A Writing Challenge & A Giveaway!
Instead of a guest blogger today, us Plotmonkeys are issuing all you writers out there who visit our blog to a “70 Days of Sweat” challenge. All four of us have joined this challenge, and we’d love to have company! What is the “70 Days of Sweat” challenge? Well, if you’ve never heard of it before, I’ll post the general description and rules of the challange here for you:
On July 6th, 2007, writing friends Alison Kent, Jo Leigh, HelenKay Dimon, Stephanie Tyler and Larissa Ione launched the Seventy Days of Sweat Writing Challenge. The point of the challenge was to rid their writing lives of the solitude of laboring alone and share the pain and agony with as many other writers as they could. Two-hundred seventy like-minded fools authors signed up, taking on the challenge to write between 60K and 100K words in the allotted seventy days.
I’m sure you’ve all heard of the National Novel Writing Month where the goal of the participants is to write 50,000 words during the month of November. You’ve probably also heard of the Book-in-a-Week first draft blast, and may have heard of the Book in a Year challenge at eHarlequin, or simply the One Page A Day method to getting a book written in 365. How ’bout a book in seventy days? Doable? You betcha.
Say you’re writing a 100,000 word single title. 70 days at 1500 words per day (approx 6 pages) is 98,000 words total. Say you’re writing a 60,000 word series romance. 70 days at 900 words per day (approx 4 pages) is 63,000 words total. Writing 4 - 6 pages every day for 70 days is a schedule anyone who calls themselves a pro can handle easily!
The rules are simple. You agree to write 4 - 6 pages a day (depending on the length of your book) every day between the dates listed above. If you need to take off a day, you make up the pages another. If you don’t like to write 7 days a week, too bad. This challenge lasts for only 10 weeks, and if you have to get up early on the weekends to get the pages done, you do it. (Hey, we all do it! You can, too!)
You don’t have to have a blog to participate, but we do want you to sign up so everyone involved can get to know one another. And if you do have a blog, you can post the information there. Going public with your commitment is about owning it. As far as reporting your progress, you’ll return to the 70 Days of Sweat Blog each Wednesday and Sunday and post your total word count.
70 Days of Sweat Round 3 will start on March 1. Basically, 70 Days of Sweat is designed to challenge (naturally), support, and encourage those of us crazy enough to write a book in 70 days. At the end, we’re looking for a word count between 60-100K. We’ve built an extra week into this round, so technically you have 77 days to sweat meaning . . . Round 3 will run from March 1 to May 16.
Okay, so technically we’re a week behind in inviting you to the challenge, but it’s all about writing those pages each and every day — no matter when you might start the the challenge. So, who’s not afraid to sweat? Join the Plotmonkeys in their 70 Days of Sweat challenge!
A SURPRISE SATURDAY CONTEST! 
Since today is technically our “writing day”, and we always try to do something writing related, I’m giving away my copy of GOAL, MOTIVATION & CONFLICT by Debra Dixon. Since I’m moving in the next few months, I’m cleaning out all my books, including a lot of my writing reference books. This is a MUST HAVE book when it comes to building/creating strong characters. (It’s a concept us Plotmonkeys use to plot out every one of our books, thanks to Julie who taught us how important GMC is to writing a book!) Learn to use these critical fiction-writing elements to give dimension to your characters and direction to your plot. Plan a road map to keep your story on track. Discover why your scenes aren’t working and what to do about it. Since this book is coming off my own personal shelf, it does have some yellow high-lighting in sections, so I do apologize for that — but other than that, it’s in perfect condition and I’d love to pass it on to someone who doesn’t already have this book.
All you have to do to be eligible to win GOAL, MOTIVATION & CONFLICT is post a message below. Let us know if you’re joining the 70 Days of Sweat challenge, and why you feel you should win this book! Check back tomorrow (Sunday) to see if you’re the winner!
Oh very cool.
I already have a copy so I don’t need the book, but wanted to let you know I’m doing it again. Very excited about it too.
I’m also blogging about it. http://www.angelletrieste.com/
Comment by Angelle — March 8, 2008 @ 7:08 am
I’ve heard that books is fabulous. Pick me! Pick me!
