Whether you’re a blog writer or a blog reader, a month-long writing challenge might be one of your favorite (and most challenging!) times of the year.
In previous years, Crystal Stine invited us to post something on our blogs every day in October around a theme of our choosing for #Write31Days.
Once she stopped, Anita Ojeda began hosting a similar challenge every February, #Write28Days.
If you’ve never participated, consider it this year. It’s a great way to learn more, visit more, and engage with others on topics that you enjoy. I always find new blogs to read and friends to keep.
Here are 5 steps to get started with your own 31 day series.
1. Choose your overall topic
This week think about a subject you already know a lot about. Or a subject you want to know more about. Or a subject that you can’t quit talking about. All would be good topics to share with others in February.
Then narrow the topic down to something specific, if it’s too large. Or broaden it a bit, if it’s too small.
Get inspired by looking at the categories for the link-ups:
- Family Life
- Fashion & Beauty
- Food, Health & Wellness
- House & Home
- Inspiration & Faith
- Personal Endeavors
- Simplicity & Organizing
- Too Awesome to Categorize
- Writing, Blogging & Internet Stuff
2. Decide how many posts
While you’re encouraged to write all 28 days (or post a picture, song, something), you don’t have to. If writing on the weekdays and taking the weekends off is what works for you, choose that. Or do a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule.
3. Make an outline
Keep this simple. Print an empty February calendar or make a list numbered 1-28 (or however many days you’re going to be writing). Then jot down a word or two that you could write about on that day. It doesn’t have to be a full description; just something to give you a jumping-off point for later.
4. Create a button
You don’t have to create a button, but it’s fun. And you’ll need a button to add your link on February 1. Go to Canva.com to create an easy graphic to use for the link-up and also for your blog or social media.
5. Write your first post
The first post is often the hardest. Go ahead and write that one now. Schedule it to post on February 1. Then see where the month takes you!
Previous Series
Below are examples of my previous series.
2020
2019
2018
2016
- 26 Surprising Ways to Encounter God
2015
Want the right words to tell yourself right when you need them?
Scripture memory isn’t a spiritual discipline just for kids. We adults need the Word, too.
It’s easier than you think. You’ll benefit more than you imagine.
If you’ve always wanted to put scripture into your head for instant access, this series will gives you tools to walk through it, one small step at a time.
At the end of 31 days, you’ll not only have memorized a chapter of the Bible, but you’ll have a working pattern to memorize any chapter or portion of scripture that you choose.
2014
Want more grace? How much time do you have?
- Lots of time?
Read one of the 26 books recommended in this series. - Not much time?
Read a few paragraphs from each book. Click on the post titles to get there. - Only a little time?
Read one sentence shared from each book. - No time?
Download all the articles as a pdf now to read later.
2013
I share a few paragraphs from a favorite book of faith for 31 days. See the series index to get an excerpt of the excerpts. Click on the links to get the full quotes.
2012
The more grace we see, the more grace we’ll give. More quotes and articles on grace.
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What are you going to write about this October? Is there a topic you’re likely to follow? The series I love to read each year are on Inspiration & Faith, Simplicity & Organizing, and Writing, Blogging & Internet Stuff.