Have you always wanted to write a novel? Here’s where to start

Want to start your first novel off with a bang?

I don’t mean a literal gunshot, although that would be an attention-grabbing first sentence.

I’m talking more about your writing journey as you set about penning your very first novel!

See, the best thing you can do in the very beginning is to get people reading.

This encourages you to keep writing, improves confidence, and lets you know you’re on the right track.

Getting started is half the battle, especially for first timers.

That’s why beginners are welcome in the semi-annual 10K Novel-Writing Challenge—a race to write 10,000 words in the first 10 days of October.

Just think: you could have several chapters written by October 10!

Even better, hooking up with a group of talented writers who can read and discuss your story—while you write—gives it a much better chance of selling well once it’s published.

You won’t have to wonder and fret over whether it’s worth the effort—you know it is.

The 10K Challenge is the way to get the ball rolling.

Author Cynthia A. Jensen wasn’t sure at first:

“I thought to myself that if I committed to this Challenge, I’d force myself to finish my book. I was so nervous just looking at the blank document. Then the first line came to me, and I was off!

As I wrote, I could see scenes in my head and I typed them up. I was really doing it! I was writing!”

This chapter-by-chapter approach has worked for many first-time novelists—and it can work for you. Join us in the Challenge—but hurry!

Writers, do you have 1 hour to yourself each day?

Here’s a question for all you writers out there:

Do you have an hour to yourself each day to write? How easy or hard is it for you to find the time?

Let us know in the comments below!

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Before you add your comment, be sure to join us for the 10K Novel-Writing Challenge in October.

The 10K Challenge is a great way to:

• Force yourself to write 1,000 words a day
• Overcome writer’s block
• Start a daily writing habit

From October 1–10, it’s go time! Sign up now

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The legendary science fiction writer Issac Asimov once said, “If my doctor told me I had only six minutes to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type a little faster.”

Assuming you have more than six minutes to live, how do you find the time to write?

Let’s discuss…

Re: your journey to writing success…and why this famous author would tell you to get started TODAY

Steven Pressfield

When it comes to getting started on your dream of being a successful writer, Steven Pressfield, author of The War of Art and The Legend of Bagger Vance, has a good idea:

“Start before you’re ready.”

So simple, yet so powerful.

You have to want it, of course, but the trap so many aspiring novelists fall into is making excuses for not getting started.

As a result, they end up putting it off and putting it off. Why? Because they don’t feel ready.

The problem is that whether it’s a fear of failure, lack of confidence, or even writer’s block that’s holding us back, it all feels the same: like we’re not ready.

Even the smallest amount of uncertainty can prevent us from starting on our journey.

But deep down, you know you have talent, and you want to share it. So don’t let it go to waste!

In the first 10 days of October, I’d like to challenge you to write 10,000 words.

Now, this could be the very start of your novel—or it could be your push to add more chapters to what you’ve already written.

But in either case, 1,000 words a day is no easy feat, and your first draft is probably going to be a little shaky.

When you write that fast and that intensely, it’s not going to be perfect.

But together, we’ll help you spruce up your manuscript and get it into tip-top shape. Soon, you’ll have a complete novel you can be incredibly proud of. You might even win an award for it!

All you have to do is start. Steven Pressfield would insist on it.

Writers, only 9 days left! Join us for this “noveling” challenge

Writers, you only have 9 days left to sign up before the 10K Novel-Writing Challenge kicks off!

10,000 words in 10 days? Yes, you can.

Prepare to write your heart out, meet your fellow writers, qualify for an award, and just have a blast in general.

From October 1–October 10, come write your novel alongside this past award winner:

“This 10K Challenge is the most rewarding thing that I have ever been a part of,” says award-winning author Tiffany S. Doran. “If you haven’t joined us yet, you should really consider it!”

Enter the Challenge now—registration ends soon.

See you there!

The Sunday Wrap-Up: new Top 20 book, how to avoid “head hopping,” and a writing challenge for you!

Don’t miss out!

Things are heating up this week as we prepare for the 10K Novel-Writing Challenge. Are you joining us? Sign up here!

Here are this week’s highlights:

Our Author of the Week is Mel Hankins, who’s hard at work on her fantasy novel, Belonging to the Alpha. Stop by to read, Buzz, and give your feedback!

10 days till the 10K!

The 10K Novel-Writing Challenge starts in just 10 days. It’s your chance to buckle down and write 10,000 words, whether you’re just starting your novel or already halfway done.

Award-winning author Tiffany S. Doran, Michele L. Medlyn, and L. Dodier are all going to be there. Are you? You can still register, but hurry!

A new book hits the Top 20

There’s a new book in the ChapterBuzz Top 20! Belonging to the Alpha (read it here) by Mel Hankins is now #18. Great work, Mel! Check out the ChapterBuzz Top 20 Chart

And congrats to Shirley Holder Platt, whose chick lit novel, The Kiss (read it here), hit #2 on the trending chart this past week.

What should your character do next?

