Are you dreaming about writing a book? The idea of starting your first novel feels exciting — and terrifying at the same time. You might have a great idea, a character voice in your head, or even a scene you can’t stop thinking about. But turning that into 50,000 words? OOf. That sounds overwhelming!
Don’t worry: every author has been exactly where you are now.
If you’ve ever thought about writing a novel, you’ve probably come across a writing challenge or two. But what exactly is a writing challenge and is it something you should try?
What is a writing challenge?
A writing challenge is a structured way to help you start and finish a piece of writing within a set time frame, usually with daily or weekly goals. Instead of wondering when or how, the challenge gives you a clear path forward.
One of the most well-known challenges in the writing community was NaNoWriMo, where writers aimed to complete 50,000 words in 30 days during the month of November, National Novel Writing Month.
But for many beginners, that intensity felt overwhelming. When NaNoWriMo closed their doors in 2024, new writers and experienced authors alike had to search for an alternative.
What is the Novel 90 Writing Challenge?
Novel 90 is a free, beginner-friendly writing challenge designed to help you plan, write, and edit a novel in 90 days using a structured, supportive system. It runs three times a year and is structured around three clear phases:
- Planning
- Writing
- Editing
We started Novel 90 in Fall 2024 as a more sustainable alternative to traditional writing challenges. The simple truth: not every writer writes the same way. The sprint style of writing challenge where the focus is on word count, rather than how to create a publishable book, was leaving a number of writers out. We aimed to change that.
Why is Novel 90 Different?
Most writing challenges focus on hitting a word count as fast as possible. They are structured as a mega-sprint in order to see that word count tracker hit a certain number. It can be very effective for some writers who thrive in time-based challenges, however we’ve found that many of those books end up languishing in a forgotten drive later because simply getting words out is not enough.
If you want to write and publish a book, you need to be able to write and edit your work.
Novel 90 takes that into account. Instead of word count pressure, we focus on:
- A longer runway (90 days instead of 30)
- Writing-style based teams
- Live coaching from bestselling authors
- Built-in, flexible structure suitable for beginners and experienced authors alike
Who is Novel 90 for?
Novel 90 is for any writer who wants support and community while they challenge themselves to write their book in 90 days. Tens of thousands of writers have participated in Novel 90 since 2024 and we look forward to welcoming in thousands more each session. Writers of every experience level have participated in Novel 90.
You will thrive in Novel 90 if:
- You’ve never written a novel before
- You’ve started and stopped multiple drafts
- You feel overwhelmed by strict daily word counts
- You crave guidance, not just a deadline
- You want to write in community
Remember: Novel 90 is a writing challenge that is designed to help you build momentum, reduce fear, and actually start (and finish!) your novel.
How Does Novel 90 Work?
Novel 90 is designed to guide you from idea to finished draft in a clear, step-by-step way. Instead of overwhelming you with a massive word count goal, it breaks the process into three manageable phases:
Planning, Writing, and Editing.
Most writers spend about 20–30 minutes per day. The focus is on maintaining steady, consistent progress.
By the end of the 90 days, many participants have a complete first draft and a clear path to revision.
Phase 1: Planning (Days 1 -30)
This is where your novel begins to take shape. Instead of rushing straight into Chapter One, you’ll spend some time developing the foundation of your story. That could include getting to know your main character, understanding what they want, and identifying what stands in their way.
Our three writing teams (Planners, Plantsers, and Pantsers) are formed and assigned a bestselling author as a coach. Each team has a unique approach to planning. Participants are able to benefit from the resources of all three teams to start planning their book!
Tips for Planning Phase:
- Choose a simple idea. Don’t overcomplicate your first project. Start with one character, one conflict, and one setting you’re excited about.
- Remember: no one is watching. This is your practice ground. You can always revise later.
