I've signed up for the November Ink 2026 challenge: 50,000 words in 30 days. That's an ambitious goal, but I'm feeling pretty good about it so far. I finished the first day with nearly 1,800 words, which puts me on track. Of course, I realize that Day One enthusiasm and Day Twenty enthusiasm aren't necessarily the same thing!
I'm also realistic about what the next 30 days might bring. I can't always write every day. Sometimes life gets in the way, and sometimes I simply don't feel like writing. Both happen, and I've learned that there's no point in beating myself up over the things I can't control.
I do, however, have a rule for myself: at least 15 minutes of writing every day. It doesn't have to be fine literature. It doesn't even have to be particularly good writing. The important thing is to sit down and put words on the page. Surprisingly, my average writing time is considerably longer than 15 minutes. I think my shortest session so far has been about 20 minutes. Apparently, once I get started, stopping isn't always so easy.
There will inevitably be days when I can't write at all. Life sometimes requires my attention elsewhere, and that's okay. I can't control every circumstance, but I can control how I approach the challenge when I have the opportunity to write.
I don't want this challenge to become another source of pressure or an exercise in self-punishment. I want it to be an opportunity to push myself, explore my stories, and see what I can accomplish. Some days will be productive, others less so. Some words will be keepers, and others will eventually find their way into the literary recycling bin. That's part of the process.
I'm confident I can reach 50,000 words in 30 days. I also know that getting there will require flexibility, persistence, and a willingness to keep showing up.
So, here's to November, the stories waiting to be told, and the words that haven't found their way onto the page yet. One day at a time. Fifteen minutes at a time. One word at a time.
Let's see what I can accomplish!