Day Two — No Excuse November Writing Challenge

The No Excuse November Writing Challenge (NoNo) is off to a roaring start. Look at those collective numbers from day one!

Writing Good Words First

I’m not a fan of heavy rewriting. My philosophy is simple: write it well the first time. When I sprint, my words come slower because I refine as I go. A 10-minute sprint can net 259 words, or 26 words per minute. I type much faster than that, but factoring in backspacing, research pauses, and adjustments, I end up with paragraphs that don’t need to be touched again. Writing good words up front saves me from unnecessary rewriting later.

Building Your Writing Store

Think of every book you write as stock in your store. One book is a start, but the more you write, the more products you’ll have to entertain readers. Writing your first book is hard — maybe the hardest thing you’ll do — but it’s only half the battle. The other half is getting that book into the right readers’ hands. Don’t let that intimidate you; for now, focus on filling your shelves with good stories.

Do you love writing? I do. I can’t go a day without it. Storytelling is what I enjoy most, and even when sales dip or climb, my commitment to writing doesn’t change. If you find it easy to stop writing, ask yourself why. Time is limited, so invest it in something you truly want to do.

Breaking Down the Numbers

To reach your goal by the end of November, here’s how the math works out: each day, aim to advance 3.3% toward your total word count. If you prefer weekly tracking, hit about 23.3% of your goal every seven days. Or think in terms of four weeks and get one-quarter of your goal each week. For example, if your goal is 40,000 words, that’s 10,000 per week; if it’s 10,000 total, then 2,500 per week.

Yes, those words are hard-earned, but like any skill, writing gets easier with practice. My first books weren’t as polished as I thought, but they sold then and still sell now, nearly a decade later. The more you write, the better you’ll get, and the more opportunities you’ll create.

Writing as a Career

Maybe writing is your side gig right now, helping to pay for vacations, a car, or even a house. I once used a single month’s royalties to buy a truck and paid cash. That’s the kind of freedom writing can bring. But don’t pressure yourself to compete with anyone else. Support your family first, keep your day job if you need to, and write at the pace that works for you. Some people can produce a book a year; others more. Compete only with yourself.

Writing Through the Work

Even when you love writing, not every scene is enjoyable. That’s normal. Some parts feel like work, but those scenes are necessary to get to the moments you love. Push through, transition, and keep the story moving. Don’t give readers any reason to set your book aside. The goal is to keep them engaged, page after page.

Tools, Sprints, and Support

Don’t forget to log your words on the SIA Writing Challenge website. It keeps you accountable and helps track the collective progress of this amazing community. Use sprint sessions — whether 5, 10, or 30 minutes — to knock out words in focused bursts. You can even sprint alongside me on YouTube, where you’ll find silent timers or sessions with me typing on screen. Whatever motivates you, use it.

Final Thought

No Excuse November isn’t about chasing impossible word counts or competing with others. It’s about steady progress, good words, and personal success. Success is what you define it to be, whether it’s finishing your first short story or paying cash for your next truck with royalties. Take care of your family, write the stories you want to tell, and remember, only you can challenge you. Now get those words in, log them, and keep moving forward.

SIA Writing Challenge website — Record Your Progress on Your Way to Becoming a Successful Indie Author

Author Sprints for Maximum Productivity — Sprint Your Way to Becoming a Successful Indie Author

Craig Martelle is an author, leader, and entrepreneur living in Alaska.