Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Challenges

Joan Swan and Elisabeth Naughton talked me into doing a writing challenge. They're doing 1000 words a day for 100 days. I can't commit to being that productive, but I can do 100 words a day. Yesterday was the first day and I made 183! That was pretty cool. Today, I'm already over 400 and this is good too. But you want to know the best part? I brought the writing challenge to my students.

25 of my 5th, 6th & 7th grade students are engaged in a 50 words a day for 50 days challenge with me. Some days we have time to work on it in class, other days we're all on our own. The challenge was totally voluntary and I promised prizes for some of the participants and a party for all of them at the end.

For my challenge, I thought I'd work on the new contemporary, HHC. I still might. After all, 100 days is a LONG time. For now, I've decided to work on a suspense. You see, I went to see the Bourne Ultimatum on Monday and I LOVED it so much I wanted to get back into working on a suspense for a while. So, all the words I've done so far have been on the suspense. Yes, I've still got work to do on my short contemps, but right now I need the suspense to replenish my writing soul. (Of course, the fact that I love Matt Damon as Jason Bourne might be an influence as well. Do you think?) I'll keep you updated on my progress and the kids' progress as well! Wish us all luck! If you're bored, pop over to Elisabeth's blog or Joan's. Cheer them on too!

6 comments:

Kari Lee Townsend said...

Very cool. Good luck on your challenge. You can do it.

Unknown said...

Does rewriting a 100 words count? I swear I've deleted and rewritten at least that many in the past few days.

Keep us updated on your kids' progress and how they like the challenge. I bet they'll be surprised what makes it to the page after a while.

Lexi said...

Thanks, Kari. It's good to see you out and about on the blogs again.

Lexi said...

Cat, I wouldn't count the rewrites, but that's just me and my nasochistic (sp?) self. Don't worry. I'll be talking all about my challenge and the kids as the 50 days go on.

TJ Brown said...

Go Lexi, Go Lexi!

:) Teri

Elisabeth Naughton said...

Woohoo! You're doing great. Keep it up!!!