One of the best ways to become a better writer is to write. Last October I became a better writer during 31 Days of Grace. Writing everyday for a month will do that to you. But more than just the discipline of writing, 31 Days is an opportunity for each of us to discover those things that make us come alive. And then, to share those things with others.
Last year, eight of us teamed up to bring 31 days of change and inspiration. This year, we’re doing it again only this time, we want you to do it, too. I’ll be writing 31 Days to Change the World because I think it’s possible and I’m feeling just a tad bit rebellious towards people who want to tell me that it’s not. Here are the topics from the 8 of us:
Jen - 31 Days to Balancing Both Beauty and a Budget
Jessica – 31 Days of Memory Keeping
Melissa: – 31 Days: Inspired Holidays
Sandy – 31 Days of Warm Connections
Darcy: 31 Days of Photo Tips
Emily: 31 Days of the Little Things
Emily: 31 Days to Change the World
Nester – 31 Days of Charming Imperfection
What about you? On October 1st, we’ll host a linky for you to link up your own series. Will you be joining us this year? What’s your topic?
I’ll be writing on 31 days of A New Union (I’m getting married Oct 8). So, I had already planned on journaling through this whole process.
I’ll post some every day (and post when I get back on the honeymoon and thoughts). Some very general of course!
Love this idea, thank you for the inspiration. I think I will…
My topic… grace & grief. SO excited about this challenge!
ps- LOVE your picture in this post!
I do not have a blog but I would love to challenge myself in my own life to do this. I will be Paying It Forward in some small way for 31 days! Thank you for the inspiration to do this!!
Oh I do so want to do this!! I am thinking that if I post it here it will make me accountable , right?? Okay, so here goes! I will write about this: 31 days to Putting Family First
Phew!~okay, that wasn’t so hard! now comes the tough part…doing it! I think I might get a jump start….thankful for all of you ladies that have inspired me so much and continue to do so!
I’ll join you. Do we have to blog it every day? I’ll write about Glimpes of Christ in everyday life! Wow, that is a challenge to write it everyday.
Yes, I’ll accept the challenge!
~Di
I like to write about so many different things so narrowing down a topic was difficult. Then it dawned on me that all of the things I love to do have one common element: printables! Most all of the things I do in my home involves designing something on my computer so I figured I’d share them all. I create stickers, tags, prints, forms, labels, and more for most everything. So that is what I am blogging about for 31 days…31 Days of Printables: for organization, fun, learning, and of course, crafting!!!
I cant wait to see it! I love pretty things and I am trying to be more organized and intentional about my days.
I’m going to do 31 Days of Waiting…
And, I’ve been planning! I’ve got almost all of my titles done and nearly half of the content!
Hey, you didn’t “wait.” hehe
I am SO excited about this idea! I was a bit daunted by it at first, but after talking about it with some friends in the musical I’m currently doing (The Sound of Music) – they all thought I should definitely do it! I’m writing about the thing that’s most difficult for me right now, and a concept I haven’t wanted to admit I’m dealing with alot these days….31 Days of Waiting. (wanted to call it 31 days of patience, but that’s definitely a topic in a waiting series
I talk too much about wanting to write, and not actually doing it, so here goes 31 days of writing! 
Thanks to you as always for your powerful and beautiful words – I love your blog! 
I’m so excited to start this! My topic is writing. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what makes a writer and good writing, particularly since it’s part of the new job I just started, and I figured I ought to write about it.
An interesting challenge. If only I could think of a topic!!!!!
I am excited to write about 31 Days to Inspire a Child…mostly because it’s reminding me again of the kind of mom I want to be!
I would love to read this!
I’m in! I love October (my b-day’s on the 31st), and I’m excited to have a purpose to my posts all month long. I’m doing 31 Days to Loving the Poor. And then going to Cambodia for a month (December 11 to January 13) with my hubby and 3 girls. Soooo excited!! Thanks, Emily!!
I nearly lept out of my chair when I saw your tweet!
I am so in! 31 days of Expectancy – living each day expecting and anticipating God to do whatever He chooses. Thanks Emily!!!!
Now, if I could only think of a topic, I’d join! Let me get back to you …. & would also need to think which blog to use!
i want to do it, but I’m really scared. If i do it, I’ll do 31 days of joy. I want to do 31 days of Bob Ross, but maybe that’s too stalkerish.
Cracking up! I love Bob Ross. I used to watch him on PBS as a kid…it was hypnotic. And I don’t even paint!
can I steal your topic?
