By Miko Johnston
I’m doing something I’ve never done before; in fact, something I’ve avoided throughout my writing career. I’m going to suggest a writing challenge.
Beginning on March first, I challenge all our readers to commit to writing one paragraph a day, in any manner, on any subject. One paragraph. It could be in a journal, a story idea file, or an existing manuscript. One paragraph consisting of at least two sentences of exposition, dialogue, or a combination.
Sorry, shopping or to-do lists don’t count. It has to be fiction, journaling, or memoir.
One paragraph seems manageable, no matter how busy, stressed, or depleted you feel. In fact, it might help if you’re feeling any of those feelings. One paragraph can be added to a story or novel you’ve begun, or it can begin a letter to a friend or loved one, someone you’ve lost touch with. It can express gratitude to someone who’s been especially kind or helpful to you. It can record your present state of mind. Or it can be a reminiscence of a person or event from your life.
You can write your paragraph first thing in the morning, or during the day, or right before you go to bed. I suppose the timing would depend on what you want to write. Use a pen or a computer, whichever suits your style. And if it spurs you to continue writing, so much the better. If not, that’s okay, as long as you get a paragraph’s worth of words on the page or screen.
One paragraph. Can you commit to that?
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Miko Johnston, a founding member of The Writers in Residence, is the author of the historical fiction series, “A Petal in the Wind”, as well as a contributor to several anthologies, including the best-selling “Whidbey Island: An Insider’s Guide”. Miko lives in Washington (the big one) with her rocket scientist husband. Contact her at mikojohnstonauthor@gmail.com
Here’s a suggestion for wannabe authors. You’ve pondered that writing project for years; now you have time to get those ideas down on paper (or computer, or recording device). What would it take to turn that dream into a manuscript?
I’ve opened membership to this site on a temporary basis. Here’s a place for you to learn about the author’s journey from “aspiring” to “avid.” Find out how to improve your writing, where to market your work, and ways to research trends in the industry. Get questions answered from an author who’s been there.
I’m a semi-retired college English instructor and published author with a doctorate in English composition. I self-published the Self-publishing Guide in 1979 and went on to self-publish print versions of a mystery series and several non-fiction books. I’ve given workshops through libraries, bookstores, writers organizations, and continuing education departments and have written for writers’ newsletters, homeschooling blogs, inspirational magazines, and publications such as the Des Moines Register.
The Writers in Residence 
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