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ACCESS THE CHALLENGE WRITING PROMPTS 

Here are some resources to help you prepare for your StoryADay challenge.

Keep scrolling for workshops, this year’s bingo card, writing logs, graphics and more…

And let’s get the conversation rolling. Leave a comment and let us know how you’re feeling right now!

Participant Badges

(right-click to save/download)

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Square StoryADay 2022 Participant Badge
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Bingo Card

Download your game board now. 

Open your email each day to gain access to another game piece. 

Post a picture of your board on social media using #storyadaybingo any time you complete a row/column!

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Weekly Checklist

Download your checklist now

Keep track of your goals during the challenge 

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Story Sparks Foldable

Here’s a foldable booklet for people who’d like something to carry around with them. Print this “full bleed” and use these instructions to fold your booklet. And here’s how you might use them and how one of the StoryADay veterans uses theirs.

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StoryADay Coloring Book

Because….coloring!!  

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54 thoughts on “!Thx 2022 Classic Challenge Participant”

  1. Hello Everyone, I’m Eren. I’m here to write to interesting/boring stories of my life. I want to improve my english speaking skills as well as writing skills. Seems both of them are inter related. I feels this is a great initiative to form a community and write stories each day. Looking forward to this.

  2. I’ve been wanting to find ways to feel free to write and to start finishing stories (haven’t written a story beginning to end since high school), and I think the classic challenge will help me do that. Thank you so much for hosting it, Julie, and thank you everyone who participates!

    I’ve been listening to the StoryADay podcast for years, don’t remember how I heard of it now, and I enjoy writing whenever I can allow myself to do it (too rarely for my taste). This past February, I mentioned to a friend that I was thinking of doing the StoryADay challenge (first time I’ve mentioned it even though I’ve thought about it every year), and as brief as that part of our conversation was, I think their support is what let me actually seriously consider for-real doing it this year. So I’m going for it! I was mainly nervous until I decided for sure just this morning, and I’ve been mainly excited about it ever since. (nerves may reappear but that’s ok)

  3. Hiya! Looking forward to the challenge. I’ve been a slow writer in the past and would like to experience what happens when I focus on a different story each day.

  4. Hi! I confirmed my email through the link yesterday, but I didn’t receive the Day 0 message yet. I just want to make sure I’m set up to participate! Thanks for running this again! I’m so looking forward to it.

  5. Excited to be here! This go-around (my 4th), I’m planning to write every day and use the prompts to help flesh out a series of linked stories I’m working on. And of course, have FUN 🙂

  6. I am so excited to have found you today! I searched for a writing podcast on Spotify and the first podcast I listened to is “Get ready for StoryADayinMay 2022.”

    My writer’s heart was unearthed by third and fourth grade teachers who, in successive years, had my class write in journals. My practice has ebbed and flowed over the years, jumping through various hoops in college part I, and taking more technical turns in University part II (nursing school after my kids grew up) and it feels very serendipitous to me that on this Saturday, April 30th, I found your April 23rd podcast explaining how StoryADay can work.

    I kept listening to the April 9th podcast. I felt at home as I heard, “if you’re listening to this, and you haven’t tuned out yet, clearly there’s something in you that demands to be listened to, you love writing…” Yes I sure do! Thank you so much for broadcasting such support and encouragement for writers. I don’t know that I’ll find enough “sparks” in the remaining ten hours of this day (in my time zone) but I am determined to rise to the challenge of carving out daily time to write.

    Thanks, again!!!

    1. Yay! So glad you found us.
      (And thanks for letting me know how 😉 I’m always curious…)

      Yes, it definitely sounds like there is something in you that demands to be writing now!

  7. Just signed up! First time for me! I’m hoping completing this challenge will get me into a more solid routine of writing every day. Looking forward to getting started! Thanks so much!

  8. So cool to see all the writers in the comments! This is my first time doing StoryADay May, and I’m excited. I’m working on a novel that I’d like to complete within the next couple of months, so my goals will actually be writing scenes/chapters every day, but I’m also interested in using the StoryADay prompts as warmups and writing little snippets for them. 😀

  9. This is my third year. First year my personal life has been in major upheaval during the challenge. I’m excited to try, determined to keep my creativity going, and hopeful I can forgive myself on the days I just can’t make the challenge happen.

  10. Hello Everyone,

    And hello again Julie. It’s been a few years since I gave this a bash, 2017 to 2019 previously. It was great, i’m back for the challenge and inspiration. Also to get the the writing habit back as I’ve a novel to finish.

