Days 1–3
Lock the promise
One reader, one central question, a rough ending, and a map of the chapters or scenes before any prose.
Done when
0 of 3Step 1 done.
Challenge · 30 days
Write a book-sized first draft in 30 days
A finite month to get a long manuscript out of your head and onto the page, all the way to "The End". Not publishable yet; finished.
Start step 1
5 steps · about 30 min of reading
Days 4–10
Build momentum
Write at the same time every day. Track the words, not your mood, and do not revise yesterday's pages.
Done when
0 of 3Step 2 done.
Days 11–20
Protect the middle
Use the map as a compass, not a prison. When you are stuck, write the next part you can actually see.
Done when
0 of 2Step 3 done.
Days 21–27
Close the gaps
List the missing bridges, the unfinished arguments and the placeholder scenes. Fill only what the ending needs.
Done when
0 of 2Step 4 done.
Days 28–30
Finish, then stop
Reach the ending. Save a frozen copy of the draft. Take notes for the revision, but do not start rewriting yet.
Done when
0 of 3Step 5 done.