August Writing Challenge
Week 1
Hello friends and new friends!
Welcome.
Are you ready to step up to the plate? The month of August has now become a challenge for all of you.
A writing challenge.
I want invite you to share 4 pieces of your writing that are under 100 words each.
Some of you have already shared some of your writing with me. Others have even created their own accounts here on Substack. This is fantastic and now I want to invite you to share your favourite 4 pieces of writing with me.
Haven’t written anything before? No problem! This is purely about getting outside your comfort zone and taking the next step.
I will select a number of you to share your writing with the group at the end of the month on our zoom call. I will also give each selected writer the opportunity to share their insights and inspiration for their writing.
If you’re completely new here and are just finding your bearings, I encourage you to take a look through some of my previous writings first. Here are some poems that have resonated well with other members.
If and when you feel ready to join the challenge, please let me know!
Hey you!
Yeah, I’m talking to you!
The time has come to get outside of your comfort zone!
What is your heart telling you? What are you celebrating? What beauty is your life asking you to champion?
What pain are you feeling that you can accurately describe while giving yourself the grace to move through it?
What have you remembered that now holds greater meaning and value? Why will you never forget this again?
What have you had enough of? Are you ready to do whatever it takes to create something new?
These are some questions to inspire your heart to open. Use them if you wish, or write from your own starting point.
Remember, try and keep each piece of writing under 100 words.
This creative constraint is designed to encourage you to be selective with your words and refine your expression.
Let’s get writing!
Let everyone know you are accepting The August Writing Challenge by leaving the comment,
“I’m in!”
Where do I share my writing?
Come back to this post later this week when you’re ready to share your first piece of writing. Make sure to post your writing as a comment and not as a reply to a previous message. It will be much easier for me to find!
Next week I will share more insights and helpful questions to open your heart for your second piece of writing.
Tips to get started
Use a specific journal or notepad that is only for your creative writing.
Schedule a time to sit down and write. It won’t happen unless you make time for it! Plan to take 15 to 30 minutes for yourself before you start writing. Take yourself for a walk, make your favourite beverage or sit in stillness and feel some appreciation for your life.
Write first. Edit later. It can often be awkward and clunky. Sometimes it won’t all make sense right away. That’s okay. Imagine you’re a master chef and you are experimenting with flavours in the kitchen. Find your own balance. Too much heat and you burn the food, too little heat and nothing will transform. Allow the inspiration to come to you!
Ready?
Let me know you’re committed by leaving the comment, “I’m In!”
Are you still here?
I know it’s tough sometimes. I know it can be scary.
I remember when I was in film school and I was given an assignment to write a short script. I knew deep down there was something I wanted to write but was terrified of sharing that particular story.
I ended up writing the whole story the day before the assignment was due. I remember sitting in my car outside the university building feeling like I was going to throw up. It felt awful and yet I was so tired of not being able to express myself.
That’s when I broke my pattern of fear by imagining myself in the future.
I envisioned myself being relieved and proud of myself for moving into my fears and dispelling them. I saw my teacher reading the script and understanding what I was trying to convey.
I felt the courage inside me build.
I took a deep breath and went inside to submit my script.
If you are inspired to share your writing but would prefer it be private at this time you can simply share it with a trusted friend or family member. All I want for you is to take the next step. You can leave me a comment and let me know you’ve done this and we will all celebrate your courage at the end of the month.
Even if I haven’t met you yet, I know the power you hold inside.
Continued Blessings,
Graham
FEAR
Fear of my appearance
Fear of making mistakes
Fear of being inadequate
Fear of not being understood
Fear of not being accepted
Fear of making a fool of myself
Fear of showing who I am
Fear of finding out who I really am
FEAR
False Evidence Appearing Real
It is time to rebuke fear
It is time to throw out all those fearful thoughts
I am ME
I am STRONG
I am ENOUGH
I walk in FAITH
Sharing my writing in public is one thing that really scares as I feel , I’m not good at expressing myself. I know what I’m feeling I just can’t put it in words . Everything I have written in my journal this past month since my mum passed away has been very dark and heavy .I have taken bits from different days and have tried to put it as a poem .This is something I have never done before ,not sure if this will work for this challenge but at the moment this is all I can do.
MY HEART BREAKS
This is a dream.
It can’t be real.
My heart breaks.
Mum you left me too soon.
You were my hero ,my support.
Always forgiving and loving .
Happy ,kind and smiling.
I will try my best to be a mother like you were.
Losing you mum I lost myself.
You will remain forever deep in my heart .
In my soul .
Love you forever mum .