Behind the Scenes: Why I Joined AutoCrit’s Novel 90 Fall Challenge
Every writer has that moment when a story settles into their heart and refuses to let go. For me, that story has been quietly waiting for its turn for years, through the chaos of life, work, and family. I’ve always said, “One day, I’ll write my novel.”
Well, that “one day” has finally arrived. This fall, I’m stepping into something new and exciting: AutoCrit’s Novel 90 Challenge, a 90-day adventure to write a brand-new novel from start to finish. For me, this isn’t just another writing project. It’s the beginning of my author journey—and the chance to finally bring my debut novel to life.
What is Novel 90?
Novel 90 is exactly what it sounds like—a 90-day commitment to drafting a new novel from start to finish. AutoCrit brings writers together from all over the world and splits us into three fun teams based on our writing styles:
• Plotters – the detailed planners who thrive on outlines, character maps, and story structure.
• Pantsers – the “fly by the seat of your pants” writers who discover the story as they write.
• Plantsers – those of us who fall somewhere in between, with a loose plan but plenty of room for surprises.
It’s less about competition and more about encouragement, accountability, and building momentum as a community. It’s a fun and great way to meet others just like yourself who want to have a community alongside them for their writing journey.
Why I Joined
I’ve dreamed of writing a novel for as long as I can remember, but life has a way of pushing big dreams to the back burner. Stories have lived in my heart for years, waiting for the right moment, the right spark, to finally make their way onto the page.
For me, this challenge felt like the perfect opportunity to take that leap. This isn’t just about word counts or deadlines, it’s about finally giving myself permission to write my debut novel, the one I’ve been carrying with me for so long. To have a plan in place to finally make this happen.
Here are a few of the reasons I couldn’t resist:
• Accountability. Declaring my intentions publicly helps me stick to them. Knowing others are showing up daily gives me the push I need to keep going.
• Momentum. The 90-day timeframe creates urgency and keeps me from overthinking every sentence. Instead, I can focus on steady progress.
• Community. Being surrounded by other writers who understand the highs and lows of storytelling makes the journey far less lonely.
• Fun! Choosing a team (Pantsers, Plotters, or Plantsers) adds a playful, motivating layer to the whole experience.
My Approach for the Next 90 Days
So, how am I tackling this challenge? I’m leaning into a mix of structure and spontaneity. I’ve chosen my novel idea, set up a rough outline (just enough to keep me on track), and blocked writing sessions into my calendar. At the same time, I want to leave space for the story to surprise me as I have joined Team Plantser for this challenge.
My personal goals look like this:
• Daily progress over perfection. Even a few hundred words a day adds up quickly.
• Weekly check-ins. Reflecting on wins, struggles, and next steps will help me stay accountable.
• Community engagement. Cheering on other writers in the challenge is just as motivating as hitting my own word count goals.
What I’m Hoping to Gain
At the end of these 90 days, I’m not expecting a polished masterpiece, but I am aiming for a complete draft of my very first novel. That, in itself, feels monumental. More than that, I’m hoping this challenge will remind me that writing doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. It’s about showing up, putting words on the page, and finally giving myself the chance to become the author I’ve always wanted to be.
And honestly? I’m excited to rediscover the joy of writing in community, where every word written feels like a shared victory.
A Challenge for You
If you’ve been carrying a story in your heart, maybe this is your sign to finally begin. You don’t need the perfect outline, the perfect moment, or even the perfect words, you just need to start. If you feel this challenge may be a good fit for yourself then click HERE and you too can join, it is never too late!!
For me, joining Novel 90 is about more than completing a draft—it’s about stepping fully into my dream of becoming an author. And I’d love for you to join me in cheering on this adventure.
✨ Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing updates throughout the challenge. This is just the first step in my debut novel journey, and I can’t wait to bring you along for every twist, turn, and breakthrough.
Until next time…
