recently started a TikTok channel where I’ll post wins, wobbles, and unexpected insights as they happen. Come say hi @wunmi.fani.
Wunmi inherited every sarcastic bone in her parents’ bodies and channels that genetic feistiness into her stories. When she’s not reading and writing, she’s plotting her next travel adventure. Her writing has appeared on HuffPost, YouQueen, Medium, and several anthologies. She is currently working on several full-length novels. Learn more about Wunmi here…