WRITING CHALLENGE
The Great Dare for Writers and Teachers:
The 10 Word Story
One of the first things that often emerges from someone’s mouth once they learn I’m a writer is:
“Oh, I love to write. I just don’t have the time.”
I call bullshit on the “no time” excuse with this writing dare.
The Challenge:
Create a story in 10 words— no more or less. The late and great Ernest Hemmingway (anecdotally) wrote a famous story in just six words:
“For sale, baby shoes, never worn.”
A Motivating Opportunity for Students
Whether you’re an ELA teacher in the primary or secondary grades, this 10- word-story-challenge offers a fun way to get your students motivated to write. Why? It’s short and therefore less intimidating to young writers AND provides the “water wings” of boundaries: 10 words — no more, no less.
It’s Like Frosted Shredded Wheat: Fun for the Kid in All of Us
If you are an adult reading this article, this fun challenge offers an opportunity to flex your creative muscles. Step away from the bills, the never-ending to-do lists and explore what kind of story you want to create in…