How do you challenge yourself as a writer?

clint_csperry-org · Post by **clint_csperry-org** » 20 Jul 2019, 23:13

I love taking a series of words, random, unrelated, sometimes offbeat words and create a story using them properly. Their use must be a natural part of the story, and it must flow smoothly.

What about you, how do you challenge yourself?

Kate_But_Not_Kaitlyn · Post by **Kate_But_Not_Kaitlyn** » 21 Jul 2019, 06:38

I try to write sad parts into my stories. I always want to give my characters happy lives but nothing's always sunshine and rainbows. So sometimes I challenge myself and make them struggle.

clint_csperry-org · Post by **clint_csperry-org** » 29 Jul 2019, 12:06

Kate_But_Not_Kaitlyn wrote: ↑21 Jul 2019, 06:38 I try to write sad parts into my stories. I always want to give my characters happy lives but nothing's always sunshine and rainbows. So sometimes I challenge myself and make them struggle.

Some of the people in my writers group think I am a sadist. I go beyond making the characters feel sad, I throw them into the worst situation I can imagine. Then let them work out how to get back on track.

Harley-Panda · Post by **Harley-Panda** » 30 Jul 2019, 05:30

A few times I've tried to write a short story that fits with a song (often an instrumental piece of music so I'm not tempted to re-use any lyrics in the text). I find music very inspiring (I can't write in silence) so it's great sometimes just to get the emotions that I feel from the music onto the page.

Also, I sometimes read/write fanfiction. Often people make fun of it but I quite enjoy it. Sometimes it's good to get out of your comfort zone and pick up some characters that you haven't crafted to your own specifications. I sometimes find it difficult to have character inspiration so using someone else's can help to get the creative juices flowing rather than just waiting for an idea to come!

Dan_Wellock · Post by **Dan_Wellock** » 01 Aug 2019, 17:20

Researching writing prompts, especially prompts that you aren’t really interested in, can help you challenge yourself as a writer. Stories written at different points of view and perspectives are also welcome challenges and can help you grow as a writer.

DD129 · Post by **DD129** » 05 Aug 2019, 13:58

If I’m looking to challenge myself, I would do those one-word challenges. You’re given a list of words to choose from. Every day, you have to pick one and write a story/poem using it as inspiration. It’s both challenging and fun; a single word can be interpreted in any number of ways.

Frisca · Post by **Frisca** » 16 Sep 2019, 07:36

I am working on my first book.

Inkroverts · Post by **Inkroverts** » 29 Sep 2019, 19:14

I challenge myself by skipping all the adjectives and adverbs. I tend to be long-winded, so I'd rather write less descriptions.

Post by **Chelsey Coles** » 03 Oct 2019, 11:43

Keeping up some form of writing on a regular basis is my challenge. I promised myself I wouldn't get in that slump of not writing for long periods of time.

Post by **Chelsey Coles** » 03 Oct 2019, 11:46

Inkroverts wrote: ↑29 Sep 2019, 19:14 I challenge myself by skipping all the adjectives and adverbs. I tend to be long-winded, so I'd rather write less descriptions.

Agreed, I am trying to be more concise as well.

0723437338k · Post by **0723437338k** » 11 Oct 2019, 15:14

I am yet to write anything but everyday i make sure i learn something new and try my best to improve on my flow of thought. As an aspiring writer i would like to do work on something that would leave a mark in the society like inspire are such staff.

Andy_C · Post by **Andy_C** » 14 Oct 2019, 04:46

One of the hardest exercises I've ever done involved writing a two-page biography using words of only one syllable. I found that the results were so rewarding. Certain lines had a poetic resonance that they wouldn't have, if I hadn't been forced to choose my words so carefully. It's definitely a skill I've taken forward into my writing.

But yes I agree about it being a challenge to work at it every day, to have a schedule and stick to it, although that does tend to get easier, I find, the more you get used to sitting down for a couple of hours every morning or evening or whatever.