Last Minute Novel Prep ✨💎ROUGH DRAFT CHALLENGE

[@HeartBreathings]

Two videos in a day, haha. Let's do this!

[@eeveequeen25]

This is way better than NaNo ever was. It's incredible to see your channel and content constantly evolving as you follow your heart ❤

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for the encouragement and for being a part of it!

[@liziewriting]

I am more excited and energized about writing this November than I have been in years. I feel like I have stepped away from a bunch of unnecessary noise and baggage. Your clear and simple RDC website is such a friendly tool with no clutter - it lets me focus just on my project and my writing. Thank you so much for this community and this Rough Draft Challenge! Happy writing!

[@HeartBreathings]

So happy to hear this!

[@lynneprovost5490]

I totally feel this!

[@denisegipson4272]

Just joined the rough draft challenge! Seeing your energy shift since publishing TDOVS has been so uplifting and has brought me to tears a few times 💞💞💞💞

[@patg7714]

im SO HYPED! 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 thank you sarra for all the inspiration Edit: my goal is 10k! This is my first official writing challenge and I am so excited I can share it with everyone in this lovely community. I have been watching for years and finally I got everything in order to be able to participate! Good luck to everyone, we got this!

[@HeartBreathings]

It's going to be so fun!!

[@k.ande.southworth9197]

Thank you George for making the site. Thank you Sarra for the prep info. That save the cat book looks interesting!

[@caramullaney2043]

Sarra you have truly spoilt us with x2 youtube videos and a live on halloween. x 💕

[@farewell_autumn]

I'm going for the diamond tier! I will work in a short poetry collection that includes images (one of them is a self-portrait drawing, though I'm still unsure about the materials I'll use for it). I believe having rewards will be a game changer for me; I'm so thrilled! ☺️ My Halloween night especial treat was watching your new videos. Thanks for keeping me company, Sarra! It's always fun 🌸 By the way, I love your mockup cover. So elegant!

[@vivikabriar1493]

Oh my gosh, so excited!! I felt so lost without NaNo this year. Thank you so much for this space ❤🎉

[@HeartBreathings]

So glad you are here!

[@nadineduerksen6556]

Another idea you could use is the large sheets of foam board insulation that you can cover, and they are light weight, that can easily more around. quilters use them as designer walls for small spaces. (they cover it with batting that fabric will stick to or use pins.) Home depo has them. (Building supplies.)

[@ivad.1341]

You're so inspiring and kind, it feels so good to be here... thank you so much, Sarra! 😍

[@HeartBreathings]

Glad you are here!!

[@frogponddreams]

As probably one of the youngest subscribers/people in this comment section, I'm genuinely so excited to do the RDC (ruby tier)! I've been working on a sci-fi novel since 2021 that I can never seem to get finished, and I really hope I can make some more significant progress this month. I've been following you since late 2022-ish and you really inspire me to keep going with my writing dreams

[@thatbberg]

pro tip for standing desks: get a dedicated surge protector (with a long cord) for cords on your desk. then attach it with command strips or something to the bottom of your desk in a spot that your legs won't bump - that way you can plug everything on your desk into that and only have to worry about a single cord moving up and down with the desk height, and everything else remains stationery so you can organize it once and it doesn't change. it makes things sooooo much easier!

[@HeartBreathings]

I know there's a rack for this built into the desk so you're totally right. You're motivating me to move my plug ins and get it looking better!

[@nancys.100]

I am finishing up on a crochet project this mo. by doing 3 rows in the morning and 3 in the evening to protect my shoulder. Been working on this a while doing sets of hot pads and dish cloths for food baskets going out in a few weeks, two hot pads left to do I can do this! The dish cloths are the round knit ones and done with them.

[@adchilders74]

I got it the day the book came out and read it until i was done. I swore I knew who it was at least twice! I was surprised at the end and shook my head knowing where I should have picked up who it really was. Loved it! looking forward to the Rough Draft Challenge. This is my second time to do a draft in a month. I have learned a lot this past year and looking forward to using your challenge to do the second book draft. Thank you again to you for doing this and many thanks for George pulling this together in short time and during personal stress. Many thanks to you both and prayers for all.

