The challenge, called "Taking the Leap," is an exercise in fearlessness. As writers, we are probably all guilty of getting stuck in a certain genre or style that we know and love. And while great things are born from routine, I believe that even greater things can come from expanding your horizons and daring to take your creative muse to new places. Places you might have once considered going but ended up shying away from, for one reason or another. As the brilliant author Henry Miller once wrote, "All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous, unpremeditated act without benefit of experience."
Now is the time to break out of your comfort zone! Maybe there's a particular topic you've always wanted to write about but never got around to executing. Or maybe there's a theme, character, or setting you've thought about weaving into your stories but haven't found the right place for.
I tested out this challenge for the very first time last year, and I thought it was a pretty amazing success. From time to time, I've felt my own inspiration slipping away from me, and sometimes all it takes is a fresh, new perspective to get it flowing again. So I decided to host another one this year in the hopes of rekindling the passion and amazing talent that I know exists in this wonderful community.
This challenge is meant to be a fun, interactive way to try something new without any inhibitions or restraints.
The timeline is as follows:
Aug. 23-Sept. 6: Sign Up
Sept. 7-Oct. 12: Write
Oct. 13: Deadline
Oct. 14-20: Stories Posted
If you're interested in participating, please sign up!
Aug. 23-Sept. 6
Sign Up
Sept. 7-Oct. 12
Write
Oct. 13
Deadline
Oct. 14-20
Stories Posted