    PS – Julie, just reading an old ‘Writers Digest’ Magazine from 2017 ‘Short Training for you long game’

    Cheers

    1. Hi Andrew!

      Gosh has it been so long since I wrote that article? (Totally inaccurate headline of course. Short stories are no one’s training ground. They stand proud!)

  11. Hi, everyone. Rathin from Kol, India here. I am really excited to be participating in this Story A Day Contest.
    I am quite confused though not knowing how to go about it. Last time I participated in a Contest in February, I had to write a story for 28 days based on the prompt provided each day of the month. It was great fun, making new friends, learning from their feedbacks, getting better at story-writing as a result.
    I just hope that my interest sustains for the whole of May and doesn’t fade away.
    Here is wishing everyone a great writing/learning experience. Stay blessed.

  12. So one part of me thinks I’m crazy for doing this; I go from “I can’t do this!” to “I can’t wait to do this!” I’m afraid I won’t finish (like last time). But I’m going to try to relax and have fun!

    1. That’s a totally normal way to feel at this point 😉 Just keep showing up. YOu can’t fail if you’re still showing up on May 31!

  13. I am happy to be participating even though much chaos presently surrounds me. I will use the daily tasking to narrate sections of my memoirs into Dragon and begin to shape them. This will be the third Stada and my last one was very successful in engaging me in my work!

    1. Dr Susan! Great to see you here. Hope the writing is a happy retreat from the chaos for at least a few minutes each day in May!

  14. I’m really excited for this! I myself am I young writer and is looking for an opportunity to improve my writing skills. I also haven’t had a lot of motivation to write lately so hopefully this will get me back in the gig!

    1. Motivation is a tricky beast. A big challenge like this can definitely get you rolling. As you go along, though, pay attention to the intrinsic rewards when you do your writing. After the challenge is over, those will be the things you want to reach for as you build your on-going practice.

      Glad you’re here!

  15. I signed up for both also.
    A friend is struggling in her writing journey. So I have offered to do the FUN one with her. (Hopefully she will accept)
    I will do the Classic for myself.
    See you all next week!

  16. I’m writing a thriller novel right now, and I’m stuck. I am looking forward to Story A Day May to spark my creativity and put me back on the right track.

    1. I have seen it work for so many writers: taking a little sideways trip into short stories can really unlock something in your novel…or just spark your enthusiasm again.
      Good luck!

    2. I’ve used Story-a-Day to help with my novel. I’ve used the prompts to write character studies and backstory. It’s helped me get several stories back on track. Good luck!

  17. I have been writing off and on for years. Last year we sold our family business of 40 years and now have the time to concentrate on my writing. I am very excited, and a bit nervous, but ready to challenge myself and to meet other writers.

    1. Yay Gaby! It’s a big challenge but remember to lean on the community (esp. the Superstars) and to set your own rules.
      Be forgiving if you mess up, and just keep coming back!

  18. I’m feeling ready. Last year, I was mourning my husband. This year, I’m celebrating knocking breast cancer out of the ring, so I’M READY. I see a piece of Marta art on your bookshelf. Always a good thing!

    1. You are eagle-eyed, Marian. That is, indeed a Marta Pelrine-Bacon artwork and it brings me happiness.

      My goodness, you really deserve some writing time. Congrats on the success of your treatments. Sending you lots of energy. I LOVE seeing your StoryADay May contributions and comments!

  19. I’m feeling anxious, but hopeful. I always say someday I will write, someday I will have time, someday …… I decided that someday is now. I want to make writing a real and regular part of my life, not a an occasional, someday thought.

    1. Yay!

      Remember, you get to set your own rules (and it’s not a terrible idea to pause each week and ask yourself if the rules you set for last week are making you happier or sadder, and then change them—of course this depends on whether or not you are motivated by keeping a streak going!)

      Keep your stories super-short and focus on getting something done every day…and call it a win!

      I’m excited for you. You’re going to learn a lot about what/where/how/when you write best, and you can take that knowledge forward into all your writing days.

  20. Hello! I am Kara. I am looking forward to the challege. I am excited to write each day and to makle it a habit. I am tired of saying, “someday” to my writing. Someday begins May 1st!

  21. I’m editing a book right now, but wanted (no, needed) to keep my writing muscles strong so I’ve signed up for the classic story a day challenge. I’m mortifying it slightly to fit my editing deadlines, but am so excited to be part of this community and get some new words down this month.

    1. I met Julie at AWP, and she told me about this. Now, several of our writing group (Jordan included) are participating.

      Very excited to have this as a motivational tool and to see what comes out of it.