[@authoraliciajustice2943]

I'm so excited to start writing for the Rough Draft Challenge! I'm going for 50k words, and I'm pretty sure I'm ready. Love the website, tell George thank you for creating that. Thank you Sarra for creating the challenge and giving us a safe place and community to be part of. Let's do this!

[@elliestephenson4146]

Not gonna lie, I feel way more motivated this year! You and this community rock 🎉

[@sharongaver9160]

I'm a DIAMOND! Going for 100 sprints of Editing prewritten scenes and writing new scenes. I just finished a Retreat and have everything set up and ready to go. Thanks Sarra for all you do!

[@DawnMontgomeryAuthor]

I use a traveler and adore it. It survives well in my bag. I travel often with work, so it's super easy to take it out and use it wherever I'm at.

[@cl_shaner]

Yay B6 Setup!! I've been waiting. it's gorgeous with the washi dashboard and all the tip-ins etc. Love it.

[@redwingsolutions]

Amazing to hear you say the book is out! Followed you over this journey and I am so pleased to hear you say it’s released. Nice one Sarra x

[@kelliemdale7]

I finished TDOVS early Sunday morning. When I finished I looked at the clock and it was 2:22 AM 😊✨ Sarra, your book was soooo good!! Not one dull moment and so many wonderful twists!! 5 Stars Plus!!! I loved it!! ❤️

[@HeartBreathings]

Yay!!!!!

[@SIMulatedSara]

Yay, so excited for this challenge, and to share my RDC! I'm also excited to share my RDC vlogs, and I'm even taking myself on a 2 night writing retreat next month. I already posted my preptober video. I hope you like your Freewrite. I have the Traveler, and I love it. I've written 1.5 novels in under a year on it. I'm making my sprint tracker in my plotting notebook while I watch your video. I'm doing the diamond tier and shooting for a complete first draft of about 75k words! Happy RDC!!

[@maryearly3259]

diamond challenge for me. this is kind of two fold. one doing a full outline for a story and more accountability- putting myself out in the world a little bit more by saying things to other writers like this. trying to get past old fears.

[@QueenViolet]

Two videos today from sarra. Guys we have been blessed 🙏😁❤

[@tracy-marie]

I bought those plastic pockets and put up 4 large poster boards and put 8 pockets across 5 rows and I love it. So easy move the index cards around. Thank you for the idea in one of you previous video. 🙂

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh that's so good to hear!!

[@tracy-marie]

@ and the pockets do break in quickly.

[@inkandpenadventures]

It's really good! I finished it on my trip to Orlando. The storytelling, the twist...I only figured it out about 2 pages before it was revealed. Well done, and all the congratulations!

[@marahsoore6452]

I love these sorts of videos! I'm doing a mix of rereading book 1 of my series, taking extensive notes, and planning and writing book 2. My goal is to do 60k between note taking, plotting, and drafting. My big dream is to get 50k done, but I'm trying to be kind to myself. I just got a new job and while my work is okay with me writing on the clock, I don't want to expect I'll have time and end up overwhelmed. I already signed up and I collected my kit for writing while watching the video. Tonight at midnight I'll spend 30 minutes on my book.. then I'm probably spending who knows how long reading Vannessa Shaw.

[@StellaRosales-o4j]

I'm excited to make mock-ups covers for my book bibles. I do have a pic of a character I had made but I can't use it for showing in public I had it done for me. I did make a sticker to put on my computer. His was my first novel. I plan on finishing book 3 and starting and hopefully finish book four by the end of December.

[@t.a.creech4999]

WOOT! And I got my Mastermind email! I'm so excited and happy to be a Hearty!

[@HeartBreathings]

Yay!!!

[@CMdragon42]

😂 lol! "Why is there popcorn on my desk, I dont know."

[@HeartBreathings]

😂

[@AccessMentors]

Thank you for introducing me to Mr. Pen. I had never heard of his products and am excited to browse his offerings. You are always amazing!

[@bwellnourished]

Soooo excited for the Rough Draft Challenge! ✨

[@watermelonwriter]

Many thanks to George for the website and you for this wonderful community and challenge!