Comment by Denise Jones — March 8, 2008 @ 8:46 am
I have joined the 70 Days challenge already, but I think I’m the one who needs the motivation these days just to write. I’ve had to face many challenges in my personal life these days, not the least of which is that my 14-year old daughter who is bipolar has just received a diagnosis of Asperger’s in addition to that I think this book would not only help me to understand my characters, it might serve to give some clarity to my daughter and what she is enduring. Oh well, I’m off to hunt own more info on Asperger’s Research is grand!
Comment by Margay — March 8, 2008 @ 8:51 am
At Julie’s suggestion I bought this book a year or so ago and love it! I also hate it!
It really makes me think through my characters and where I’m going - or see where I’m lacking if I’ve already been - and realizing I have more work to do isn’t fun for me! 
But that’s why it’s such a great book and so necessary!
I have signed up for Sven but this is the 2nd time I’ve signed up and the only thing I’m really working on is editing. Now, my edits are basically rewrites. Like the other day I added what seemed to be a 1,000 words, took away a 1000 words, and ended up with the exact same word count. I couldn’t have done that if I tried! I worked on it for 6 hours so that word count isn’t an exaggeration.
How do I track and report that through Sven? I’ve asked a few others who were also participating but no one can tell me since they’re all writing new words. Can anyone here tell me?
I’ve been really busy with this novella and haven’t been following things here too closely so I don’t know know how Julie is. Hope she’s better now and that everyone else who has been sick is 100% as well!
Janelle, since you’re moving in a few months does that mean your house has sold?
Have a great day everyone!!!
Comment by Jodie — March 8, 2008 @ 9:01 am
Margay - I’m so sorry to hear about that diagnosis! My son has severe ADD along with a mood disorder that all combined mimics bi-polar disorder. I can’t imagine anything else on top of that, let alone Aspeberger’s.
I’m sure you’re familiar with it, but this is a great website for information and parental support for kids with bi-polar disorder: http://www.bipolarchild.com. Both of my son’s doctors use this website on a regular basis and have recommended it to me. I also have a close friend whose son has Aspeberger’s and she’s heavily involved in a local support group for families with autistic children. As a single parent she said that group has been so important to her. Maybe there’s something like that in your area that you could investigate.
Good luck and remember to take care of you!!!
Comment by Jodie — March 8, 2008 @ 9:09 am
I just checked Amazon.com for this book today and the cheapest I could get it for was $89 used. I was the 4th person to sign up for 70 days. Of course, I have an unfair time advantage currently since at least for a couple more weeks I’m in the UK. I was also part of the 1st and 2nd challenges. It’s a good motivational tool. Did I mention please sign me up to win the book?
Amanda
Comment by Amanda — March 8, 2008 @ 10:22 am
Good morning jungle friends and
Janelle, I am already setting…my heart is racing and I am losing oxygen…issuing this challenge scares the bejesus out of me, but I think I am finally going to take the plunge…I am going to take the challenge…please count me in for this…I can’t believe I am doing this…gulp….
Good luck to everyone…I am going to sign up now before I lose my nerve…pray for me….
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — March 8, 2008 @ 10:39 am
Hi Janelle! I would really like to participate in the 70 Days of Sweat Challenge, but just finished what I was working on and am editing/rewriting now so the timing wasn’t right for me.
I can only work on one project at at time so I’m hoping there will be another challenge (that starts in June maybe?) that I can join. Good luck to all of you and anyone else participating!
And I’m embarassed to say, given that I’m trying to get published, that I do not have Debra Dixon’s book even though I know it’s a must have. So I would love to win your copy! I’m thinking the fact that it’s been in your hands would make it even more inspiring.
Happy weekend all! Julie, I hope you’re feeling better!
Comment by Robin — March 8, 2008 @ 11:14 am
Good morning Plotmonkeys and Jungle Babes,
I would love to do the 70 Days of Sweat Challenge. I’m going to sign up today.
I have had Deb Dixon’s book for years so don’t need it. It is an awesome must have for any writer.