I would love to do something about changing the world with an emphasis on orphan care and poverty ministries. 
I’m totally answering and this isn’t even my blog, but I don’t think my sister’s around today–by all means, yes write whatever you want I love your emphasis!!! As long as you don’t call it the same title {confusing} I think it will be wonderful! Yee Haaww!
So for anyone else out there, if you feel like your title is being used again and again, I would consider getting more creative with your words~what makes your message unique?
I’ll be doing 31 days of date night ideas. Most, if not all of them will be frugal ones.
I will definitely be joining you- can’t wait! I’ll be featuring 31 days of MOMents- reflections of the everyday. Hopefully with pictures but let’s not put the cart before the horse : )
i have been lacking inspiration in my writing, and i think this is a great idea to focus and write. so, i am going to commit to this… 31 days of encouraging creativity in children.
oh now i am excited
i better get planning!
I am contemplating doing this…Oh, gosh, now the conviction is starting.. My contemplative title? “31 Days of Free Hugs,” requiring me to extend my arms and hug a stranger each day in October.
Today is “National Hug Day” so hugs all around.
I’m excited about this. Thanks for inviting everyone to participate! I hope to be writing 31 Days of Joy. It is something I’ve been wanting to do for well over a year now. This 31 days is giving me the kick in the pants that I need to get it done!
I’ve been ruminating on surrender… lots of thoughts… just wasn’t sure how to put it all together. Thanks for the motivation… 31 Days of Surrender coming soon.
This will be my first time participating, so I’m going to try 31 Days of Improvement and focus on both personal improvement and affordable options/improvements around the home. Should be fun!
I love this. I think I’ll be doing 31 Days of Letting Go…. letting go at home, at work, with God. Can’t wait!
Yay! I am so excited! I am doing 31 days of grace filled discipline!
I’ll be joining you! 31 days of all things new…..I’ll be posting a picture of a thrifted outfit and comparing it to my journey with the Lord. Eeeeeeeek!!!!!
I’m wondering if I’m really up for this challenge, but I want to do 31 Days of Lessons Learned While Learning to Run.
We have the same name. Is your’s short for anthing? Mine isn’t. Just Cori.
I’m just Cori, too! Nice to meet you!
I really would love to link up with this. I am praying about a topic now. I suppose it’s ok if I duplicate something that’s already being done, since I know we don’t all write the same? Thanks for the opportunity!
Ha ha, well God works fast. “Peace” just dropped into my head, so I will be posting on “31 Days Peace”. Looking forward to this challenge!
And after all of that, He’s changed my focus. “31 Days of Abiding”!
Hi,
I’m doing
“31 Days…and 31 Minutes to a More Organized Home”
Quick and easy tasks taking 31 minutes or less…
I have a list of topics already planned.
I’m so excited to play a part.
Dana
Cooking at CafeD
I loved this series last year and learned so much from it. I’ve been thinking about this for over a month and I can’t cant’ come up with a topic that I could stick to. Maybe I could come up with some sewing tips? Some items to sew step-by-step? Oh, it’s tempting.
I’m going to attempt at 31 days of significance. I’ll have to just take it day by day…
I’m linking up with a Bible study series called 31 Days to a Planted Mind… all about improving the purity and commitment of our thought lives. Thanks for the challenge! Just what I needed to get going on this series that I’ve sensed God calling me to write.
Whew, what a commitment. 31 days. I will try so hard but I can’t help but feel I may skip a few days unintentionally. Mkay, let me see.
31 days of … becoming a woman.
i’ve been struggling with that as i am one yet feel like much younger in a unknowing sort of way. We’ll see what happens.
So many great ideas!! I’ll be writing 31 Days of Creativity Babysteps! It’ll cover redefining creativity in everyday life and taking daily small steps towards your creative goals. I can’t wait -October is going to be so fun!
I’m still very much in ‘not sure if I want to commit’ stage, but I’m thinking of 31 days to Finding Freedom. I think I’ll be writing more to myself than anyone else!
I have been thinking SO, SO, SO much about this since you posted on this a few weeks ago, and I have come up with all kinds of ideas. And I think I have narrowed it down to what I *feel* that I am supposed to, like, write about. And the reason that I think it is the right thing is because I am so nervous to even say it, write it down, and go on this journey for 31 days….but I think I am supposed to so here goes…..
31 Days of Rediscovering Him
This is where my personal journey is taking me.
Any tips? Advice?