[@kida4star]

I started aiming for emerald, but I'm going to go for my stretch goal of Sapphire! While not going crazy running a retail shop going into the holidays. Looking forward to this community driving forward towards our goals. 💎

[@ranadagivens5476]

I'm participating in this Challenge along with Kate Cavanaugh's Challenge, though I couldn't start hers in October like originally planned. This is really going to be challenging, seeing as I haven't really written anything in a year and I miss it so much along with having a newborn, and returning to work after a month off for maternity leave, but I'm so ready for the Rolller Coaster ride, as well as adding a new way of writing that is not only outside my comfort zone, but seems fun, since I'm a write by hand writer!!!! So excited to see what I can get accomplished this month!

[@nikkimiascott9950]

I read The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw in one day. I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved it! I have read well over 50 books so far this year and it’s definitely been one of my favourites. 💕

[@Affenzunge]

I'm so proud of you for finaly finishing the book and I desperately needed tgat message. I've been struggling with my book since december and it feels like its getting more complicated and worse.

[@ranafawaz1767]

Thank you Sarra I am signed up, I updated my book cover URL and I'm ready to go!!! I love this, it's so easy and simple, with no competition accept for yourself. Sarra thank you for all that you do💜💜💜💜

[@pixie0714]

Random comment. Thank you for wearing bows in your hair. I’ve been thinking about doing it but was concerned about looking immature. Nope, it just looks cute.

[@HeartBreathings]

🎀

[@gwenjks-1272]

Suggestion for your plotting wall: The window/closet corner - envision a corner-mount tv bracket but with a plotting size board mounted to it to hang your pouches or post its or whatever. Then you can see it when you’re working??? Just a thought as you panned around.

[@HeartBreathings]

Ohhhhhh this is a great idea!

[@MissCapturedSoul]

Wonderful video Sarra! I also have a B6 Stalogy and I looove it.

[@vampireassassin4750]

just signed up cant wait to get this started!!!

[@joannaholden943]

Binged your content today while housecleaning so I was all motivated by the time I sat down to write, now using this as my reward! I wasn't planning on doing the rough draft challenge...now I kinda want to do it!

[@kimb7942]

I’m so excited to do this challenge!!! This will be my first book, so it’s a bit daunting but between this, authortube, and story grid I’m feeling really good about joining the challenge!!! I have two littles under 3, so planning my novel is more of a “work on it when I can” as they’re both at home with me. 😅 but it’s good, it’s teaching me that a little bit over every day really does make progress! Thank you for your videos, Sarra!

[@brunoarnabar7450]

Yesss, let’s get it!

[@nancys.100]

Luv the set up and note book in the purple planner at the end I have a project I need to do like that with notes and quotes for 2i025 aka bucket list.

[@HannahTheHorrible]

Just ordered your new book on Amazon 🤗 congrats Sarra!!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much!!!

[@KeiNicole]

I’d love to see a video about all the materials and resources you used during the challenge once it’s over. It would also be great to hear your recommendations for new writers, especially if you plan to do the challenge again in January.

[@ashleyemma4954]

Just bought your book! So excited ❤❤❤

[@HeartBreathings]

Yay thank you!!

[@msmwriter]

This is me catching up on your videos. I'm so behind. Just not in a good space mentally right now. Trying to keep calm and carry on, but it's proving to be difficult. I did set my goal lower than I had planned so I think I can still reach it. Fingers crossed! Thanks so much for being a light for us, and please thank George again for the fantastic website. 💙

[@HeartBreathings]

I know it's hard. Take care of yourself and let go of the goal for a while if you need to. I'll be here.

[@msmwriter]

@@HeartBreathings Thank you 💙

[@staceyshillingburg7966]

Thank you George and Sarra! Emerald! I'm not sure exactly how much more of the draft I have to write but 10K seemed reasonable so we'll see!!

[@bethlondonart]

I read The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw. Being an older reader, YA is not my go to genre, but I loved it anyway! You did a great job with it. Also, thank you for providing the RDC for us!

[@PlanwithStormy]

Ahhhhh!!!! I love seeing my stickers in you Mirror of Shadows notebook! I hope they give you a little inspiration!