Take care all and have a terrific Saturday,
Cher
Comment by Cher — March 8, 2008 @ 11:46 am
Margay…..hugs out to you. I never check out the Saturday things (because I am not a writer, so please don’t enter me!), but I felt like I should check out today.
My oldest son (as most everyone knows!) has high functioning autism (or Asperger’s depending on who you talk to). If you need anything, let me know and I can try to help.
I have been there….
Comment by katie — March 8, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
Jodie- My daughter has ADHD and the severe emotional problems that go with it too. Those growing up years were rough, especially when she had a fit. Now at 23, she has learned to control most of it, finally with an anti-depressant that she likes. I think that she has discovered writing as an outlet has helped a great deal. There are plenty of journals and notebooks with story outlines, ideas and the start of her first book to prove it.
I don’t think she could do the challange, not with all the college right now, but I would love to win the book and give it to her.
I have to laugh because she always checks the site here on Saturdays to check out what the newest blogs are.
Margay I hope all things go well for you. It’s a tough road, but you have lots of support here.
Comment by ev — March 8, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
I would love to do it but I think I have lost my motivation after about 6 pages. I haven’t looked at it again in about three months. I just cant get the wheels turning.
Comment by nancy — March 8, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
This is the third time I have signed up for the Challenge. I find it to help me keep my goals. I am little behind in this challenge due to life but I am working to make up for lost time. I have heard wonderful things about Debra Dixon’s book but unfortunately I don’t own a copy. I would love to win it.
Comment by Stephanie S. — March 8, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
Ev - the councelors (he’s sees 2 different ones that work together, it works better for him) keep assuring me he’s maturing and making progress. And I can see that he is, but you’re right, those “fits” are something else.
One day this week I got a call from one of hubby’s co-workers saying I needed to go pick him up. I called a friend I carpool with and asked her to pick up kidlet from baseball practice for me. 10 minutes later I get a call from kidlet, in a rage, refusing to get in the car and insisting on walking home - 4 miles of very rural backroads.
I was so frustrated because I was stuck. I had to go pick up hubby, I hated that my friend was having to deal with one of his rages and there was nothing I could do. I so hope he learns to control these and I’m glad for you and your daughter that she’s found something that is making life easier for her. Thanks for giving me some hope!
Comment by Jodie — March 8, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
I would love to win the book. I don’t have it and it would help me out. PICK ME!!! PICK ME!!!
Comment by Patty L. — March 8, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
My prayers and good wishes go out to all of you who are dealing with dear children in this medical
situation. One of our grandson’s has high-functioning autism and a second has Asperger’s. We
daily count our blessings for these sweet boys! Both are in their early teens and the oldest will
start high school this coming year. Support groups are of great help to families in this situation.
Pat Cochran
Comment by Patricia Cochran — March 8, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Comment by Georganna — March 8, 2008 @ 10:26 pm
Katie,
I truly appreciate the offer and I would gladly accept any advice or support you can give I just received this diagnosis - we’ve known about the bipolar and ADHD for about six years now - so I’m still in the infancy stages of getting to know about this condition. I a truly thankful to everyone here who’s reached out to me on this - you are all amazing people! This is why writers and writing are so great. You just can’t underestimate the power of words.
Margay
Comment by Margay — March 8, 2008 @ 10:31 pm
Ev,
Thank you so much for the words of support. It is so comforting to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I still dream of being able to send my daughter to college, but right now, neither she nor I can see that happening for her.
Margay
Comment by Margay — March 8, 2008 @ 10:32 pm
Comment by Kris Mc — March 9, 2008 @ 12:16 am
YEAH to everyone who signed up for the challenge! And for those of you who didn’t, but are still writing without the challenge, that’s all that truly matters!
Jodi — No, the house hasn’t sold yet, but if it doesn’t sell by June (the market here in Southern California is HORRIBLE right now in terms of trying to sell and compete with all the short sales, repos, and foreclosures!) we’ll be renting out our house for a while — and renting up in Oregon until we figure out what we want to do.
And now I’m off to draw a winner for GOAL, MOTIVATION AND CONFLICT. Be sure to check tomorrow’s blog to see if you’re the winner!
Comment by Janelle — March 9, 2008 @ 12:19 am