My December Writing Challenge: Week Three Update

Week three was… a lot. Not just writing-wise, but mentally and physically too. This is the week where the challenge really started to test me in ways I didn’t fully anticipate.

Day 15

Day 15 was emotionally exhausting. I won’t go into full details, but I had a headache, I was exhausted, and all I wanted to do was sleep. Unfortunately, I also have work, and since it’s a new job, taking sick days isn’t really an option right now.

I wrote some words, but I already knew I probably wouldn’t be able to reach my daily goal over the next few days — and that honestly made me feel discouraged.

Update: I did manage to finish my story. That was incredibly important to me. It was still very hard, but I finished it. I also wrote above my word count, even though the challenge itself is clearly getting harder and harder.

Day 16

Now that I’ve finished my main story, I actually know what I should work on next — but the problem is that a lot of things are also happening in my personal life. Because of that, I anticipated that I wouldn’t be able to hit my word goals for the next few days.

Update: I exceeded my word goal anyway.

Day 17

On Day 17, I decided to count wins a bit differently. Writing isn’t just about drafting — it’s also about outlining, planning, and setting yourself up to continue.

After finishing my main story, I realized I’m not fully sure what to work on next. I’ve outlined about four chapters I could write, but what about the remaining eight days of the challenge?

At the same time, I’m still in disbelief that I managed to finish a story that had been sitting in draft mode for almost two years. If I could do this with more of my stories before the end of the year, that would honestly be incredible — especially since I don’t even know what my future as a writer will look like in 2027, or whether I’ll still be writing fanfiction at all.

By the end of the day, I hit almost 2,900 words — which is the word count I’m technically supposed to hit on the last day of the challenge. So clearly, it is possible.

This just confirmed something for me: I need better outlines. If I plan properly, I can do more writing challenges and finally finish the stories that constantly live at the back of my mind.

Day 18

Day 18 brought a big realization: I need to regulate my stress and cortisol levels.

I’ve been sacrificing sleep, and it’s not actually helping me reach my personal goals. If anything, it’s making everything harder. I genuinely thought I could handle doing this kind of challenge four times a year — but seeing how my body is reacting, that idea is probably not realistic.

Health has to come first.

Day 19

On Day 19, I officially switched to counting wins instead of failures.

Because I’m already far ahead in the challenge, I decided it made more sense to aim for the bare minimum that ChatGPT calculated for me — around 1,400 words, which at this point feels very doable.

The plan is to attempt to catch up over the weekend. Days 23, possibly 24, and definitely 25 will be heavy catch-up days, so I’m not panicking too much.

That said, I can honestly say this challenge is way too stressful. I was seriously considering doing it four times a year — and now? No. Just no.

To my fellow writers:
Slow and steady. Write 750 words a day. Finish one or two chapters a week. Don’t push it. It’s not worth your health.

Day 20

The plan for Day 20 was to write at a coffee shop and get something done, no matter what. At this point, I’m fully in “counting wins” mode.

I wish I could share a little secret about how I’m managing to keep the challenge going right now — but honestly, it’s not worth getting into trouble. Let’s just say some methods are better left unspoken.

Update: I only wrote 122 words today… but I did start outlining chapters for other stories. And honestly? That still counts as a win.

Day 21

Another bad day. I only wrote 199 words.

I was busy, other things happened, and writing just wasn’t a priority. At this point, I know I’ll probably be catching up over the holidays — or maybe even around New Year’s Eve.

Final Thoughts for Week Three

Week three taught me something important: discipline alone isn’t enough. You also need rest, clarity, and a realistic pace.

I finished a story. I hit a personal record. I learned my limits.
And that matters more than perfect numbers on a spreadsheet.

Let’s see how the final stretch goes.