I think it’s really great, Lindsey – I love that you’ve spent so much time thinking about it! You could simply call it “31 Days of Rediscovery” – it’s simpler and it could still be your personal journey. Just a thought – sounds good!
I’ll be joining in with my saucy 31 days of Love-Making
It will definitely stretch me and take me out of my comfort zone. Thats a good thing though, right? 
I love this challenge! I’m doing 31 Days of Letters to my Daughter(s), open letters to girls/teens/young women about growing up loving Christ in today’s society.
I have been looking forward to this, gathering ideas and have my button all ready to go. My topic is 31 days of Christmas Wonder. Thanks for letting us join in this year.
Fondly,
Glenda
I had commented on the last post that I might join in and that one of my ideas was 31 days of Grief because I lost my father unexpectedly in April. I got an absolutely lovely and encouraging email from Emily suggesting an off-shoot of Grief and I began considering 31 days of Hope. However, I am going to decline this year. I do NaNoWriMo in November and when I tried to do 50,000 words in July and a 2nd round of 50,000 in August I almost made my head explode. I know I will not be able to post daily in October about hope and then turn around and do another 50,000 word novel in November. But, I will be happily following along!
I’m in! I will blog on “31 days of my life as a missionary wife and Mum” (yes, I am British, and have to keep the “u” in Mum!). I try to keep our supporters and praying family and friends up to date with our life here in the jungle of the Philippines. However i think it will be great to give an overview of daily life during 31 days,the big things and the small as we live in another culture, teaching the Word of God and living among some really awesome people who live very difficult lives. What a great opportunity to share their stories too as we live and work with them. God is doing great things here, may He have all the glory as we share our lives and ministry with others. Thanks for the challenge…..time for a cup of tea.
Okay. I have gone from thinking this sounds terrifying…to possible…to kinda exciting.
One of your previous posts has been like a final shove towards go for it. When you told us not to be afraid to write bad. Seriously. That is pretty big for me. If the post isn’t going to be just right, if I am nervous in the least bit or unsure if it is really “good”, I am probably not going to write it. So glad God is working on me with that issue…even if it makes me feel a little queasy.
Soooooo, my 31 days will have something to do with roots. Rooting down deep into the soil of His marvelous love. I am all about seeing Him in creation, especially trees and roots.
And I know my own heart needs to root down ever deeper. Not sure what to title it yet, though.
Thanks for challenging and encouraging my heart with your own walk with Him.
Blessings,
a still somewhat nervous about the 31 days gal
Hmmmm…maybe just 31 Days of Rooting Deeper
Kimberly, I am excited you are joining the challenge. My first time too. I will be writing on “31 days of abiding”! Should be fun!
I am going to do 31 Days of Home. I’m currently working on 31 Days of Peace, and it’s hard! I love the discipline of doing this though, and I think you’re right. It is making me a better writer. I find that I’m not so wordy when I’m addressing the same subject every day, and for me, queen of the wordy, that’s better writing!
I agree with others…I love yours!!! Right where I like to LIVE! Something along the ‘fan the flame’ lines for me, since that’s what I blog about anyway…something like 31 days journeying to His heart…I think that’s what is stirring in me. This is just a perfect focus as we wait for our BIG MOVE to happen:}
I LOVE this idea as well! I have been looking for a new writing challenge as pracitce.
I am thinking mine will be something along the lines of 31 Days of Preparing for Baby. I am expecting Baby #3 and feel like I have so much to do to get ready. Besides getting the baby stuff ready, I am getting my kids ready and my self ready. My husband is working on an addition to our house. I am emotionally trying to prepare for another baby. There are so many things to write about! It will be a great journal to have.
Thank you for this!
I’ll be writing 31 Days to Peace-Filled Singleness!
I’m still planning to join in. I’m nervous and excited. It’s a huge commitment! I’m afraid November will be 31 days of crawling out of the laundry pit or 31 days of re-learning how to cook. : ) I’ve never written for 31 days straight. Oh yeah, my topic is still “31 Days of Real.”
31 Days of Unleashing Your Creativity! The night you posted about it a month or so ago I brainstormed a bunch of topics and almost have enough
On my to-do list for the week was “email E.F. about 31 days…” So glad you posted!
I’ll be posting on 31 Days of Spending (and I don’t mean money!). Thanks for the invitation and the challenge!!
