Today is the first day of Story Circle Network’s 20 Minutes a Day Writing Challenge. This is a program that my daughter, Liz Beaty, SCN’s program director, and I, SCN’s educational coordinator, developed a few years ago, and we are proud to bring it back by popular demand.

The concept is simple:

Writing for 20 minutes a day, six days a week (Sundays off, except for today), for the month of January.

Each week, I send inspirational articles and make two short videos on how to create, maintain, and benefit from a 20-minute-a-day writing habit. I also lead two 90-minute writing and sharing Zoom meetings for our participants over the course of our month together. In addition, we have created support groups led by two of SCN’s veteran instructors, who send daily check-ins, facilitate regular Zoom meetings, and host a shared Facebook page. This provides our writers with multiple opportunities to write, share, and candidly discuss both their successes and challenges over the next 30 days.

I am participating as well, which is one of the reasons you are seeing this post. This is my official 20-minute blog piece, written on WordPress and shared on Facebook and LinkedIn. I am a strong believer in the 20-Minute-a-Day writing method. As a long-time writing coach, I have watched countless students benefit from this low-stakes, high-yield approach. I have also experienced its success personally, since this is the method I use to outrun my inner critic and get words consistently on the page.

I’m excited about this writing challenge. I already know I’ll have the chance to hear some wonderful writing during our two monthly gatherings. Just as important, I have the opportunity to work alongside a group of inspiring, dedicated, and talented writers who share my deep love for the written word.

Here’s to all of our participants who decided that now is the time to dig in and develop a consistent writing habit. I’m glad to have you join me, Liz, and our two dedicated writing teachers as we work together toward your—and our own—writing goals.

If you’re writing along with us this month, set your timer, take a breath, and meet yourself on the page.