Tag: writing challenge

Writers, Are You Ready for NaNoWriMo 2022?

Posted on by Ian Dawson

November 1 is right around the corner, meaning NaNoWriMo returns once again. If you’ve never heard of it, NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, an annual challenge to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days.

Are you up for the challenge? I’ll be participating this year, and I encourage all new and seasoned writers to join.

Learn more and sign-up at the link below:

https://nanowrimo.org

The site offers many resources and tips to make your month a success.

You still have plenty of time to create and develop a story idea before NaNoWriMo begins. Start creating!

Happy Writing, and I’ll see you next time!

Writing Challenge of the Week: The Next 99 Days

Posted on by Ian Dawson

There are only 99 days until 2023.  If you write 1,010 words daily for the rest of the year and, you’ll have written 100,000 words by the end of 2022!  

100,000 words entering the New Year.  Sounds like a great plan!

Are you up to the challenge?

Happy Writing, and I’ll see you next time!

Writing Challenge: A Sensory Exercise

Posted on by Ian Dawson

The next time you’re out someplace waiting in line, getting food, ordering a coffee, or at the mall, take a few moments to fully take in your surroundings.

•          What do you see?

•          What do you hear?

•          What do you feel?

•          What do you smell?

•          What do you taste?

Take out a notepad, or open the Notes App on your phone if that would make you feel less self-conscious. Write down everything you take in with your senses.  Sights, sounds, colors, mannerisms, people quirks, etc.  Almost as if you are looking at a moving painting.

Later, take your notes a write out the scene with as much detail as possible, using all the sensory elements as a guide.  Paint the reader a vivid picture as if they are present at the location with you.

Do a few drafts, adding more detail and sensory elements with each pass.

Once you feel you’ve created a sensory-loaded piece, give it to a trusted friend or loved one to read.  Did they experience all the sensory elements?  

This is a great exercise to work on bringing the reader into a scene in more vivid and dynamic ways.

Happy Writing, and I’ll see you next time!