[@lynneprovost5490]

Have you considered a freestanding easel? Thanks to you and George for all you do! 😊

[@Laura-ti2tm]

Another video today 😂 you have me hyped up!

[@elizabethg1111]

You made me cry. lol ♥

[@celestejohnson1972]

I am so excited to do this challenge! I'm doing 50k words and I'm ready to rock and roll!

[@katendress6142]

I've been using the ReMarkable tablet I got for Christmas to revise.

[@chaotickitz]

I am looking forward to watching the diaries and hopefully getting back into my own writing... I feel out of the practice of writing because I am moving. So hopefully around the 15th, I will get to do some writing.

[@TracyP07]

Sat down to write today and realised I had forgotten to think about the basics like what program I'm using to write. I had hoped to be more prepared but life got in the way.

[@sabinewatts6639]

Your cord management made me laugh, it looked so familiar!

[@HeartBreathings]

It's a mess! 😭

[@singingsanja167]

Yeah, I am using the same system... 🙈😂

[@artnunymiss2530]

I'm excited to read your mystery! I really appreciate your motivation and support.

[@saltyaphrodite]

I would like to stop and say I'm here for all the witchy hello kitty. 🎃😻

[@HeartBreathings]

💖🍒

[@gamexpress111]

what is the purple planner cover you use at 37:53 ? @HeartBreathings

[@HeartBreathings]

It's from Aura Estelle. I think it's called a perfect fit cover or something like that. I really love it!

[@gamexpress111]

@@HeartBreathings thank you!

[@cassiemerson7789]

I will be working on edits for the RDC. Got my book back from my developmental editor recently and hoping I can make all the updates in November so it's ready for agent pitches in Dec 🙌

[@soledatbernie]

I'm so excited to start! My goal is 25 000 words, but yesterday, I was trying to figure out the amount of words per sprint and based on that and knowing myself, if I manage to write all days I plan to, I might even hit 50 000! :D However, I might not be able to write all those days, so I'm keeping the lower target. :D Either way, I hope this challenge with energise me and motivate me enough so I can finish whole draft by the end of the year...

[@JessicaNWheeler]

Yes day one of the vlogs is you usually taking down the spooktacular stuff and resetting the office so leave it up its festive

[@placebo11000]

Joining as emerald. I’ve written the first 1/4 of my book and my goal is to outline the rest and write a few scenes to get to 10k words

[@neatflair]

I joined the challenge. I know it's a writing challenge, but I plan to use it to set up my notebook and plot my first book. It would be nice if he had an option to choose other goals because some of us won't actively write. I am super excited about this. Also, when I click on the link for the Rough Draft website there is a warning that the site is not secure.

[@tampagirl7533]

I got my copy!! ❤🎉

[@vomicadea2595]

I love my aphla but I also just realized today in the postbox it keeps stats for you and I found out since I got it I have already typed 78,000 words my mind was blown and it also keep how much I written in a day.

[@DebbieLukasDesigns]

Hi Sarra :) Thank you for such an inspiring replacement for nanowrimo, i've just signed up and loving the simplicity of word count! Thanks to George for creating the website! I have a problem, I cant seem to get my image loaded, no matter where i host it. any ideas please?

[@HeartBreathings]

The biggest thing is not to grab the link at the top of the page or the link they give you for sharing. Instead, right click or select the image and "save image address". Then use that link. So for dropbox, for example, they give you a share link but it won't work because that's a link to the webpage not the actual image, so you need to upload to dropbox and choose the image, right click and copy image address. Use that link. Let me know if that helps.

[@DebbieLukasDesigns]

@@HeartBreathings Yay! Thanks Sarra, it worked. I wouldn't have thought to try that way. Thank you so much :)

[@jenniferevelynhayes]

Happy Rough Draft Challenge!! Sarra, does the Save the Cat Writes a Novel book talk about 4-act structure? I need to finally read that book. Best of luck with your November goals! Thank you for this fabulous challenge! 🙌❤️

[@shanshangalan8074]

I was finally able to buy it but haven’t been able to read a lot of it let hopefully during Thanksgiving weekend I can read it. School is starting to get me stressed

[@denisegipson4272]

How do you organize/color code your index cards?

