Novel Writing Month

Theme: Planning and momentum

Challenge: "The Novel Survival Kit"

Complete one task each day:

• Day 1: Write a one-sentence summary of your novel.
• Day 2: Create your main character.
• Day 3: Give your character a problem they must solve.
• Day 4: Create the setting.
• Day 5: Create a playlist, mood board, or aesthetic for your story.
• Day 6: Write the first scene.
• Day 7: Share your favorite line from your draft.

Badge Name: Story Architect 

Theme: Writer's block solutions

Challenge: "Plot Twist Week"

Spin the wheel to receive a story twist and then you must incorporate it.

Examples:

• A secret is revealed.
• An unexpected ally appears.
• Something valuable is lost.
• A message arrives.
• A character tells a lie.
• Write a scene using only dialogue.
• Add a flashback.
• Introduce a new character.
• Write from another character's perspective.
• Create a cliffhanger.

Theme: Motivation and persistence

The middle is where many writers quit.

Challenge: "Novel Olympics"

Spin to choose from one of these writing events:

• Sprint: Write for 15 minutes nonstop.
• Marathon: Reach a personal word-count goal.
• Relay Race: Continue a story from a provided opening sentence.
• Obstacle Course: Write despite using three challenge words.
• High Jump: Write a scene outside your comfort zone.

Theme: Keeping stories fresh

Challenge: "Character Confessions"

Answer questions in character:

• What is your biggest fear?
• What secret are you hiding?
• What do you want more than anything?
• What mistake do you regret?
• Who do you trust most?

Bonus challenge: Write an interview between you and your protagonist.

Theme: Celebrating completion

Challenge: "The Last Chapter Push"

Complete:

• One final writing sprint.
• Share your favorite sentence.
• Share your biggest challenge.
• Share something you're proud of.
• Celebrate reaching your goal (regardless of word count).

No. This is an optional, school-wide challenge open to students, teachers, and staff. Anyone with an FLVS email address can participate. The real reward is making progress on your novel and earning digital badges along the way.

You may use AI tools for brainstorming, researching, outlining, or grammar checks. However, the story itself should be your own original work. Let your unique voice shine.

Yes. Fan fiction is welcome as long as you do not intend to publish or sell the work commercially.

Yes. You may work on an existing project, but previously written words do not count toward your challenge goals. The challenge is designed to help you build consistent writing habits and make meaningful progress during the month.

There is no formal submission requirement. If you'd like to share your completed work, you can update your registration form with a link to your Google Doc. Otherwise, this is a personal writing challenge focused on helping you reach your goals.

No. This is not a competition. Participants can earn digital badges and complete optional challenges throughout the month to celebrate milestones and achievements.