Free Author Challenges are where most writers begin their journey into the Academy of Story.
They’re short, focused experiences designed to help you stop circling the idea of writing a book and start living the identity of someone who actually writes one.
Each challenge offers a clear structure, thoughtful guidance, and practical tasks that move you from uncertainty to momentum, whether you’re exploring a new idea, strengthening an existing draft, or returning to deepen your craft.
Many writers join more than once, discovering that each round reveals new insights about their story, their process, and themselves.
This is where clarity replaces overwhelm, writing becomes a habit rather than a hope, and the path into the Academy begins with action.
What to expect from Free Author Challenges
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.
Who they’re 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 people say about Free Author Challenges
This challenge is so damn good!
I also just want to say how much I am enjoying this. It is just the kick up the bottom I needed after all these years…Quite often I sign up to something and within the first 5 minutes I know it's not going anywhere. So kudos to you.
Finally! It’s coming together Thank you for hosting this challenge!
Still loving the process you're putting us through, and still having to drag myself away from the writing. Thank you!
I just want to say a big thank you for this challenge. I have been stuck for over twenty years wanting to write a novel. I have lots of ideas and then never get more than a couple of chapters written before doubting myself and giving up. This challenge has really helped me focus.
I'm so excited and have renewed energy in my ability to produce a manuscript and that's all thanks to your delightful and reflective sessions. So thank you so very much.
The latest challenge
The latest challenge, which kicked off in January 2026, was a 30-day course designed to take participants from idea to outline—from the spark of a thought to the full architecture of a book.
Every day for 30 days, participants received (straight to their inboxes) a short video lesson and a small, deliberate task.
If you’ve come here after January 2026, you can find the complete challenge under the tab titled 30-Day Challenge, it will stay up until March 2026.
Each lesson and task builds upon the last, guiding participants 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 30 days, 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.
If you’re here after January 2026
As you go through the challenge, like each post to keep track of where you are in the course…and so that we can see who else is taking part.
Then, feel free to email Shelly and tell your premise: shelly@academyofstory.com
(When you reach the end, email again! Let’s celebrate your accomplishment.)
After the challenges
At the end of each challenge, you’ll be invited to continue your studies inside the Academy of Story, where you’ll have hands-on support, lessons, and tasks that’ll help you to get your book finished.
Take a challenge
The next challenge begins in March 2026.
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.
