Novel Quest is a free, annual, motivational challenge to writers to complete their novel-writing-or-editing goal (e.g., 50,000 words, 50 hours of editing, or some combination of writing and editing) in a month of your choosing. There can be regional in-person, virtual, and hybrid events to help participants stay motivated while having fun in the process.
The "rules"
- Find a hosted Novel Quest challenge or create your own (either by yourself or with your friends). You can choose your own month to do your Novel Quest.
- Set your writing and/or editing goals for the month (# words written and/or # hours spent editing).
- Track your progress (e.g., with paper trackers, the Writing Quest google sheet tracker, a web application (we're developing one targeting 2025), or some other method).
- Get virtual badges when you achieve certain % completiom milestones in your progress.
- Save your progress as you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Novel Quest?
Novel Quest is a free, annual, motivational challenge to writers to complete their novel-writing-or-editing goal (e.g., 50,000 words) in thirty days in November. There are regional in-person, virtual, and hybrid events to help participants stay motivated while having fun in the process.
Every year, people dream of writing a novel. No matter where you are in your journey to complete your story, Novel Quest is an annual challenge where you can set a writing goal (e.g., 50,000 words) to complete in a single month, all with the support of your fellow writers.
Novel Quest with its community offers participants free preparatory workshops to better understand the craft of writing, a community to support and encourage our writers to continue working towards their goals, and dedicated writing time (offered in person by volunteers and on Zoom, YouTube, Twitch, and Discord!).
Can anyone use Novel Quest?
Yes, within reason. See the Writing Quests click-through agreement. The Writing Quests framework and Novel Quest write-ups and supporting materials are made available under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Sharealike 4.0 license..
How old should I be to participate in Novel Quest?
We recommend participation in Novel Quest for people who are 15 years old or older; 13 years old with parental supervision.
Can I organize a Novel Quest if I don't use the Writing Quests framework or tracker?
Yes, of course. We are not trade-marking the name. Only our write-ups are protected by the Creative Commons licensing.
How can I use it?
Anyone can participate in Novel Quest on their own or as part of a hosted challenge.
If you are a Guide who is hosting your own Novel Quest, here are steps you could follow:
- Pick a month to host
- Pick a goal
- Recruit participants/friends
- Tell the participants how to do Novel Quest (see rules) and to use the tracker
- Plan events (set up logistics) like a preparatory workshop, kick-off, write-in events, celebratory party
- Provide facilitation for a constructive discussion about writing
- Prepare motivational messages to send
- Check the Write Recipes Book (being published soon)
- Remember you're a volunteer; only do what you can do. Make sure you are having fun too!
How do I track my progress?
Check out the Writing Quests Trackers.