*Update* OK, so I was obviously being ridiculously optimistic when I thought I would be able to write every day even after the arrival of my firstborn child. Turns out most days I don't have time to take a shower, let alone write. So for now, I've put this challenge on hold. Hopefully I'll be able to pick it up again sometime before he turns eighteen …
 

The Write Every Day challenge

Every would-be author knows that writing on a regular basis is one of the best ways to improve – and, more to the point, actually get something done. Yet as I know very well, it's all too easy to find excuses. Often valid excuses, like working late or feeling exhausted or having a mountain of housework to do*, but excuses all the same.

That's where the Write Every Day challenge comes in.
On 1 January this year, I decided that I was going to write something every day - come rain, shine or crying babies**. I know it's not going to be easy. I know there'll be times when I'll curse myself for ever coming up with such a ridiculous notion. But I'm going to do it anyway. And I'd love it if you joined in too. That way, at least we can encourage each other along the boulder-strewn path.

Sound like fun? Then do drop me a line – on Twitter (@afesmith) or on the blog or through my contact form – just so I know who's due to be suffering alongside me. I'll be posting regular tips and suggestions on the blog in an attempt to kick-start anyone who gets stuck (probably myself). And if you fancy a little widget thingy like the one on my home page, to show you're taking part, then here's the code.

That's it. Have a look at the lists below, and then get writing!
 

Things that count

  • Book chapters, scenes, fragments, individual sentences (if you're really struggling)
  • Short stories
  • Flash fiction/micro fiction
  • Book/chapter/story plans
  • Character outlines/histories
  • Worldbuilding notes
  • Blog posts (as long as they're writing-related)

Things that probably don't

  • Meeting notes, agendas, to-do lists or anything else work-related
  • Shopping lists
  • Tweets (unless they're in the form of micro fiction)
  • Doodles (even maps and character portraits, I'm afraid; too often they're a form of procrastination) 
  • Practising your signature for when you're a famous author

* Cue disbelieving snort from my better half.
** The last of which is an inevitability, for me at least …