Closed for now. Check back this fall for another round!
Join 1,200+ Christian authors for a free challenge to finally finish the book God has called you to write.
Closed for now. Check back this fall for another round!
Join hundreds of Christian writers writing this October.
BTW: Your email is safe with us — no spam. Ever. Just updates with news and helpful resources for your writing journey.
Totally FREE to join. (For real — no hidden strings!) Start with your name + email 👈
Choose your own writing adventure with word, page, or minute count goals
Instant Success Workbook access: your challenge month roadmap
The Writer’s Portal awaits: A custom web app to track your progress.
Daily Encouragement + community: Gospel-rooted motivation to keep you writing.
Whether you want to go big with 50,000 words or just commit to 15 minutes a day, we provide the structure to help you stay faithful to the call.
A challenge that fits your season
The Ambitious Path
Perfect for writers ready to draft something significant before summer hits.
- Daily Goal: ~1,613 words/day
Focus: Volume & Speed
The Steady Path
Build consistent momentum and see your book grow without the risk of burnout.
- Daily Goal: ~3–4 pages/day or 800–1,000 words/day
Focus: Progress & Rhythm
The Faithful Path
For the writer in a full season of life who wants to honor their creative call.
- Daily Goal: ~500 words/day
Focus: Habit & Presence
This isn't a competition — it's a challenge to support your faithful availability to Christ's creative call on your life! Your way, on your terms.
What others said about previous FaiBoWriMos 👇👇👇
Who's behind this?
18 Year Legacy of Writing + Publishing Experience
Hey 👋🏻 Jeremy Bouma here. Back in 2012, I'd never written fiction before. But something about NaNoWriMo — National Novel Writing Month — called to me.
So I jumped in headlong, with both fee. And without a clue!
That 50,000-word challenge lead to A Rediscovered Faith, my first novel. It also triggered a thirst for storytelling, sparked a writing rhythm, and taught me how daily faithfulness can unlock creative momentum.
Since then, I’ve joined 7 writing challenges that cultivated a creative discipline helped me build a 50+ book catalogue over 18 years.
I also launched CROSS + PEN — the creative studio behind this experiment. We empower GospelWise Authors with tools + training to wield the pen for the sake of the cross.
"Writing challenges changed my life. They didn’t just help me write books—they helped me become a more faithful and confident Christian writer."
Got some questions?
I got you covered!
Is this really free?
Yep! Totally free. There are add-ons to boost your challenge — daily devotionals + videos, weekly check-ins, prep training — but the core challenge is a gift 🙂 I'm here to help if you need it >> Learn More
Who is this challenge for?
Any Christian writer with a passion to wield the pen for the sake of the cross! Whether it's your first or fiftieth, you're welcomed here.
Can I finish or continue a book, or is this only for starting?
YES you can use this to finish (or continue) a writing project.
The goals and scope are totally up to you. Just trying to provide an intentional framework and some encouragement/community motivation for GospelWise Authors to wield the pen for the sake of the cross, as I like to say with my work. It was inspired by NaNoWriMo with the goal of 50k in a month but do what’s best for you and your book!
So, yes, if you’re struggling to finish then this could definitely be for you. Make this challenge your own!
What about fiction writers? Nonfiction?
Both! While my Faith-Based Book Writing Month challenge was inspired by National Novel Writing Month, it isn't just for novel writers. Do you write Bible studies, devotionals, or other resources? Join the fun! (As well as you fellow novelists 🙂 )
When does this run? What's included?
The May 2026 challenge runs from May 1-31, and includes a pop-up Facebook group, with the option to add on daily emails and video recaps to motivate and encourage your own writing PLUS an exclusive replay of my Faithfully Finished training with any add-on. Upgrade your experience HERE.
I've got more Qs!
No problem! Just pop a message over to me (Jeremy 👋) at hello@crossandpen.com and I'll get you squared away. Hope you join!