posted
While I have not yet participated actively in the challenges described above (despite being guiltily aware of them for some time), I do consider challenges in general to be very healthy for writers of all experience levels. It gives many of us something to shoot for without the inherent pressures and stress of actual submission. We aren't always writing with the intent of publishing (at least, not at first)...but the end products are frequently suitable, if not ideal, for publication. Such challenges present a more gentle giant to sling stones at.
-Inkwell ----------------- "The difference between a writer and someone who says they want to write is merely the width of a postage stamp." -Anonymous
[This message has been edited by Inkwell (edited January 31, 2006).]
[This message has been edited by Inkwell (edited January 31, 2006).]
posted
Liberty Hall is a great place and Mike is a great host. The LH challenges are really a wonderful way to generate stuff. If you're not participaitng, consider it.
Posts: 237 | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
The challenges have a strong tendancy to hone the way a writer thinks. We become naturally aware of the art of writing as we write.
Rather than throwing words on paper and fixing them later, challenges, like those at LH, force us to think using good writing habits. We are training our brain to streamline the process of getting a story developed and on paper.
posted
It's made me feel really guilty about how little I'm actually writing at the moment. That, in turn, has spurred me to write on many occasions when I would have been doing other, less productive things.
Posts: 1041 | Registered: Aug 2004
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It actually spurs you into thinking of a coherent plot in limited time. And gets you lots of practise.
Posts: 1075 | Registered: Sep 2004
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Clearly it helps most. Everyone needs to experience success. The forum offers that opportunity.
As far as I can see, popularity has much to do with regular free and easy critiques and feedback. That motivates people. Ask yourself whether these writers would write the same volume if the forum collapsed. They could set their own challenges, but it is unlikely to last. It is the social aspect that counts.
Often, artistic awards are created by someone trying to attach their name to artists and in particular to 'winners'. In artistic endeavours, the chance to 'win' something whether it is an award or money or some other thing indicates a flawed view of what artists do.
quote: It actually spurs you into thinking of a coherent plot in limited time.
Writing is not a race.
What it actually does is disciplines people in how to think creatively on demand. That is a good thing.
Unlike the awards I mentioned above, LH is a forum and award by writers for writers. That is why, I think, participants find it so valuable, it is a kind of peer review.
[This message has been edited by hoptoad (edited February 01, 2006).]
posted
I belong to a group other than LH where we do weekly craftings. For me they are like challenges and, even when I don't get anything down on paper, they get my mind thinking in new directions. Also I am thrilled that Mike lets people like me wander though and enjoy the excitment of LH's challanges even though I am not a regular. Challenges get my mind out of my WIP and get fresh juices flowing.
Posts: 397 | Registered: Mar 2004
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