Register

When can I register?
You can register for the upcoming month’s challenge by signing up early. The last date for admission is always listed on the group page "Invalid Item" . All new registrants will be added to the group, prior to the first day of the next months challenge.

How do I register for the challenge?
Create a book item. Your book item must be created per the specification in this item. "Invalid Item" . Then complete this survey to register. Remember to include your pass key in the comment section of the survey if you are using one.

When does the challenge begin?
The challenge will always begin at 12:01 am on the 1st day of a month, and concludes at 11:59 pm on the last day of the month. All times are EST. or in other words writing.com time. If you are in a different time zone, you must be aware of the time difference for entering this challenge.

When is the conclusion of the challenge?
You stop writing for the months challenge on the last day of the month. Due to the rewards to be issued, and the amount of people in the challenge, I will need a minimum of 10 days to tally all the results from everyone’s entries, therefore even though the writing part of the challenge is complete the actual challenge is not. Once I have tallied all the results, I will email those participants with the results and the release of your entries for that month.

Will there be a challenge every month from now on?
Effective January 15, 2017 the challenge will be run every second month. Proposed 2017 challenge months are: A special NaNo challenge will be done in the month of November. Regular level challenges February, April, June, September, November.

Can I use the images in the group?
Yes. All images created for the group are on a share basis, so you can use them to decorate, or as reference tools. You cannot however duplicate, modify, or change any of the images. To use a shared image simple use the writing ml image tag inserting the item id # as listed below:

Daily Writing Challenge #	{image:802641}
Level One #	{image:799459}
Level Two #	{image:811712}
Level Three #	{image:811718}
Level Four #	{image:843245}

How long will the complete challenge take?
With the challenge being run every second month it will take 8 months to complete the full challenge.

About the Book Item

It says I need a book item. How do you create one?
That's simple with this step by step guide ALL BOOKS MUST BE SET UP PER THE SPECIFICATIONS IN THIS ITEM. "Invalid Item" 

Can I edit my book item?
You can at any time edit the header of your book item only. At no time throughout the challenge can you edit an entry. Your entries must never be edited before I give the all clear generally 10 days into the next month. By altering your entries before my all clear you will jeopardize your challenge for the month.

What is the maximum content rating?
The rating that you choose for your item is based on what you will be writing in it. While there is no set rating, you must adhere to the rating guidelines of the site for your item.

What if I don’t want anyone to see what I am writing?
When creating your book item you can make it viewable for whoever you want, as long as I am able to see it. One option would be to set the access to Mod’s or higher, if that is to your liking. If you want to have it private, that is fine, but please set up a passkey for your item and send me the passkey number with your link. If you do not know how to do this see "Invalid Item" 

Note: Some members have requested to keep their books private, please do not be offended if you cannot read any one persons book. For the purpose of this challenge, I am the only one that really needs to see the actual writing, and entries.

Do I have to start a new book item and/or a new story for each monthly challenge?
No. Once you create a book item for the challenge it remains as your book item for all future challenges that you participate in. If at the conclusion of the month’s challenge, you wish to participate in the next month’s challenge you can continue with the same story that you are currently working on. If you find your book getting too large, you have the option to delete any entry, provided you no longer need it. Of course if you would prefer to start a new book item for each month that is perfectly acceptable too.

How will you know which month is which?
Each entry that you place in your book you will be required to identify that entry with a code that will show me the month and the day that your entry is for. Example: February 1st would be F1 or F-1 You must place this tag on each entry.

Feb = F

Apr = A

Jun = J

Sep = S

Nov = N

Can I name each entry with a title of my choosing?
Yes, as long as you have the code (as shown above) first and then your title.

If I leave and then join again, can I use the same book item?
Yes, you will need to remember how to identify your entries for the challenge, especially if you have edited the book since leaving the group.

About the Writing

What can I write for the challenge?
The choice is yours. Whether it is the day’s events, a story, research for a story, or a poem, as long as it meets the daily writing word requirement, you can write it.

Can I use the challenge to write for contests or other groups I am in?
Writing for this challenge is over and above any other writing that you may do for the day. Please do not use this challenge as a starting point or a storage space to write and then transfer into a static item before the conclusion of the challenge. Do not write your contest entries in the challenge unless the contest is in the following month. What you write for your daily entry is locked and not available for you to use elsewhere on the site until the completion of the month’s challenge. This goes for newsletter submission, or other group submissions.

What happens if I can’t write on a particular day?
You will be given the option to
1) write an early entry
2) write a late entry
3) or write no entry.
However, these options will be deducted from your challenge reward points that you earn along the way. Missing too many days and not making up the entries will place you in dropout status for that months challenge.

