Welcome!
I believe we read to find out how other people meet the struggle of living, whether that’s a moment of teetering between life and death or merely facing another day. I invite you to explore the act of creating characters who confront all the uncertainties, choices, humor, and mysteries that surround us. Faced with such great material, I hope you will dive in and get to know the writer inside you.
This free site is designed for you to take a challenge and practice your writing. I will share thoughtful comments.
Try one!
BE INSPIRED
Writing Challenges
Newest Writing Challenge
Two Ghosts
Marvin (1938 -2020) and Theobald (1929-2017) hover, their backs appearing to rest against their tombstones in the dark of a starlit night. Marvin sits rather sprightly with both knees up, pretending to smoke an imaginary cigarette. Theobald (Theo to his friends), takes a more despondent posture, sprawling with legs akimbo,
Recent Challenges
Two Ghosts
Marvin (1938 -2020) and Theobald (1929-2017) hover, their backs appearing to rest against their tombstones in the dark of a starlit night. Marvin sits rather sprightly with both knees up, pretending to smoke an imaginary cigarette. Theobald (Theo to his friends), takes a more despondent posture, sprawling with legs akimbo, arms lying open-palmed by his sides. They argue….
Poem of the Day
A “Poem of the Day” is a short, freely written piece that is a good way to warm up for a writing session. Poems of the Day are not meant to be great poetry but rather a way of checking in to see what’s on your mind or to capture an odd thought. Here’s one of mine. I’d love to see one of yours posted as a Reply. Try it!
Basics
Watermelon tastes fantastic on a hot day.
Spiders are creepy.
Clean laundry smells good.
Yellow tablets mean work.
Don’t try to trick me. I don’t like to be tricked.
Stories make better messages than rules.
Dialogue, Characters, Setting, Action
Let’s say that the above series (dialogue, characters, setting, action) is today’s plan for beginning a scene you want to write.
Let’s say the scene is about a grandmother and her 10-year-old grandson going to a go-cart track to have some fun. Yes, they’re both going to drive a cart.
How would you begin that scene with the goal of making your readers want to keep reading?
Tip: Avoid stereotypes.
Another Tip: Surprise us!
To move in a clumsy, ponderous, or noisy manner.
Inspiring objects and symbols that inspire.
Honest statements, memories, dreams etc.
Inspiring poems to get the creative wheels turning.
Challenges created for storycrafting.
The odd, the intriguing, the interesting.