Want to write regularly?
Sign up for a 30-day writing experience with The Writing Life challenge.
National Centre for Writing’s online self-paced challenge introduces you to a wide range of inspiring techniques to kickstart your creativity — from freewriting to audio prompts — all practiced in manageable, bite-sized chunks throughout the month.
As you progress, you’ll also receive supplementary resources, including expert tips and interviews with industry masters, to deepen your skills and enrich your writing journey.
Start your writing journey
We’re very excited to be launching The Writing Life Vol. 2, starting in 1 March! Don’t worry, you don’t need to have participated in the original 30-day challenge to try the new one. You can try them in any order!
The Writing Life Vol. 2
Get playful and explore writing in this 30-day writing challenge, featuring fresh prompts and unique lessons. Starts 1 March 2026.
The Writing Life
Kickstart your creativity this spring with The Writing Life 30-day challenge: unique daily writing exercises throughout April 2026. Starts 1 April.
Giving The Writing Life as a gift?
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Gift the course in advance and let your recipient know they’ll receive the purchase receipt, as well as the daily reminder emails at launch
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Buy the course using your email and forward the daily emails to your recipient
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Ask your recipient to create their own account and purchase the course themselves, using your payment details or arranging reimbursement
I have participated all through March and found it to be a brilliant step-by-step framework for writing. Well-paced, clear instructions, helpful back-up material and all at an amazing price.
The benefits of writing regularly
Routine: Finding inspiration and sustaining motivation
We asked novelist, short story and non-fiction writer Sarah Bower about building a writing routine and the power of habit.
3 February 2025
10 signposts on the way to a successful writing life
In this article, writer and NCW Academy tutor Emmanuel Iduma shares ten key indicators that you’re on the right track for a successful writing life, and the questions you should ask yourself along the way.
15 January 2024
The power of habits for creativity and writing success
Explore how and why routine is so important to writing. From well-known writers who thrive on habit, to how to build a writing habit of your own, read now!
23 December 2024
What do you need?
It’s super easy to join The Writing Life 30-day challenge!
It’s all online, and you’ll get daily reminder emails to keep your routine on track. If you miss a day, don’t worry! It’s a no stress, no deadline course which you can return to whenever you need inspiration.
All you need for The Writing Life is:
- 15 minutes a day
- A smartphone, laptop or tablet
- An internet connection
- An email address
- Your preferred method of writing
The challenge is hosted on our learning platform Teachable.
New year, new writing goals: Julia Crouch on getting started, finding inspiration, and writing what excites
In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Julia Crouch shares her advice and encouragement for the writing year ahead.
29 December 2025
Five creative writing tips for any writer
Forward Prize-winning writer Anthony Capildeo shares their best advice for aspiring writers
19 February 2021
How to achieve your writing goals in 2025
In this article, we’re sharing practical tools and techniques to help you overcome barriers and create your best work yet.
23 December 2024
I found the whole experience very stimulating and having had writer’s block for a novel I’ve been trying to write for years (and still only 25,000 words in) – this was just the push I needed – thank you!
Got a question?
If you have any questions about The Writing Life 30-day challenge, NCW Academy products, or need help with your order, please get in touch with the team by email [email protected] or phone (+44) 01603 877177 between our working hours of 9am–5pm GMT, Monday to Friday.
