Every November, writers around the world gather around their keyboards, coffee mugs, and courage to take on one wild challenge — writing 50,000 words in just 30 days.
This year, that tradition is getting a fresh burst of creative energy through the Reedsy Novel Sprint — a free, month-long writing marathon filled with live events, resources, and community pep talks to keep your words (and spirits) flowing.
And yes — I’ve signed up.
What It’s All About
The Reedsy Novel Sprint is more than a word-count challenge — it’s a shared adventure. Between now and November 30th, thousands of writers will log into Reedsy Studio (Reedsy’s free writing app) and aim to reach 50,000 words — roughly the length of a short novel.
Along the way, there are live writing sprints, craft masterclasses, author pep talks, and giveaways to help you stay motivated. Everyone who finishes gets three free months of Reedsy Studio Premium, and top finishers can win up to $5,000 in cash prizes, plus a meeting with a literary agent.
Think of it as NaNoWriMo’s caffeinated cousin — with a few extra surprises and a lot of encouragement.
Why I’m Joining
Writing can be a lonely process, especially when you’re deep in revisions or chasing word counts on your own. What I love about this challenge is that it’s communal but pressure-free — everyone starts at zero on November 1st, everyone cheers each other on, and everyone walks away with more pages than they had before.
Whether you’re drafting your very first novel, revising a beloved project, or exploring a brand-new idea, this sprint is a perfect excuse to carve out time for your story — and connect with other writers doing the same.
How to Join
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Sign up here: Join the Reedsy Novel Sprint
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Start writing in Reedsy Studio on November 1st.
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Show up for the live events — like Plotting with the Hero’s Journey or Type & Tip Tuesdays — to learn, connect, and stay inspired.
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Hit 50,000 words by November 30th, and you’ll unlock rewards, prizes, and (most importantly) a finished draft.
Why Not You?
Every novel starts with one brave decision — to begin. This November, let’s begin together.
Grab your story idea, your coffee (or tea), and your courage. I’ll be there at the starting line with you — cheering you on from Tampa Bay.
See you in the sprint!
~ L.S.