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The AutoCrit Build a Character Mini Writing Challenge. 2 weeks to build a Character in this FREE Writing Challenge

February 2026

Build-A-Character: Mini Writing Challenge

February 3 - February 17, 2026

As always, all AutoCrit writing challenges are:

  • 100% free to enter
  • Safe and secure - your work and rights remain yours.
  • A fun way to jumpstart your creativity and win!

Ready to Build a Character?

February 3rd– February 17th 2026

STEP 1
Register

Sign up (100% free!) to join AutoCrit’s 14‑day Mini Writing Challenge starting April 8th.

STEP 2
Develop your Character

Use the AutoCrit Story Builder tool to develop your character’s goals, motivations, backstory, and personality.

STEP 3

Develop your Character

Submit a brief description or profile of your character to AutoCrit so we can celebrate your progress.

STEP 4
Celebrate Your Progress

By April 22nd, you’ll have a fully realized character and written material you can expand on—no strings attached.

Register Now

Build-A-Character: Mini Writing Challenge

Two Weeks to Craft an Unforgettable Character

Join AutoCrit’s 14-day FREE Mini Writing Challenge and watch your character come to life! Whether you’re into Romance, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, or Thriller/Horror, we’ve got the perfect prompt to spark your creativity.

Why Join?

  • 100% Free to enter!
  • Your work and rights stay 100% yours.
  • A fun, creative way to jumpstart your writing.

Sign up now — the challenge begins on February 3td!

AutoCrit Free Mini Writing Challenge poster on a parchment background featuring a wizard holding a staff and book. Bold headline reads ‘Free Mini Writing Challenge! Can you build out a character in two weeks?’ with a ‘Register Now’ button

Join us weekly LIVE on YouTube

During the challenge, the AutoCrit team will be live weekly to discuss writing techniques, author habits, and answer any questions participants may have.

We'll also have live expert feedback on your story ideas, prize giveaways and much more!

Register Now

What's the Schedule?

Answers to common questions about the challenge.

Nope. It’s free! To participate in the challenge, you don’t have to be an AutoCrit Professional Member. However, all challenge participants will become AutoCrit Free Members. This will allow you to access the AutoCrit Hub and Writer’s Desk, which will be useful during the challenge.

If you choose to, yes! By the end of the challenge, we hope you’ll have crafted a new, 2500-word short story based on the template we provide. Submit your work to our judges, and we’ll choose a selection of the most striking or creative to win a prize. AutoCrit will make no claim to any rights whatsoever regarding your story – it remains entirely yours to publish wherever you like.

The prompts will be revealed on the first livestream and will also be emailed to you. Make sure to stay tuned to future livestreams and keep an eye on your inbox for the various twists along the way! 

Schedule:

Live Stream 1 - Challenge Kickoff on YouTube: Tuesday, February 3rd - 3:30pm Eastern US Time
Live Stream 2 - First Challenge Update: Tuesday, February 10th - 1pm Eastern US Time
Live Stream 3 - Second Challenge Update - How to Submit: Tuesday, February 17th - 1pm Eastern US Time
Live Stream 4 - Final Challenge Stream: Tuesday, February 24th - 1pm Eastern US (Winners announced!)
Replays will also be available on the channel so if you happen to miss a stream, don't worry. You can always catch up.

For the best benefit, we recommend you subscribe to the AutoCrit YouTube channel so you don't miss out on stream notifications.

Recordings will be available on YouTube if you miss a live session.

Register Now - It's Free!

Register Now