Tier III Newcomer Author Kenneth Lawson reveals the method he uses to figure out how his scenes unfold and what his characters will do next. His advice is especially useful for all you “pantsers” out there!

Read: What should your character do next? Here’s the secret

Quote of the Week

I’ve learned that “author omniscient” is not always the best point of view because it can lead to “head hopping,” which can be confusing to the reader. Pick one POV and stick with it, and if you need to switch, use a change in scene to indicate the switch. —L.K. Thompson, LTC (Ret.), Tier IV Rising Star Author

What have you learned about life and writing? Join the 20-Year Novel Club and share your experiences.

You’re invited

Are you ready to write & publish a novel while connecting with writers from all over the world? See you at ChapterBuzz!

Know anyone who loves good books? Share this using the social buttons below:

Ready to set your inner author free?

In exactly 11 days, 15 hours, and 58 minutes, the 10K Novel-Writing Challenge kicks off!

The “10K” is a race to write 10,000 words in 10 days.

If you’ve ever wanted to write a novel—or been meaning to finish the one you’re working on—this is the best way you could spend the first 10 days of October.

What’s so great about a writing challenge, anyway?

One word: motivation.

It forces you to sit down and write 1,000 words each day…

It forces you to think hard about where your story’s going…

And it forces you to start developing your characters.

Could you use that motivation? I think we all could.

Even better is that as you write your story, build your Fan base, and meet other writers, you’ll also be in the running for a writing award.

This is your moment. Join us and set your inner author free.

Have a good story idea? You could appear on the cover of Books & Buzz Magazine

As more and more writers join the 10K Novel-Writing Challenge, it’s becoming clear that plenty of folks are prepared to buckle down by writing 10,000 words in 10 days.

Some will even go on to win awards and appear on the cover of Books & Buzz Magazine, our writing community’s e-mag that showcases the achievements of our up-and-coming authors.

You could be next!

Even if you think you don’t have the time, or have doubts about sharing your work, or you’re not totally confident in your writing, let’s just say you might surprise yourself.

For example, Shirley Holder Platt, a two-time winner of the Challenge, wasn’t overly confident in her writing when she first joined.

That changed quickly after she won her first Challenge award for Mama Needs New Shoes (read it here) and made the cover of the October 2018 issue:

“Your site helped build my confidence,” Shirley said. “I put a thank you in the acknowledgment section to everyone on ChapterBuzz who commented and helped improve my book.”

Sign up for the Challenge, and starting October 1st:

• Make a ton of progress on your story
• Get feedback from readers and other writers
• Lay the groundwork for a great novel

…and of course, qualify for an award!

The cover of Books & Buzz Magazine is reserved for writers who are actively taking steps to move forward in their careers.

Winning an award, though, is not just a step. It’s a major leap forward, and it’s your ticket to getting your name in front of our entire community of readers and writers.

Join the Challenge & show the world what you’re made of. And who knows—you might just end up on the cover of a magazine.

Would you sacrifice a whole weekend for your writing? This Stephen King quote might sway you

Let’s say there was this novel you wanted to write.

And you were so determined to get started, you thought the 10K Novel-Writing Challenge would give you the push you needed.

But then you took a look at the calendar—and realized that if you were going to write 10,000 words in the first 10 days of October, you’d have to spend an entire weekend (and half of another) hard at work.

Are you willing to sacrifice your days off to move ahead in your writing career?

If you are, you’re in good company.

As legendary author Stephen King says:

“What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.”

In other words, a writer can have all the talent, ideas, and skill in the world, but it’s all totally useless if he or she doesn’t take bold action.

Ready to work hard? Register now and start warming up those typing fingers!

10 days can jumpstart your writing life

Writers, October is your month.

Why, you might ask?

Because starting at midnight sharp on October 1st, you’ll quickly discover what you’re capable of as you set out to write 10,000 words in 10 days.

That’s right, I’m talking about the 10K Novel-Writing Challenge! It’s back, and it’s your big chance.

Come see what’s possible:

A bunch of new chapters in your novel? Check.

New Fans of your work? Check.

Walking a little taller and savoring that writer’s high?

Check and check.

Whether you’re a total beginner or a veteran author, there’s so much to be gained by spending just 10 days with us.

And I’m not the only one who thinks so:

“This Challenge was a huge boost for my writing and my ego,” says award-winning author Dacia M Arnold. “It was refreshing to receive so much feedback on my work-in-progress that I can’t stop now. Thank you for creating this amazing opportunity.”

Think you can do it? Enter the Challenge now—registration ends soon!

Join us for this 10,000-word writing challenge!

It’s official…

The 10K Novel-Writing Challenge is now open for signup!

You may have heard about it.

For the first 10 days of October, your goal is to write 10,000 words. That’s several chapters’ worth!

You’ll also get a chance to meet other writers, share your story, get friendly feedback, and maybe even win an award for your writing.

October promises to be a great time, and a terrific career booster.

Are you ready?

Show the world what you’re made of. Register now for the “10K”!