About The Challenges


Every Monday a picture and a quote will be posted. These are the prompts, an invitation for you to take any spark they give you and write a piece in  500 words or less. Word count isn't closely watched unless it looks a lot over, and it's great to see fact, fiction, poetry or prose. The prompts are there to inspire you, so there is no rule that you have to refer explicitly to either of them, just see what sparks they throw off and enjoy.

Submissions close on the following Sunday at noon GMT.

Every Friday there is another picture and quote. The rules are exactly the same but the word count is now 100 words or less and we do count these. It is a chance to work a little more in miniature. Submissions for that also close on the following Sunday at noon GMT.

There are a lot of ideas for other challenges that can get sprinkled into the regular slots.

Tom is the poetry expert, so we may have a poetry only challenge. I love classical music so there may be a challenge for a piece inspired by classical music. We are both picky about grammar and the underpinnings of writing so we may set challenges that ask you to include extended metaphors or onomatopoeia. Suggestions are really welcome.

The Rules of Light and Shade Challenge - we shouldn't have to say this, and I know most people who post here will not need this saying, but we do not tolerate unkindness. Any racism, homophobia, religious intolerance and all the associated nasties are unacceptable.  This is a place to write and celebrate writing. In the poem 'Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven' WB Yeats says I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams. That is not a bad thing to hold on to when commenting on the writers posting here.

The Most Important Rule - have fun and enjoy the writing.

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