What if I want to write more than the daily requirement listed?
This has been an issue in past, "give a person an inch they take a foot" ... therefore all entries must NOT exceed 10 words past the required word count for the day. Penalty will apply for exceeding the daily required minium.

Note: Be sure you are not working on your item when the time changes from one day to the next, as this will cause and early/late/missed entry in your book.

What if I am unable to write for a day, two, or more?
Like most people, you do have a life, and certain situations will arise. As writers, we need to find that balance and overcome those obstacles. For that purpose the rewards were calculated based on when you write, the challenge is a daily writing exercise. Since many have asked the what if, it is important to know that it is okay to miss a day, as long as you make a concentrated effort to make it up. This does not give you permission to write when you feel like it after all this is a challenge and the purpose of the challenge is to write each and every day.

Therefore if you are making up words to meet a requirement for an entry already submitted you MUST submit the make up words in a separate entry stating as such.

Example: On October 10 you were only able to write 200 of the 325 words that were required for that day. On another day between the 11th and the 31 you decide you want to make up those words 125 in total, you would start a new entry with the subject line [ make up O-10 ] and then proceed to write your 125 words in that entry.

Important Note: Do not take advantage of the make up entry. You may only make up the words for one day per make up entry. If you are making up for more than one day you will need to do a separate make up entry for each one. You CANNOT group a bunch of short entries together. Points will be forfeited for the day if you try this stunt.

How do you calculate the word count?
All word counts will be tabulated in Microsoft word. While it is advised to check your own word count before submitting your entry for the day I understand that you may not have Microsoft Word. Remember if your word count is wrong it will result in a loss of points for that day. You may use this word count site, be sure to add it to your favorites list.

http://www.wordcountertool.com

Levels

Each month that you participate and complete a level, the word limits will increase. There are currently four levels to the challenge. By the conclusion of the third level, you will be doing a minimum of 2,000 words per day. This should get you well on your way to good daily writing habits.

What will be the daily writing requirements for Level 1?
Level 1 = Your start base is 100 words written advancing by 25 additional words per day. As detailed on this handy chart.

** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **

What will be the daily writing requirements for Level 2?
Level 2 = a continuing progression from level 1 still advancing daily words written by 25 words per day. You must successfully complete Level 1 before moving on to Level 2. Level 2 members will use this chart.

** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **

What will be the daily writing requirements for Level 3?
Level 3 = introducing a steady pace of daily words written by advancing only once a week by 100 words to a new daily requirement. You must successfully complete Level 1 and Level 2 before moving on to Level 3. Level 3 members will use this chart. By the completion of Level 3 you will be writing 2,000 words per day, and will definitely be ready for the NaNo challenge.

** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **

What will be the daily writing requirements for Level 4?
Level 4 = finally a writers dream to write 2,000 words a day everyday. You must successfully complete Level 1, 2, and 3 before moving on to Level 4. Level 4 members will use this chart.

** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **

Level 3 and 4 - Use your writing anywhere!
Level 3, 4, and 5 have the option of writing whatever they want and using it elsewhere on the site at anytime throughout the months challenge. No you cannot edit your entries, but that doesn’t mean you can’t edit your words elsewhere. If you have successfully complete levels 1 and 2 you have earned the right to write anything you want and to be able to use it on the site anywhere you want. With the increased word counts, I know for some of you it will be harder to keep up this writing, plus other writing that you do on the site. I’m hoping that this incentive will make it easier for you, and more productive in achieving these levels for the month.

Reminder: This is how I determine if the challenge for all regular and limbo levels has been met?
You must meet all of the following in order to advance to the next level in the challenge..
You must complete 90% of the months word count total for the level.
You must not have more than 10 penalties in a month.
All entries must be completed before midnight of the last day of the challenge. A grace will be given if within minutes of the hour the site goes down in the final hour of the challenge.

How will I know how I did?
I will be monitoring your progress through out the month. You never know when I might peek into your book and what I will find. You are doing well if you do not hear from me. Blink Blink Wink Wink I can be a real pain if you don't comply with the rules.

Participation

What is dropout status?
Dropout status is achieved after 3 days of consecutively missing entries. On the 4th day if you do not make up the entries missed, or start writing again, you will be placed in the dropout list. Being placed on the dropout list is at my discretion.

This may sound harsh, but in order to calculate all the entries received from everyone I have to start with the completion of the first week of the challenge. When I take the time to verify your entries, and then you turn around and write whenever you please, it makes it that much harder for me to keep tabs on the progress of everyone. Since I have no intention of wasting your time, I expect you not to waste mine either.

If I get placed into dropout status, can I come back?
You will have to wait until the next month to start your challenge level again. If you are a repeat offender and continuously end up on the drop out list you will not be allowed to join in any further challenges.

