The Challenge

#messages A few years ago a friend-and-neighbor and I sat down at my kitchen table one Sunday afternoon to collaborate on a short story. After a few frustrating Sunday afternoons we realized we were not an ideal pair for creative collaboration.

As an alternative I suggested each of us give the other a phrase as inspiration for an impromptu story. It could be an old, familiar phrase or something we made up at that moment. We could use it as a title, theme, dialog or whatever. Neither of us would know in advance what was coming and both of us would have to start cold. Our challenge: write a complete short story in just two hours.

Usually we sat no more than a few minutes before getting a workable idea. Then away we went, fingers pounding the keys on our laptops, racing the clock, one eye on the time. When the two hours expired we read each other's stories and commented. If we liked what we created we worked on refining these rough drafts during the week and reread them next Sunday.

That is how this started. Most stories on this site resulted from that weekly challenge. I am convinced the phrases given by my friend were far more inspiring than anything I could have imagined for myself and I am pleased--sometimes amazed--by what I wrote. I thank him.

You and friends might enjoy trying this when you gather for writing parties on a quiet afternoon. Being in the creative flow is always interesting. There is an additional excitement when you share the company of others having the same experience.

I sincerely hope you will enjoy these tales and give feedback. Fan mail or constructive criticism, either is welcome. Thank you for stopping by!