The Free Author Challenge is where most writers begin their journey into the Academy of Story.
The latest challenge, which kicks off in January 2026, is a 30-day course designed to take you from idea to outline — from the spark of a thought to the full architecture of a book.
Every day for thirty days, you’ll receive (straight to your inbox) a short video lesson and a small, deliberate task.
Each one builds upon the last, guiding you through the quiet work of design: developing your idea, naming your reader, defining your structure, and shaping the spine of your story.
By the end of the month, you’ll hold a complete working outline from which your book can finally grow.
The challenge is free to join because authorship begins with generosity: of time, of attention, of spirit.
Who it’s for
Writers who have carried an idea for too long and don’t know how to begin.
Professionals and experts who want to turn their knowledge into a book.
Those who’ve started a draft but lost their map somewhere in the middle.
And anyone who senses that a story is waiting and simply needs a framework to bring it to life.
What you’ll learn
how to move from inspiration to clear, intentional concept
how to design a structure that supports your story rather than constrains it
how to build a rhythm of daily writing that you can sustain beyond the challenge
and how to begin thinking like an author — seeing the whole book, not just the page in front of you
What to expect
Each morning, you’ll get an email straight to your inbox with a quick video lesson and a task to move your book forward.
Each lesson takes about 10 minutes.
Each task asks you to think, write, or design one part of your book.
You’ll need a notebook, some patience, and a willingness to return every day. That’s all.
After the challenge
When the 30 days end, you’ll have an outline, yes.
But you’ll have a practice.
From there, you’re invited to continue your studies inside the Academy of Story, where you’ll be placed in your House — Fiction, Nonfiction, Memoir, Screenwriting, or Academic — and begin the deeper work of writing the book itself.
Join the challenge
The next challenge begins in January…just in time for your New Year’s goals.
It’s free to take part, open to writers anywhere, and designed to meet you exactly where you are in your process.
You can register by simply subscribing to this publication. It’s free. Always.