Will you review and edit my writing?
No, I will not be editing your work. Maybe I might review it. Maybe I might read it. For the purpose of this challenge, my key role is to ensure you write everyday, and that you write the daily minimum requirement of words. Guaranteed I will be verifying the time of completion, the word count, and any changes to the original entry date and time.

If I participate in one challenge, do I have to participate in the next one too?
Yes. Since the challenge is run every second month there is no need to take a break because I have already given you one. Any member not participating by the 5th day of the current month will be removed from the group.

If I don’t want to participate next month do I have to remove myself from the group?
Yes. There is no need to be a member of the group you are not participating.

If I am removed from the group, can I join again?
Sure, as long as you are ready to write on the start day of the next challenge. HOWEVER, IF YOU START EVERY CHALLENGE, BUT NEVER FINISH, YOU WILL BE REMOVED AND NO LONGER ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE. The purpose of the group is to improve your writing, not be a fun thing to do the first week or two each month.

What happens if I miss a challenge month?
You would start at the last achieved level. Meaning if you met Level 1, you could come back at a later date and start at Level 2. However, if you did not meet Level 1, then you would have to begin your challenge over and start at the beginning.

Will you be participating in the challenge too?
Yes, I will be participating in my own challenge. Yes, I will get extra points, and Yes, I will get points deducted. No, I will not receive any rewards for meeting the challenge. I’m saving those for you guys and gals.

Rewards

What are challenge Level rewards?
In order to complete this challenge successfully you must write each day, and adhere to the daily requirements. Extra points will be awarded to participants that accomplish this challenge. Points will be deducted if you enter late, go back and edit the next day, or don’t complete your daily requirement.

Participants will accumulate points based on how well they master the challenge:

Write each day	+ 10
Submit an early entry for the day	– 2
Not completing the daily requirement	– 4
Submit a late entry for the day	– 6
Edit a previously submitted entry	– 8
Submit no entry for the day	– 10
Use of Signature per image	-1
Exceed Daily Word Count by 10	-1 per word over
Complete the challenge with no penalties	+ 1,000
Complete the challenge with under 10 penalties	+300

Possible point accumulation: 28 day challenge=1280 / 30 day challenge=1300 / 31 day challenge=1310

Challenge Rewards to be paid @ 1 gift point per challenge point guaranteed. Donations Welcomed to group "Invalid Item"  # 799460

Reward Points will be paid out at the following levels:

Level 1	single points	(up to 1,280)
Level 2	double the points	(up to 2,560)
Level 3	triple the points	(up to 3,840)
Level 4	quadruple the points	(up to 5,120)

Can you define the point requirements!

Writing Each Day = 10 reward points in your account.

Submit an early entry for the day = 2 reward point will be removed from your account, but if you know you are going away this is much cheaper, then completing the entry late.

Not completing the daily requirement = 4 reward points will be removed from your account. The daily requirement is preset per the charts and must be adhered to.

Submit a late entry for the day = 6 reward points will be removed from your account, this could be because you didn't get a chance to write, you didn't feel like writing, you had no internet access, were sick, or got stuck at work, with the spouse, or the kids, or are away for minimal days on vacation.

Edit a previously submitted entry = 8 reward points will be removed from your account. If your dates are all in order per writing.com clock, and then one is out of whack means that you went into an entry and edited it, this is where you will lose the points. You can go back and look at an entry, but don't hit that edit button.

Note: on the day of your entry you can write, and or edit for that 23 hour cycle only and not affect your writing.com clock entry. Beware of your time zone as this will affect it as well. Example: you made your entry at 1pm on Mar 1 and submitted it, at 4pm on Mar 1 your reading it over, and realize that you left out a key point, so you edit your item to include it this was all done during the day’s entry and is allowed. However, if it had been 1am Mar 2, it is too late and you cannot go back and fix it without penalty.

Submit no entry for the day = 10 reward points will be removed from your account. You had the option to do an early entry if you knew you were going to be away, you even had the option of doing a late entry because you missed a day. But there is no reason that you did not do an entry all. If you miss 3 consecutive days without explanation, you will be placed on the dropout list.

Use of Signature per Image = 1 reward point per signature used in your daily entry will be deducted from your account. This could get costly if you use a signature in more than one entry throughout the course of a month.

Exceed Daily Word Count by 10 = 1 reward point per extra word will be deducted from your account. Adhere to the daily word and do not exceed it by more than 10 words. This could get costly if you exceed your word count in more than one entry through out the course of a month.

Complete the Challenge with NO penalties = 1,000 reward points added to your account, if you write everyday, and your entries are on time everyday, and you meet the daily word requirement each day.

