Writing Challenge - Introduction and Challenge #1

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

As 2016 was winding down I was struggling with the "Monthly Challenges". We did them for two years, but I was not keeping up with them like I should, and I was running out of fresh ideas. I wasn't sure if I even wanted to do any kind of challenges this year, or just let it go entirely. However, I've been thinking a lot about improving my own writing skills and in order to do that I need to stretch myself. It occurred to me that at least some of my readers might like to participate. Perhaps some new readers will join us along the way.

Obviously writers, especially those with blogs, might enjoy the challenges the most. Homeschoolers might like to add some of them to their children's learning plan. Some who journal or just write for their own enjoyment might also find some of them interesting as well.

"Rules"

The "rules", for lack of a better word, will be fairly loose.

1. My own original writing and ideas are my intellectual property and may not be copied or printed, except for personal use, without my written permission. (This is the most threatening rule and I state it because I don't know if I may someday wish to publish my ideas myself. It gets better, keep reading.)

2. You can post your participation projects on your blog or in the comments here - or not. You choose.

3. It would helpful if you use a challenge idea for a blog or web site post if you would link back to the challenge, but that is completely voluntary.

4. If you are an educator, while I am delighted to have you use my challenges, I would much appreciate credit for any challenges you choose to use with your students. (See Rule 1.)

5. You are not obligated to leave "encouraging comments" on other blogs or in the comments below in order to participate. (NOTE: Rude comments left here will more than likely not see the light of day on this blog.) ;-)

6. You do not have to connect to me through social media, and you are not required to follow my blog in order to participate.

7. You do not have to participate at all. :-)

8. You may participate in complete obscurity or anonymity (because I know that putting yourself in print online can be intimidating).

9. If you post your efforts in the comment section here, you accept the fact that I have the right to decide if I wish to publish it or not. All comments are moderated. This is my blog. You want to make sure it's seen - start you own blog. :-)  This blog is run by a Christian, so keep comments posted here family friendly, profanity free, and God fearing.

If You Wonder...

There will be no link-up parties for these challenges in the foreseeable future because I don't want all the extra work. I just want to write more, not manage. ;-)

While I want to improve my own grammar skills and such, I am not a teacher nor part of the "grammar police", so there will be no "correcting" or instructing of individuals along those lines. If you're looking for that type of thing I'm sure you can find something online to help you. I may post opinions in my own posts upon occasion, but I'm not here to help you correct your own mistakes. I just thought some others might enjoy coming along for this adventure, so I'm essentially inviting you to participate if you wish, nothing more.

Lastly, since we live in the best and worst of times, to reference Dickens, and very strange things seem to be common these days, if for any reason an ugly situation develops in relation to these challenges, I will discontinue them without warning or reference to the participants' opinions. Sad to have to say that, but as my Grandpa was wont to say, "People are stranger than anyone."

I think that about covers it. I haven't yet determined how often I will publish the challenges. Some will be easier than others. Some will relate to specific types of writing projects. Some may have either/or options.

Kick Off Challenge

Since January is already waning, we'll kick things off with something I've already been doing and am hoping others might enjoy.

CHALLENGE: Get a word from the Random Word Generator and write something about that subject. It can be as short or long as you wish.

Personally, I don't care how many times you hit the button to get a word you want to write about, but it's more challenging if you hold yourself to one to three clicks. :-)

I already did one of these this month.

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For those who are interested in participating: How often would you like to see the challenges go up? I'm just looking for some ideas on time frame.