writing challenge faq
1. How do I get started?
Once you’ve signed up for the Writing Challenge, you’ll get an email to set your screen name. This is the name that will appear on the leaderboard next to your ongoing tally as you check in each day. Make sure you use the same email address you used to sign up when you set your screen name.
2. I signed up but didn’t get the email to set my screen name. What should I do?
Please check your spam, junk, or promotions folders, as these automated emails can sometimes be filtered. We also recommend “white-listing” or adding our email address to your contacts.
3. I got the writing prompt and clicked “check in,” now what?
You’re all set for the day! We’re using the honor system for the Challenge, so you don’t have to submit your writing anywhere. The main goal is to help you build a daily habit of writing.
4. I checked in, but it says “You may only submit once a day.”
The clock runs on Pacific Time. If you’ve already checked in within that 24-hour period, you’ll need to wait until after the clock hits midnight on the leaderboard to check in for the next day.
5. I checked in successfully, but don’t see my name.
There are a lot of people participating in the Challenge! If your screen name isn’t showing on the top of the list, do a search (ctrl+f, or command+f) for it on your browser to see where your tally is at.
6. Can I change my screen name or merge points from two different emails?
To keep the Challenge fair and the system automated, screen names cannot be changed once set, and points cannot be merged between accounts. You will need to use the same email address for the duration of the Challenge.
7. I missed a day, is there a way to make it up?
You can’t get credit for a day if you missed the 24-hour window for check-in. However, even if you miss up to 45 days throughout the year, you’ll still be eligible to win the Tuscany retreat or other top prizes!
8. Can you add a missed day for me?
We are unable to add points or edit the leaderboard in any way. This keeps the Challenge fair for all participants!
9. I’d like to subscribe for more daily writing exercises. How can I do that?
You can subscribe to a full year of prompts here: https://alanwatt.com/premium-writing-challenge/.
10. Why does the leaderboard show some writers as a day ahead on the leaderboard?
Although the Challenge runs on Pacific Time, it sometimes collects a point toward the upcoming day for writers who live closer to the International Date Line. Rest assured – everyone has the same 24-hour period to check in for that day.
11. I don’t see my question listed here – can I contact you?
Because the Challenge is a free resource, we do not monitor incoming messages and are unable to provide individual responses. We cover thousands of dollars in operating costs and tens of thousands in prizes just to keep it free. Please respect the spirit in which the Challenge is offered — to support writers in writing each day.
