500 Word Snatch
It’s easy to feel despondent when you consider the effort required to write a full length novel, especially when you have so little time, but the truth is you can make a long story short by taking small disciplined steps every day.
Your challenge is to write 500 words a day for 365 days, come rain or shine. The 500 Word Snatch is perfect if you have a long-term goal, or need sustained support and encouragement from your fellow writers.
Of course, you’re not confined to writing a novel, you can use the challenge for many different writing forms: outlining, a daily blog, a book of poems, short fiction, non-fiction or even revision. We don’t care what you write, as long as you write. This is an exercise in disciplined creativity.
Snatch Rules
Aim to write 500 words a day. You’re not restricted to a single WIP, in fact we encourage you to work on numerous projects, just write those 500 words every day, for a full year.
If you choose to use our badge please link back to this page.
Resources
The best way to meet a goal is to track it. Svenja Liv offers various spreadsheets for writers. We think these are perfect for our challenge. There are also some wonderful free word count meters available on the web: our favourites are from Critique Circle and Honorless.
If you’re easily distracted, try a full-screen text editor such as WriteMonkey. It cuts out all distractions, so you can simply concentrate on writing.
If you’re given to the odd bout of writer’s block, you might like Write or Die. You set your word goal, or the amount of time you want to write, then choose a punishment level (in case you fail) and just write. Perfect!
Online Meets
We hold regular meet-ups on our writing sim in Second Life® every day at 8am Pacific Time. There’ll be an additional Snatch at Book Island in Second Life® on Sunday at 12 noon Pacific Time. Join our Second Life® group for event reminders.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit our virtual writing community in Second Life®, then make some time this year. You’ll find an incredibly diverse and active community of writers and the level of support is second to none.
Our Second Life® Word Snatch meter will be up and working on the 1st January at our virtual writers’ camp. You’ll need to join our Virtual Writers, Inc. group in order to obtain a participant titler (which displays your overall word count above your avatar’s head).
When you drop by the writers’ camp in Second Life®, be sure to pick up the free goodie box for 500 Word Snatch participants.
Please feel free to visit Milk Wood and take a wander through our beautiful woodlands and meadows. Our virtual homes are for rent and are perfect for your online office base; we currently have seven cottages, three caravans, three writers’ cabins, and various tents. We also have several well-positioned stalls at the Dead Wood Book Fayre. Your books can be displayed and linked to your online bookseller or author’s website, allowing instant purchase from many outlets. If you need help with creating a Second Life® version of your book, please email us using the contact form on this website.
If you’d like information on connecting to Second Life®, so you can attend some of our events, then please check out the following article.
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500 Word Snatch FAQs
What should I be writing?
This exercise is for any writing form: outlining, a daily blog, a book of poems, short fiction, non-fiction or even revision. We don’t care what you write, as long as you write. This is an exercise in disciplined creativity.
How do I calculate the word count if I’m editing or doing other forms of work?
We say that half an hour of researching/editing/poetry writing is equal to 500 words.
Can I get any feedback?
We don’t provide feedback during our Snatch sessions but the Writers’ Dash (6am Pacific Time Monday-Friday) offers brief critiques.
Do you meet every day?
Yes, we meet every day at 8am Pacific Time in Second Life®.
What if I can’t come every day?
Come when you can, but try to work for a dedicated half hour and write 500 words every day, even if you can’t join us.
How long is a Snatch?
Each timed Snatch session lasts for 30 minutes and we generally have two at each meet. After the timed sessions many of us stay to continue working on our works-in-progress (WIPs).
What if I want to write for longer?
That’s great! You can write for as long as you want. The writing area is available for all members at any time.
Can I come and write at different times or just during the Snatch?
Yes, you can come and use the space at other times.
What if I’m not into exercises?
You can still come and meet with the group for writing support and friendship.
What if I don’t want to do the challenge, can I still join the group and come to the meet?
Of course.
What if I’m editing or researching, can I still come?
Yes, this exercise is for any writing form: outlining, a daily blog, a book of poems, short fiction, non-fiction or even revision. We don’t care what you write, as long as you write. As a rough guide, we say that half an hour of researching/editing/poetry writing is equal to 500 words, so you can still enter this as a word count.
What if I’m writing poetry?
This exercise is for any writing form including poetry. As a rough guide, we say that half an hour of researching/editing/poetry writing is equal to 500 words, so you can still enter this as a word count.
How do I get started and join the group?
1. Feel free to use our 500 Word Snatch button on your own blog, but add a link back to our website so others can learn about the challenge.
2. Join our Virtual Writers, Inc. group.
3. Grab our goodie tin from the rabbit on the blooming dresser at the main writing area. Touch for the contents to be transferred to your inventory. You’ll find a titler (for you to record your word count), a work-in-progress storage drawer (for you to add your writing snatches to), and a stop/start timer so you can keep track of how much time you’ve spent writing.
4. Come to the meet at 8am Pacific Time and say hi. We’re very friendly and welcome all newcomers.
5. Get Social! Website | Twitter | Facebook Group | Facebook Page | Goodreads | Google+
Happy writing!