    2. Modify all you like! Just keep coming back all month, and you’ll definitely keep your muscles strong.

      (Curious: Is it your book or someone else’s?)

  22. I decided to challenge myself and go for the whole enchilada rather than just one story for the month. I’m feeling a bit nervous, but also excited to think I can come out of this with 31 stories.

    Good luck to us all!

    1. Woohoo!

      Nervous is good. Nervous means you know what you’re getting into … and you’re doing it anyway. I salute you!

      Looking forward to seeing your comments…all month long 😉

  23. Call me crazy, but I’ve signed up for both versions. I like the idea of the slower version, but I didn’t want to miss out on the truly delirious excitement of the full challenge. I’ll gear up and start my finger yoga so they’ll be limber enough to tackle both! I’m laughing with joy at my own folly!

    I may be crying by midMay, or laying passed out over the keyboard. Or, more realistically, I may resort to picking only one activity from the two challenges each day. But I crave the push right now and am thrilled for it all to begin!

    Thank you Julie for all you do to help us put pen to paper!!

  24. I’m Rachel and really want to get back into writing! I used to write fanfiction but I became bogged down with fibromyalgia brain fog then baby brain and really want to write again now.
    I was looking for inspiration and recently read a fanfic which was an author posting a short story a day for each day in April. I loved the idea and then I saw the email about this challenge! I’m hoping to do a bit of allsorts – some fanfiction but also some original content. Mostly I want to build a new habit. If I can last a year on Duolingo, surely I can build a writing habit too?

    1. You do sound like someone who can handle a habit.

      Remember: keep your stories short (and rough) and just keep moving forwards. Sometimes I’ll end up dictating a story into my phone in the car, or writing a Twitter-length story, just to keep the momentum going. And some days I’ve been known to forget to write (yes, even me!) and then you just have to let it go and keep moving.

      It’s all good!

  25. Hi my name is Jenny and I’m not even sure how I found your challenge but here I am! I’m 3/4 through a masters writing program and I want to write outside the classroom box, so here I am. I’m basically unpublished and like writing essays/CNF pieces. Looking forward to all of it!

    1. Hi Jenny, I’m so happy to give you a little detour from the classroom writing and the CNF (though you’re welcome to use the prompts for that, too!)

      I know many people who have been in formal writing programs who use this challenge as a stepping stone to teach themselves how to write without the promise of a grade at the end. That, of course, is the work of a lifetime, but I’m happy you’re here for it.

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More StoryADay Challenge Resources

Worksheets, social media badges, tracking sheets and more…

find out more

54 thoughts on “!Thx 2022 Classic Challenge Participant”

  1. Hello Everyone, I’m Eren. I’m here to write to interesting/boring stories of my life. I want to improve my english speaking skills as well as writing skills. Seems both of them are inter related. I feels this is a great initiative to form a community and write stories each day. Looking forward to this.

  2. I’ve been wanting to find ways to feel free to write and to start finishing stories (haven’t written a story beginning to end since high school), and I think the classic challenge will help me do that. Thank you so much for hosting it, Julie, and thank you everyone who participates!

    I’ve been listening to the StoryADay podcast for years, don’t remember how I heard of it now, and I enjoy writing whenever I can allow myself to do it (too rarely for my taste). This past February, I mentioned to a friend that I was thinking of doing the StoryADay challenge (first time I’ve mentioned it even though I’ve thought about it every year), and as brief as that part of our conversation was, I think their support is what let me actually seriously consider for-real doing it this year. So I’m going for it! I was mainly nervous until I decided for sure just this morning, and I’ve been mainly excited about it ever since. (nerves may reappear but that’s ok)

  3. Hiya! Looking forward to the challenge. I’ve been a slow writer in the past and would like to experience what happens when I focus on a different story each day.

  4. Hi! I confirmed my email through the link yesterday, but I didn’t receive the Day 0 message yet. I just want to make sure I’m set up to participate! Thanks for running this again! I’m so looking forward to it.

  5. Excited to be here! This go-around (my 4th), I’m planning to write every day and use the prompts to help flesh out a series of linked stories I’m working on. And of course, have FUN 🙂

  6. I am so excited to have found you today! I searched for a writing podcast on Spotify and the first podcast I listened to is “Get ready for StoryADayinMay 2022.”

    My writer’s heart was unearthed by third and fourth grade teachers who, in successive years, had my class write in journals. My practice has ebbed and flowed over the years, jumping through various hoops in college part I, and taking more technical turns in University part II (nursing school after my kids grew up) and it feels very serendipitous to me that on this Saturday, April 30th, I found your April 23rd podcast explaining how StoryADay can work.

