Writing Challenges

A challenge is something that can be enjoyed. It can take us beyond what we would normally try to do. It forces us to push the envelope to see the extent of our talent. The goal is to win a challenge. Reaching the goal is our motivation. When one challenge is reached, then yet another one will take its place. Writers are very familiar with challenges.

Sometimes those challenges are personal challenges that are self inflicted. A story is begging to get out, so the writer issues a personal challenge to get the story out of their head and onto paper. It may be as simple as setting a goal for how many words to write each day or a certain day to have the first draft completed by. When the project is being paid for by a publisher, then deadlines are a part of the day to day birth of a writing project.

Some challenges may begin from a school assignment. Some where, some time, a teacher decided that it would be a good idea for students to write on a particular topic or in a particular style. With the individuality of the students taken into consideration, there is a myriad of possibilities of finished products that the teacher will be assessing.

Some challenges may come from a company, organization, or the media. The story of the beginning of The Cat in the Hat is fairly well known as being part of a challenge. Writing contests are a source of income and acclaim for many writers. Now, CNN.com has stepped up and issued a challenge. The Uncovering the Secrets of Storytelling article can be viewed here and the challenge can be found at the end of the article. The challenge? Write a story with only using six words.

Although, I have faced many challenges in my life, this is one that I am sure that I am much too wordy to successfully attempt. It could prove to be an interesting writing exercise. It may even serve as a way to try to train myself to be less wordy with a few modifications. If you are up for the challenge, go to the CNN.com website and give it a try. Me, I think I will issue my own personal challenge. I think I will try to find a way to end this piece with a six word sentence. So with that, I say farewell.