Complete the Challenge with penalties = 300 reward points added to your account, if you received less than 10 penalties in the month. Which clearly means you hit that 10th penalty no bonus reward.

Possible point accumulation = this is based on the days in the challenge and bonus points for your work that are achievable.

How are the points calculated?
A simple example would be if you completed your daily entry for the required amount of words, you would receive 10 points for daily writing, giving you 10 points for the day.

Now if your entry was late, but you wrote the exact word count you would get 10 points for the daily writing, less 6 points for a late entry, giving you 4 points for the day.

Just remember if you write for the day you get points. If your entry is subject to a penalty, it will be deducted from the total point value of the entry.

Who receives reward points?
Only those participants that complete the full challenge level will receive reward points. Dropouts will receive no rewards points regardless of how many entries they completed.

How do I earn a Merit Badge Reward?
Remember your biggest Daily Writing Challenge Reward is your own accomplishment, but since I like to share in that accomplishment, I have decided to provide a special merit badge to the participants of the challenge. Everyone is eligible to earn it, but only those that succeed will receive it.

Success Merit Badge: Will be awarded to the participant who completes Levels 1 to 4 in a twelve (12) month period. The period begins February 1, 2017.

NaNoWriMo and the DWC

What is NaNo: Writing one 50,000-word novel from scratch in a month's time.

When do you Sign Up: Sign-ups begin October 1, 2017 at http://nanowrimo.org

Writing begins November 1. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach the 50,000-word mark by November 30 at midnight. Once your novel has been verified by the NaNo web-based team of robotic word counters, the partying begins.

Please Note: The NaNo and the DWC are two different challenges. The NaNo challenge is to write a 50,000 word book in 30 days. The DWC is to write a required amount of words each day for 30 days. By registering in both challenges you must complete the requirements of both in order to receive success status.

How do I complete both: First you would need to register with both challenges separately. Once that is completed then you would wait till the 1st of November to begin your writing. While the DWC is run on a level of words to complete each day dependent on the level you are working on this may not match what is required to complete the NaNo word requirement.

For this reason all those that register in both challenges will have a set word count of 1,667 words per day in order to meet the 50,000 word goal for the NaNo. Until you complete the NaNo portion you may never do less than 1,667 words in a day, however you can do more if you are up to it and you need to finish your train of thought or plot.

The advantage here is that if you reach your 50,000 word goal for the NaNo you can submit your word count to them, and complete the NaNo challenge before the 30 day deadline.

However as soon as you reach your 50,000 word limit you are then required to adhere to the level you are working on in the DWC and that daily requirement.

Now if you didn't understand that let me explain it this way: Day 1 to 25 you typed your heart out and reached your 50,000 words. You have now completed the NaNo challenge. Day 26 to 30 you would then complete the DWC daily word requirement to fulfill the last few days of the challenge. Since everyone is on Level 1 or 2 you would simply look up the day and do that set amount of words and continue on from there for the remainder of the days left.

If you are not a typing machine, then you can pace yourself and do the 1,667 words per day and complete both the NaNo and DWC on the 30th day of the month and have success too.

What about the reward points: The DWC will only pay for the words required in the challenge therefore the same penalties and bonus points will be awarded based on your daily entries. The only exception to this will be the over word count penalty which will only apply once you have completed your 50,000 word maximum.

IMPORTANT: You must state your intentions to do the NaNo prior to November 1st. If I don't have you registered for the NaNo you will not get credit for it in the DWC and you will lose the challenge just on penalties alone.

Do's and Don'ts

What about signatures in the entries?
PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT HAVE SIGNATURES IN YOUR ENTRIES. This is a writing journal and you do not need to have your signature block in each and every entry. Most of you have your items set to private which makes even more sense not to waste space. A penalty will be assigned if I have to work around your signature.

Once I am a member of the group, can I create a group item?
No. I will not be allowing, participants to create group items, because if, and when you leave the group, I don’t want to have to hound you to remove your item from the group.

Can I use writing ml in my document?
No ... there is no need for it. This is a writing exercise, not a presentation. The reason being is that it will affect your word count. When you use writing ml you will not obtain a true word count using the word count feature on the site. Writing ml requires tags, and tags are words ie: indent, center, etc. These are all words and end up being counted in the word count feature. Which means it will affect your daily word count requirement.

Also note that using [ … ] or [ – ] does affect your word count. Using triple dot or a dash will result in the loss of a word for each time either are used. Example: [I just want to ... but I won't] will present you with a word count of 6 when really it is 7, the same as [day-by-day] will result in a word count of 1 rather than 3.

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Last Modified: 01-15-17 @ 5:42 pm EST