    I kept listening to the April 9th podcast. I felt at home as I heard, “if you’re listening to this, and you haven’t tuned out yet, clearly there’s something in you that demands to be listened to, you love writing…” Yes I sure do! Thank you so much for broadcasting such support and encouragement for writers. I don’t know that I’ll find enough “sparks” in the remaining ten hours of this day (in my time zone) but I am determined to rise to the challenge of carving out daily time to write.

    Thanks, again!!!

    1. Yay! So glad you found us.
      (And thanks for letting me know how 😉 I’m always curious…)

      Yes, it definitely sounds like there is something in you that demands to be writing now!

  7. Just signed up! First time for me! I’m hoping completing this challenge will get me into a more solid routine of writing every day. Looking forward to getting started! Thanks so much!

  8. So cool to see all the writers in the comments! This is my first time doing StoryADay May, and I’m excited. I’m working on a novel that I’d like to complete within the next couple of months, so my goals will actually be writing scenes/chapters every day, but I’m also interested in using the StoryADay prompts as warmups and writing little snippets for them. 😀

  9. This is my third year. First year my personal life has been in major upheaval during the challenge. I’m excited to try, determined to keep my creativity going, and hopeful I can forgive myself on the days I just can’t make the challenge happen.

  10. Hello Everyone,

    And hello again Julie. It’s been a few years since I gave this a bash, 2017 to 2019 previously. It was great, i’m back for the challenge and inspiration. Also to get the the writing habit back as I’ve a novel to finish.

    PS – Julie, just reading an old ‘Writers Digest’ Magazine from 2017 ‘Short Training for you long game’

    Cheers

    1. Hi Andrew!

      Gosh has it been so long since I wrote that article? (Totally inaccurate headline of course. Short stories are no one’s training ground. They stand proud!)

  11. Hi, everyone. Rathin from Kol, India here. I am really excited to be participating in this Story A Day Contest.
    I am quite confused though not knowing how to go about it. Last time I participated in a Contest in February, I had to write a story for 28 days based on the prompt provided each day of the month. It was great fun, making new friends, learning from their feedbacks, getting better at story-writing as a result.
    I just hope that my interest sustains for the whole of May and doesn’t fade away.
    Here is wishing everyone a great writing/learning experience. Stay blessed.

  12. So one part of me thinks I’m crazy for doing this; I go from “I can’t do this!” to “I can’t wait to do this!” I’m afraid I won’t finish (like last time). But I’m going to try to relax and have fun!

    1. That’s a totally normal way to feel at this point 😉 Just keep showing up. YOu can’t fail if you’re still showing up on May 31!

  13. I am happy to be participating even though much chaos presently surrounds me. I will use the daily tasking to narrate sections of my memoirs into Dragon and begin to shape them. This will be the third Stada and my last one was very successful in engaging me in my work!

    1. Dr Susan! Great to see you here. Hope the writing is a happy retreat from the chaos for at least a few minutes each day in May!

  14. I’m really excited for this! I myself am I young writer and is looking for an opportunity to improve my writing skills. I also haven’t had a lot of motivation to write lately so hopefully this will get me back in the gig!

    1. Motivation is a tricky beast. A big challenge like this can definitely get you rolling. As you go along, though, pay attention to the intrinsic rewards when you do your writing. After the challenge is over, those will be the things you want to reach for as you build your on-going practice.

      Glad you’re here!

  15. I signed up for both also.
    A friend is struggling in her writing journey. So I have offered to do the FUN one with her. (Hopefully she will accept)
    I will do the Classic for myself.
    See you all next week!

  16. I’m writing a thriller novel right now, and I’m stuck. I am looking forward to Story A Day May to spark my creativity and put me back on the right track.

    1. I have seen it work for so many writers: taking a little sideways trip into short stories can really unlock something in your novel…or just spark your enthusiasm again.
      Good luck!

    2. I’ve used Story-a-Day to help with my novel. I’ve used the prompts to write character studies and backstory. It’s helped me get several stories back on track. Good luck!

  17. I have been writing off and on for years. Last year we sold our family business of 40 years and now have the time to concentrate on my writing. I am very excited, and a bit nervous, but ready to challenge myself and to meet other writers.

    1. Yay Gaby! It’s a big challenge but remember to lean on the community (esp. the Superstars) and to set your own rules.
      Be forgiving if you mess up, and just keep coming back!

  18. I’m feeling ready. Last year, I was mourning my husband. This year, I’m celebrating knocking breast cancer out of the ring, so I’M READY. I see a piece of Marta art on your bookshelf. Always a good thing!

