Today’s challenge:
Write a story in 40 minutes.
It doesn’t have to be perfect (in fact, it shouldn’t be!). You’re practicing:
- Starting
- Trusting your instincts
- Letting go of perfection
Want to write today?
Try the Draft in a Day Workshop available at a 50% discount until May 1, 2025
Discussion:
Did you try it? What helped you keep moving forward? Was the ending rushed or just right?
Just wanted to share this resource as I have found it AMAZINGLY HELPFUL! Jim Butcher, one of my favorite authors wrote a series of blog posts basically giving solid advice for building stories and outlines he has learned. It has helped me so much, and its kind of funny how the structure he is providing is actually helping my brainstorming of where my stories can go.
https://jimbutcher.livejournal.com/
Butcher is a personal favorite. Thank you for sharing this.
Done, I always like those type something in 40 minutes, this time I didn’t even try to get a story out of it, I just had a crack, not sure of the genre, it’s a bit like a ‘Why I write’ type post. https://afstoryaday.blogspot.com/2026/04/fast-draft-warm-up-exercise.html
Thank you, Julie, for the “First Draft A Practice Story” opportunity. Feels good to be writing to you after almost a year.
I am happy with the story I wrote in response to your email. The ending had to be rushed though but that way I was able to give a unique ending, a first in my life, to my story.
I hope this year there will be some changes in the StoryADay writing program. I missed it last year and I still feel bad about it.
Anyway, here is eagerly looking forward to taking part in StoryADay. Best wishes.
Rathin,
You’re teasing, you wrote, a rushed ending, yet a unique ending, a first.
Well done, but you’re leaving us guessing.
Cheers
Andrew
I believe what kept me moving forward was dropping perfectionism, just letting go, and having fun.
Melanie,
That’s what editing is for, blurt it out clean it up later.
Cheers