November Writing Challenges

I love writing challenges. These events, focusing on completing a writing project within a month, take place throughout the year, and usually focus on a specific genre or audience. When you have to complete something in a certain amount of time, there's no overthinking and no procrastinating. Just you and your words.... and forced productivity!  

One of the best things about November is ... you don't have to look very far to find a writing challenge.

Here are four writing challenges to try in November:

 

1. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). NaNoWriMo (established in 1999) is what many people usually think of when you say "writing challenge." You commit to completing a 50,000-word novel in a month (about 1667 words a day), along with a community of like-minds. The website has lots of support, inspiration, and information, as well as a way to track and share your progress. And, while the idea is to write a novel, there are NaNo Rebels who write other works during November. Sign up. 

2. National NonFiction Writing Month (NaNonFiWriMo). Created by writing coach and author Nina Amir, the Write Nonfiction in November Challenge is more informal undertaking. The only rule is you have to commit to starting and finishing a work of nonfiction during the month. Learn more.

3. National Podcast Post Month (NaPodPoMo). Are you more of an audio or video person? Than this November challenge is for you. Jennifer Navarrete created NaPodPoMo in 2007, NaPodPoMo as a month-long audio challenge. The goal is to release and/or record a podcast episode every day. Use any platform, format, or production level. It's an excellent way to kick-start your podcast. Get details.  

4. National Blog Posting Month. This challenge is simple. Write and publish a blog post every day in November. It's a great way to kickstart or re-energize your blog. While there is no longer an official site for #NaBloPoMo, many bloggers participate each year. Just use the hashtag when you post, and search the hashtag to find your kindred spirits.

You have your choices. Now all you have to do is explore your options,  commit, and go for it. 

Remember, you can do it.

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Overwhelmed by the idea of a November challenge? Wondering how to fit it into your schedule? Read my article on Time Swapping. And then join my Write On Online Facebook group for bonus support throughout the month! 

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So, are you taking part in a November challenge? Which one? Please share in the comments.

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Debra Eckerling is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals. A writer, editor and project catalyst, as well as founder of the D*E*B METHOD and Write On Online, Deb works with individuals and businesses to set goals and manage their projects through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and online support. She is also the author of Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog and Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages, host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat and #GoalChatLive on Facebook, and a speaker/moderator on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.

November is National Podcast Post Month

Most writers are familiar with NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month. But how many of you know about NaPodPoMo? 

Now in it's 11th year, National Podcast Post Month gives people a different kind of challenge. Post 30 podcast in 30 days. They can be long, short, audio, video, both. Use any platform you desire, says NaPodPoMo creator Jennifer Navarrete, from full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The idea is to create and publish 30 of them during the month of November, and use it as a podcasting bootcamp. And, similar to NaNo, you have eliminate the idea of perfection and just get it done, as you have a massive undertaking in a short amount of time.

That being said, if you plan to participate in NaNoPodMo, now is the time to start planning. This is essential whether you want to launch, rebrand, or revitalize your podcast.

Let's back up. Why podcast? For the same reason you have a blog, a podcast enables you to showcase your personality, as well as your expertise, and really connect with your readers, prospects, and clients on a personal level. Adding the element of audio and/or video really amplifies that connection. 

Whether your goal is to create a series or you just want quick clips to enhance your content, there are easy ways to make a podcast happen.

Audio. Record, edit, and format audio podcasts. Find a podcast hosting platform (such as Libsyn or PodBean) and then syndicate it to sites like iTunes, GooglePlay, and Stitcher. You can even consider creating Alexa Flash Briefings.

Video. Record video podcasts, either in person or via a video platform, like Skype. Use a tool, such as Evaer for PC or Ecamm Call recorder for Mac, to record. You can also pull out the audio to syndicate on the above mentioned platforms. Edit (add captions, call-outs, and calls to action) if you want. And upload to YouTube, Facebook, and/or LinkedIn. Break it into smaller pieces and share on social media platforms.

Live Video. Broadcast live on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter/Periscope, and Instagram. Then download, edit (add captions, share, and embed on your blog.

Before you go down the podcasting rabbit hole, run it through the D*E*B Method to start things off on the right foot.
- Define your Mission. Why do you want to start a podcast? This is in addition to any personal or business benefit. How will it help others?
- Explore your Options. What format? And what type of podcast? Interview, solo, tips, instruction, education. Length?
- Brainstorm your Path. Decide what you want for your podcast and figure out how to make it happen. Create a checklist. Be sure to determine name, tag, type, cover art, hosting, length, interviewees, anything and everything.

Once you have ideas in order, you'll be able to jump into November and begin your podcast on the right foot!

For more podcasting tips, read the Podcasting #GoalChat recap. Learn more about NaPodPoMo.

Do you have a podcast? What is it? How is it benefiting your business? Please share your experience and your podcast link in the comments.

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Debra Eckerling is a writer, editor and project catalyst, as well as founder of The D*E*B Method: Goal Setting Simplified and Write On Online, a live and online writers’ support group. Like the Write On Online Facebook Page and join the Facebook Group.  She is author of Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog and Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages, and host of the #GoalChat Twitter Chat. Debra is an editor at Social Media Examiner and a speaker/moderator on the subjects of writing, networking, goal-setting, and social media.