    1. You are eagle-eyed, Marian. That is, indeed a Marta Pelrine-Bacon artwork and it brings me happiness.

      My goodness, you really deserve some writing time. Congrats on the success of your treatments. Sending you lots of energy. I LOVE seeing your StoryADay May contributions and comments!

  19. I’m feeling anxious, but hopeful. I always say someday I will write, someday I will have time, someday …… I decided that someday is now. I want to make writing a real and regular part of my life, not a an occasional, someday thought.

    1. Yay!

      Remember, you get to set your own rules (and it’s not a terrible idea to pause each week and ask yourself if the rules you set for last week are making you happier or sadder, and then change them—of course this depends on whether or not you are motivated by keeping a streak going!)

      Keep your stories super-short and focus on getting something done every day…and call it a win!

      I’m excited for you. You’re going to learn a lot about what/where/how/when you write best, and you can take that knowledge forward into all your writing days.

  20. Hello! I am Kara. I am looking forward to the challege. I am excited to write each day and to makle it a habit. I am tired of saying, “someday” to my writing. Someday begins May 1st!

  21. I’m editing a book right now, but wanted (no, needed) to keep my writing muscles strong so I’ve signed up for the classic story a day challenge. I’m mortifying it slightly to fit my editing deadlines, but am so excited to be part of this community and get some new words down this month.

    1. I met Julie at AWP, and she told me about this. Now, several of our writing group (Jordan included) are participating.

      Very excited to have this as a motivational tool and to see what comes out of it.

    2. Modify all you like! Just keep coming back all month, and you’ll definitely keep your muscles strong.

      (Curious: Is it your book or someone else’s?)

  22. I decided to challenge myself and go for the whole enchilada rather than just one story for the month. I’m feeling a bit nervous, but also excited to think I can come out of this with 31 stories.

    Good luck to us all!

    1. Woohoo!

      Nervous is good. Nervous means you know what you’re getting into … and you’re doing it anyway. I salute you!

      Looking forward to seeing your comments…all month long 😉

  23. Call me crazy, but I’ve signed up for both versions. I like the idea of the slower version, but I didn’t want to miss out on the truly delirious excitement of the full challenge. I’ll gear up and start my finger yoga so they’ll be limber enough to tackle both! I’m laughing with joy at my own folly!

    I may be crying by midMay, or laying passed out over the keyboard. Or, more realistically, I may resort to picking only one activity from the two challenges each day. But I crave the push right now and am thrilled for it all to begin!

    Thank you Julie for all you do to help us put pen to paper!!

  24. I’m Rachel and really want to get back into writing! I used to write fanfiction but I became bogged down with fibromyalgia brain fog then baby brain and really want to write again now.
    I was looking for inspiration and recently read a fanfic which was an author posting a short story a day for each day in April. I loved the idea and then I saw the email about this challenge! I’m hoping to do a bit of allsorts – some fanfiction but also some original content. Mostly I want to build a new habit. If I can last a year on Duolingo, surely I can build a writing habit too?

    1. You do sound like someone who can handle a habit.

      Remember: keep your stories short (and rough) and just keep moving forwards. Sometimes I’ll end up dictating a story into my phone in the car, or writing a Twitter-length story, just to keep the momentum going. And some days I’ve been known to forget to write (yes, even me!) and then you just have to let it go and keep moving.

      It’s all good!

  25. Hi my name is Jenny and I’m not even sure how I found your challenge but here I am! I’m 3/4 through a masters writing program and I want to write outside the classroom box, so here I am. I’m basically unpublished and like writing essays/CNF pieces. Looking forward to all of it!

    1. Hi Jenny, I’m so happy to give you a little detour from the classroom writing and the CNF (though you’re welcome to use the prompts for that, too!)

      I know many people who have been in formal writing programs who use this challenge as a stepping stone to teach themselves how to write without the promise of a grade at the end. That, of course, is the work of a lifetime, but I’m happy you’re here for it.

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Copyright 2022 Julie Duffy

LOOKING FOR A SUPPORTIVE WRITING COMMUNITY? Introducing the StoryADay

Superstars

A supportive group of committed writers, who meet virtually, support each other’s efforts, and
become better writers today, not ‘some day’.

The only qualification to be a ‘Superstar” is a desire to write and support your fellow writers.

Find out more about the StoryADay

Superstars

The only qualification to be a ‘Superstar” is a desire to write and support your fellow writers.

A supportive group of committed writers, who meet virtually, support each other’s efforts, and inspire each other.

Registration for 2024 open now-June 8, 2024