- Write regularly. Even 20 minutes a day is enough to build momentum. Consistency beats marathons
This phase is essential, even for discovery writers, because it helps writers get prepared to address roadblocks in the drafting phase. Planning gives you enough clarity to move forward without second-guessing every decision. By the end of this phase, you will have an idea of the story you’re ready to tell.
Phase 2: Writing (Days 31-75)
Writing phase is where the momentum builds and your novel comes to life. You’re no longer figuring out what to write, but now actually building the habit of actually writing it. During writing phase, the goal is momentum, not perfection. You’ll write scene by scene, letting the story unfold without having to stop and edit every sentence. Some days the words will come easily, other days they won’t. What matters most is that you keep going.
All teams will focus on:
- Writing consistently
- Completing scenes instead of perfecting them
- Following your story without overthinking
Tips for Writing Phase
- Give yourself permission to be reckless. Your first draft is supposed to be messy. Especially your very first one.
- Shrink the task. Don’t think about a whole book. Just think about the next paragraph.
During this phase, Novel 90 offers multiple group writing sprints per week, accountability threads in our exclusive forums, and opportunities to connect with your coaches and community to keep your motivation high.
Phase 3: Editing (Days 76-90)
This is the phase most writing challenges skip and yet it’s the phase where your story truly takes shape. After weeks of drafting, you’ll step back and look at your manuscript as a whole. You’ll begin to understand and identify what’s working, what needs strengthening, and where your story can be clarified or improved.
Editing at this stage is developmental or big-picture editing. We’re examining for flow and coherence, not grammar. You might adjust scenes, strengthen character motivations, or refine your editing during this phase.
Tips for Editing Phase:
- Start with big picture first. Before changing anything, you’ll want to read through your entire draft from beginning to end. Get an idea of what you are working with.
- Pay attention to characters. Readers fall in love with your characters, not your plot. As you go through your editing phase, pay close attention to what your characters want and the stakes you have built for them.
As tempting as it is to dive straight into grammar and spelling, keep your eyes on the prize by going through the stages of editing first. Not only will it save time, but it also prevents time spent agonizing over sentence structure in a paragraph that could end up being cut.
To learn more about the editing process, check out our article: Understanding The Editing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide For Authors.
It’s Time To Start
You don’t have to figure everything out today. You certainly don’t need a perfect outline or a fully formed idea. All you need is a starting point—and the willingness to come back to the page tomorrow. That’s how novels are written.
Novel 90 is designed to give you: structure, support, and a clear path from idea to draft. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start writing your book, this is it. Start where you are, use what you have, and let the process carry you forward.
Your first novel doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to exist. Register today and start writing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best writing challenge for beginners?
The best writing challenge for beginners is one that focuses on consistency rather than high daily word counts. Novel 90 is a popular option because it allows writers to complete a novel over 90 days with manageable daily goals.
How do I join the Novel 90 writing challenge?
You can join by signing up during one of the three annual sessions. Each session includes access to the community, resources, and structured challenge timeline.
How does the Novel 90 writing challenge work?
Novel 90 is divided into three phases: planning, writing, and editing. Writers work toward completing a full draft over 90 days using small, consistent daily writing sessions.
Is Novel 90 better than NaNoWriMo?
For beginners, Novel 90 is often more effective because it reduces pressure and allows more time to build a writing habit. NaNoWriMo works better for writers who prefer fast-paced challenges.
Can you really write a novel in 90 days?
Yes. With consistent daily writing, most writers can complete a full first draft (35,000–70,000 words) within 90 days.
What happens if I don’t finish in 90 days?
That’s okay. Many writers continue beyond the challenge. The goal is progress and momentum—not perfection or strict deadlines.
Do I need an idea before starting Novel 90?
No. Many writers begin Novel 90 with just a rough concept or a single character. The planning phase is designed to help you develop your idea into a workable story.
Is the Novel 90 writing challenge free?
Yes, Novel 90 is free to join, with optional resources and coaching available for writers who want additional support.