[@DianaMayeDesigns]

My biggest what if fear is "what if I finish writing and can't afford an editor and publish it?" I've been constantly told that I'll need to hire an editor. Well, I don't have a fulltime job... I have been working on creating products to sell people who want to design their brand and website themselves, but it's just me and I'm not making any sales yet. I can't afford an editor. So when I do all that work and get to the stage where I need an editor, I won't be able to afford it so what would be the point of even trying? That's my biggest "what if fear"...I've been looking forward to this challenge tho. It has so many different levels I can go for and I'm really glad that they're there. I can work on anything and any length... This is awesome...

[@brandylatriecereads4357]

just puchased the disappearance of vanessa shaw..can't wait to read it.

[@christinekwasniewski6059]

I just bought your book. :)

[@KEhrisman]

Is there any way you can show us the butter workbook a little.

[@HeartBreathings]

Good idea! Yes for sure!

[@suuussie__]

Yay!!!!!

[@hollygieser9257]

I had an idea for your sticky index card holder…. What if you put it on your closet doors? Inside or out?

[@okwrite7120]

Hoping the t-shirts are POD, so those of us who don't live in the US can get cheap postage because their are printing houses in our regions. This was one thing I and number of other MLs outside of the US used to complain about (their refusal to set up POD swag for "quality control" reasons) when I was still involved with the org that shan't be named.

[@RoxanneKatrynuik]

Where did you get the note book star covers ?

[@thekizziejournals]

I'm already behind (sob!) but at least I'm signed up. :)

[@hollysanders1590]

💜💜💜😊Yay!😊💜💜💜

[@ShamelesslyCreative]

Thanks to George and Thank you Sarra for offering this challenge! I am going for the Diamond Writing project goal is 30k

[@marthawilley5512]

I’m so glad you are doing this. I’m having trouble with the app though for the word tracker. I created my profile with no issues and got into the page. But when I tried to sign in to use it, it says my email and password don’t match. When I clicked it to have help with the password issue,it never sends me an email. I’ve checked and checked my email, including spam, etc and nothing shows up. I’ve deleted the app, but it won’t go back. Tried it on another device. Same thing. Would appreciate some help. Thanks.

[@marthawilley5512]

I figured it out. Thanks. Does your notebook take gel pens? I wondered how thick the paper was.

[@AuthorAnnaCatanzariti]

I have been thinking about getting back into writing lately but 1. I am currently studying Graphic Design at TAFE (teirchery education in Australia) so schedule is a bit hard but it could work 2. Not sure what novel to finish. Book 1 of my fairytale series I have been working on since 2019 or my Christmas romance novel Business wise it would make more sense for me to write the fairytales series but I would love to release a Christmas novel for Christmas next year I don’t know, I’m crazy. Any ideas which one I should work on

[@princesssimplicity5172]

I’m expanding a short story. I’m doing the Diamond tier. I’m don’t 30,000 words as my challenge.

[@thejournalhouse]

When you say google docs is that the same as google drive

[@PeacefulProductivity16]

Ok, I have to ask... how did you end up with a pink keyboard on your Alpha??? I need one! I've been looking for a way to draft that won't allow me to go back and overthink and kill my progress. But I want pink! Edit - Well, if you finish watching the video before you comment, sometimes you'll get your answers. My ADHD interuptus was showing. 😅

[@glitterandnaps]

Tshirts! Eeee!

[@cheyennedealy809]

My goal is 50,000 words, or the Ruby tier. We will see how it goes.

[@KellysCreativeDreams]

Girl, you know I love you. Please get some rest. Have fun with Evie tonight. She’ll be cute as a button in whatever costume she sports!

[@agameoffangsandthrones584]

I swear I saw setting up my dog when it said setting up my doc

[@daniad8611]

I will be joining the Sapphire goal of 25k

[@astridsanimatedadventures]

I'm doing the Rough Draft Challange Teir Ruby: 50k

[@IsoellenWrites]

I need a mastermind group for FINISHING strong. Lol anyone wanna connect?

[@balticfae]

who has joined? I wanna make friends🥺