This fall is all about your writing and your choices.
The Fall Writing Challenge is a flexible, inclusive program designed to support writers of all levels in pursuing their creative projects throughout the summer months. Whether you’re working on a novel, memoir, poetry collection, short stories, or establishing a consistent writing habit, this challenge provides the structure, resources, and community to help you stay motivated and productive.
How the Program Works
Program Details
- Duration: October 14 to December 12.
- Format: All events are conducted via Zoom (pacific time)
WHAT IS INCLUDED
For Those Joining for November only, the exact number of events will vary. Full Schedule is Available Online
Writing Sprints
(70+ sessions)
The Fall Writing Challenge offers 70+ Writing Sprints, providing focused bursts of writing time in community. Each sprint is hosted by a different facilitator, meaning formats vary—some include creative prompts to spark ideas, while others lean into timed silent writing. This variety gives writers exposure to a diversity of styles, approaches, and energies, ensuring sessions stay fresh, useful, and inspiring across the season.
Accountability Check-ins
(18 sessions)
There are 18 Accountability Check-ins to help writers track progress and refine goals. These sessions make use of topic-specific breakout rooms, each hosted by a mentor, where participants can choose the discussion most relevant to them—or attend multiple check-ins across the Challenge. The flexible structure ensures every writer finds the guidance and peer support they need at the right moment.
Writers’ Socials
(8 events)
Across the season, 8 Socials create space for informal connection and celebration. Using breakout rooms, participants can request topics in advance and move between conversations, which remain non-facilitated and peer-driven. This format balances structure with freedom, allowing writers to find community on their own terms.
Open Mics
(4 events)
The Challenge also includes Open Mic events, where writers share their work aloud in a supportive, celebratory atmosphere. These evenings foster confidence, highlight diverse voices, and strengthen the sense of community. Open Mics turn writing into a collective experience of listening, sharing, and celebrating creativity.
Online Discussion Groups
Throughout the Challenge, writers stay connected via online discussion groups, offering ongoing spaces for encouragement, feedback, and shared progress. These digital communities complement live sessions, ensuring writers have support between events. The groups foster accountability and belonging across the entire program.
Online Progress Tracker
Participants can log their activity and achievements using an online progress tracker, which gamifies the writing process and makes progress visible. The system encourages consistency while celebrating milestones. Writers remain motivated by seeing their cumulative growth throughout the fall.
One-on-One Mentorship
For those seeking more personalized guidance, the Challenge includes opportunities for one-on-one mentorship. These tailored sessions provide focused feedback, encouragement, and accountability strategies aligned to each writer’s goals. Mentorship adds a deeply individualized dimension to the group-based program.
Motivational Blogs
Over the course of the fall, participants will receive a series of motivational blog posts written to keep spirits high. Each blog shares practical advice, encouragement, and inspiration to help writers push through challenges. These posts ensure participants always have a source of motivation outside of scheduled sessions.
Video Vault of Past Workshops
The Challenge also provides access to a Video Vault of Past Workshops, giving participants on-demand resources whenever they hit a roadblock. Topics range from craft to productivity, allowing writers to revisit expert insights at their own pace. The vault ensures ongoing access to tools for overcoming specific challenges.
Large Group Discussions and Q&As(9 sessions)
The Challenge includes 9 Big Group Discussions, where participants gather for deeper conversations about craft, process, and motivation. These interactive forums bring together the wider community for lively, large-scale dialogue. Writers leave with fresh perspectives, encouragement, and practical strategies. Conversations are steered by program mentors. Participants can submit questions in advance of the Big Group Discussions in advance to seek guidance from mentors and peers in a supportive space. These questions can be asked anonymously for those who prefer to ask questions without fear of judgment. We know that writing is intimidating and that a question might feel “stupid, or uninformed,” but we guarantee that others in the room will be grateful you asked.
Special Events
(5 anchor events: Planning Workshop, October Kickoff, Mid-Challenge Workshop, November Kickoff, and Wrap-Up Party)
The program is framed by 5 Special Events: a Planning Workshop to set goals, a Kickoff to launch the Challenge, a Mid-Challenge Workshop to re-energize participants, a November Kickoff, and a Wrap-Up Party to celebrate achievements. These events mark important milestones, keeping energy high and giving participants opportunities to recalibrate and celebrate together.