ChapterBuzz - Where serious writers become published authors

One month. 10,000 words. Are you ready?

The 10K Novel Writing Challenge starts on
the 1st of every March and October.

Write 10,000 words

This is your chance to add 10,000 words to your novel, whether it's currently a blank page or halfway done.

Win an award

You could be an award-winning writer by the end of the month! You'll also appear in Books & Buzz Magazine as a Challenge winner.

Receive feedback

Develop your talent and build confidence in your writing skills by receiving friendly feedback from other participants.

E-mails that motivate

I'll send you daily e-mails to help you stay on track and motivate you to keep writing.

Meet other writers

You'll have opportunities to make connections—or even friends—with other writers during the Challenge.

Post your word count

Show off your progress and make sure you hit those deadlines by posting your daily word count.

Ready to kick your writing into high gear?

You'll be able to enter once registration opens. Check back soon!

Recent award winners

Shadows Retreat: Sequel to Waters of Salvation
by Robert Jepson

Fan Favorite Award
~March 2019~

Aradia's Diaspora: Book One
by Susan Woerner

Challenge Choice Award
~March 2019~

See more award winners...

More than a writing challenge.
It's an experience.

“

The morning I opened the email informing me The Girl with White Hair had won an award, I was half asleep and squinting to read the screen. There was this pause where I processed it, followed by the biggest flood of relief and sense of achievement.

I don't think I've ever wanted to work so hard for something before. I'd written for hours on the last night of the Challenge trying to hit that 10,000 word mark, and I am so happy that I managed to get through and finish.”

—Bexx Matthews, winner, Most Buzz Award

“

I want to thank you for the push you provided in getting me motivated to reach the end of my draft and begin the adventure of editing. I have met some wonderful writers here and look forward to reading their masterpieces as they progress. I will also look forward to March, when another Challenge begins, and use it to get Book 2 in full swing. Thank you, again.”

—Gloria Elle Gabrie, author of Darkness Gleams

“

I loved the Challenge. I work anywhere from 36-74 hours a week so the lower daily word count made this Challenge very managable for me. I also love that I've been able to connect with other writers, which is something I've always found a bit difficult to do.”

—Sibille Rose, author of A Crack in the Mirror

“

The Challenge pushed me to write more than I ever have before—every day—which in itself has given me so much pleasure. I have made a start on my very first novel, which is something I'd always thought only other people did! The sense of pride and personal achievement is immense. I have made some new friends who share my enthusiasm and excitement in the process.

I think that's one of the crucial elements, actually: to be encouraged by a community of writers who understand how difficult the process can be. Truth be told, after I reached the high of achieving the target of 10,000 words, I was very disappointed that it was all over. I am convinced that this month will absolutely stand out as one of the high points of this year for me.”

—Liberty Henwick, winner, Fan Favorite Award

“	This Challenge was a huge boost for my writing and my ego. 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.” —Dacia M. Arnold, two-time winner of the Most Buzz Award

Ready to kick your writing into high gear?

You'll be able to enter once registration opens. Check back soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 10K Novel Writing Challenge?

It's a month-long writing marathon that challenges you to make 10,000 words' worth of progress on your novel. Daily e-mails of encouragement, feedback from other writers, and the possibility of winning an award will help keep you motivated along the way.

The Challenge is a great way to connect with other writers, build your readership, and even win an award for your work!

Why 10,000 words?

By focusing on a relatively small number of words—instead of, say, 50,000—you'll be able to put more thought into what you’re writing, and end up with a solid foundation for a great novel that you can build on over time.

Although 10,000 words may sound like a lot, keep in mind that it's actually about 350 words a day, or a few paragraphs' worth. Manageable for sure!

I've already started on my novel. Can I still enter?

Yes! You're encouraged to prepare materials in advance so that you don't have to start cold. This includes outlines, character sketches, even unfinished books you've already posted on ChapterBuzz. Heck, bring your 50,000 words from the last NaNoWriMo!

As long as you write 10,000 new words during the Challenge month, you'll be eligible for an award.

What awards are given?

Three individual awards recognize excellence in writing: The Most Buzz, Fan Favorite, and Challenge Choice Awards. We'll be recognizing both raw writing ability and how well your manuscript-in-progress is received by your fans during the Challenge. Just think, you could be an award-winning writer by the end of the month!

How do I win an award for my book?

Write your heart out, and do the best job you possibly can. It also helps greatly to promote your ChapterBuzz profile so that people can read and BUZZ your chapters. The more BUZZ you get, the faster you move up the Charts!

Does it cost money to enter?

Nope, it's totally free!

Is any genre allowed?

We have a good answer in the general ChapterBuzz FAQ: Is any genre allowed?

Do I have to post my writing publicly?

You do not have to post your material publicly in order to complete the Challenge, but you would be missing out on half the fun! Feedback from readers can be especially useful and informative at this stage. You would also not be eligible for an award since we wouldn't be able to read your story.

What if I'm not confident in my writing, or unsure about the best way to write my novel?

At this stage, don't worry about how great your writing is—just do your best. Since 10,000 words is only a fraction of the length of a novel, it's still very much a rough draft this early on. Recognizing that it by no means has to be perfect might take the pressure off just enough to accomplish the real objective: getting those words onto paper.

See also: I'm nervous. Will I fit in at ChapterBuzz?

Ready to kick your writing into high gear?

You'll be able to enter once registration opens. Check back soon!