If you were looking for a reason to write, here it is . . . it’s National Writing Day!
The annual event is run by First Story, with the aim of celebrating the “pleasure and power of writing creatively”, and to inspire “all ages and abilities to try writing for fun and self-expression”.
Whether you’ve had tonnes of books published or always kept your writing locked up in a drawer, this day is for you.
Maybe you’ve never tried writing creatively before — maybe there is a small voice in the back of your head that tells you things like “you’re not good enough”, or “writing isn’t for you”. Well, guess what? This day is for you, especially.
Writing is for everybody. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, and whatever your story.
If you’ve always wanted to, but never tried, now’s the time to give it a go.
Treat yourself to the delight of putting pen to paper or to the satisfying sound of keys clicking on a keyboard.
The #247Challenge
A writing challenge is issued as part of the celebration every year.
Today, the idea is to write something that is only 24 words long, in under 7 minutes, using the prompt “One day . . .”
To encourage others to join in, participants are asked to take a photo of their story, or record a video of themselves reading it aloud. Then share it to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook using the #247Challenge, and tag three friends.
Here’s author Mark Haddon to give some expert advice.
Remember, no one is looking for the next literary genius — today is about writing for the joy of it. So let loose!
Our attempts
Just to be fair, a few of us here at the “Friend” had a go at it ourselves! Here’s my attempt:
One day these roots
Will break the stone wall
By the bank where we once sat
And spoke of future things
Unknown to us.
Fiction team’s Alan also had a go:
One day I will share stories with those I only see in my dreams. The light will be our love. I will be home.
Why don’t you give it a try?
For more on National Writing Day, click here.
For more from the “Friend” Fiction team, click here.
Abigail Phillips Abbie is the newest member of the fiction team at the "Friend." She loves how varied the role is - every day is different and there is always a new story to read. She is keen to work closely with established writers and discover new writers, too.
