200 Words-a-Day Challenge

Will you write with me for 31 days?

I was recently issued a challenge by a caring writer-friend

☕ KimBoo York

(who I love, but kinda hate in this moment) to write at least 200 words a day for 30 days. That’s not many or for long. Who can’t do that?

But that’s not the crucial part of the challenge.

Here’s where the intense, though temporary, dislike for my friend comes in: the point of the challenge is to SHARE the 200ish words with others… to actually put them out into the world… so others can read them.

There’s an enduring theme in conversations (and behavior) among writers (including my friend and I) that relates to a ‘fear of being seen.’ It’s not always consciously acknowledged as being that. Certainly, serious writers want to keep their heads down and put words on the page. And while some write for sheer personal pleasure, most writers want to have readers too—especially those of us here on Substack.

YET, over and over, I’ve witnessed writers who pull back when they have a chance to let their work be seen. I’m certainly guilty.

Fear of judgment, fear of being called a fake (“you’re not a real writer”), fear that someone won’t agree with or like what we write. All of that can hold us back.

Why such a low-bar challenge, though?

We all know the concept of dipping our toe in the water to test the temperature … and our courage … to jump in, right? That’s what this challenge is. Other fabulous challenges, such as #1000wordsofsummer from

Jami Attenberg

, can get you further faster (more words, more days), if that’s what you need.

But if more is intimidating, jump into this low-bar challenge with me and let’s write together.

This is a challenge to help each of us cultivate a new writing habit or recultivate one we’ve been away from for a while (my circumstance). My hope is that it will open our creativity, foster engagement and personal growth, and provide inspiration from what’s shared.

I’ll start with what I’m calling a micro-essay, posted daily. Then to springboard your own 200 words a day, I’ll provide the prompt. You don’t have to use it. Write whatever you want; JUST WRITE!

I’ll also invite you to share what you’ve written in the comments or Notes. You aren’t required to share but doing so and engaging with each other in the challenge could lead to some inspiring and diverse perspectives! And that’s sorta the point, right? So, I’ll nudge you to share your responses and experiences.

If you miss a day, don’t fret. Just jump back in and pick up wherever we are.

I began a version of this challenge already in a private Facebook group I’m admin for: Women Writing for Change (WWfC). Women can experience the challenge over there if you’d rather (sorry gentleman). Click HERE and once you’re admitted to the group, go to the top of the group page and look for the magnifying glass to search on #200WordsADay (or simply 200); all the prompts thus far will come up. It began there on June 26, 2023, for 30 days.

Here, I’ll share here in a slightly different, more expansive way, and since July 1 seemed like a tidy start, we’ll do this for 31 days.

SO, THE CHALLENGE BEGINS SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2023. At least 200 words a day for 31 days. WHO’S IN?

And please, invite your friends!