I’ve been thinking about this all week and felt challenged by the Lord to join in this time instead of just observe. After rolling a few topics around in my mind, I think I’m being led to write “31 days of New Life”, based on Isaiah 43″18-19. God is doing new things in my life, my career, my marriage, and I have been sulking in the past for so long I haven’t been able to see it. He is calling me to pay attention to the new things He is doing, and I think this will be a great way for me to be intentional about it! I don’t know how I will come up with 31 posts but I think I will just take it day by day.
can anyone tell me how to make a blog button??
Hi! I’m new to the blogging world, but I’ll be participating! My theme will be 31 Days of Strength (in all of its various forms..)
I just finished writing an eBook entitled “31 Days to Build a Better Spouse” {accessing the power of prayer to build up your spouse}. I thought about sharing that as my 31 Days series, but I wanted to write something more. I decided that since October is Pastor Appreciation Month, I would write a series: 31 Days to Pray for Your Pastor. I’ll be sharing it on 31DaystoPray.com, and I’ll have a newsletter subscription option for daily email reminders. Thanks for hosting this month of change!
I’ve been praying/considering/mulling over the idea of doing a series on giving thanks. This seems like a perfect challenge/launch pad to do just that.
So, I think I’m going to do 31 Days of Thanksgiving
Thanks for the inspiration!
Love,
Elizabeth
PS Grace for the Good Girl is on its way from the Barnes & Noble distribution center to my university as I type this! Can’t wait!!
faith … 31 days of faith.
Yes, I want to join in. My blog is about Loving and Living Life. In October I will blog about how to love/live your life.
Ok, I just committed. Scary!
-Amanda
I love this idea and the chance to participate.
My topic is: “31 Days of Encouragement”. The theme ~ discovering 31 ways to encourage your spouse.
Excited to participate…
I’ve decided to join – knees shaking, scared to death … 31 Days of Women (biblical women & their characteristics … good & bad)
What a great idea! I’m taking the challenge and writing 31 Days of Blended Family. So scary for me. I’ve never really expanded on the subject in my blog. Love my blended family but it’s definitely tough.
Well, as much as it freaks me out to commit, I think I’m in.
I saw this post this morning and thought “I should do that”…but had no idea what I would write about.
A few hours later it just hit me loud and clear.
31 days of Rest
I’m terrified of running out of things to say by day 4, but I want to be more disciplined in my writing, and rest has been a big concept in my mind for awhile.
Now I’m gonna go review your list of things that keep us from showing up.
I’m gonna go for it! Thirty-one days . . . of sitting. Just posted about it today
.
I’m in. I’m going to write about 31 days of ….renewing. Setting our minds, remembering who we are in Christ.
I, too, am afraid I’ll never come up with 31 topics, but I’m diving in anyway!
31 Days of Womanhood. Looking forward to daily posts by all my favorite writers! Thanks for inviting us to join in!
This is a great idea. I am a new writer and am looking forward to the challenge of writing everyday. My passion is that women would truly know who God is – really know Him and His character. So, for 31 days, I am going to write about one of the Hebrew names of God. Thank you for inviting others to join you on this journey.
I had fun looking over everyone’s topics. Mine will be 31 Days of Kicking Out the Excuses… excuses for all sorts of stuff! Someone posted a button tutorial on Nester’s site, so I’ll repost here bc I just used it to make my own blog button.
http://mommybits.net/2009/05/17/tutorial-creating-your-own-blog-button-w-code-box/
Saw this a week ago… thought about it… wanted to do it… wondered why anyone would read it and if no one did would it hurt me…. talked to God about a topic…. talked to my kids… received encouragement… taking the plunge and actually posting…
Don’t know if this will be for anyone but me…. trying to narrow down the idea to a title to fit this project …. tune in if you wanna find out what it means…
31 Days of People
I think I’d like to do it, but since my blog is a 4 month old I think it would be wise to just go with its focus:
31 days of thanks and praise
I am going to journal and post on 31 days to Building and Modeling Gratitude. Thanks for the opportunity and the challenge!
Ohhhh I love a good challenge! 31 days of embracing your destiny… coming up starting oct 5. Got a little of a late start but there is grace for that right?
See you all over at from the unpaved road… What a great idea Emily! TY!
Thanks, Michele from Sudan, for posting this challenge and linking to Emily’s site. I definitely want to give this a try, even though I am late. I am thinking 31 days of friendship. For 31 days choosing 31 people who have blessed my life through their friendship and sending them a handwritten card. I do not have internet every day so I will only be able to post weekly even though I will send a card daily. Wonderful idea!