So, What is Stories?
When I was a baby writer, a proto-writer even, I read that at a symposium in 2001, Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451, Something Wicked This Way Comes) said that one of the best ways to become a better writer was to write more short stories.
Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad short stories in a row.
- Ray Bradbury
Since then, I’ve wanted to take on that challenge. I’ve tried a few times but usually abandoned the project by February, overwhelmed by other responsibilities.
Because it doesn't sound too hard, right? 52 short stories—that’s what, a few pages? How hard can it be?
And yet… ‘52 short stories’ means 52 ideas.
‘52 short stories’ means weekly writing discipline for 52 weeks.
‘52 short stories’ means plotting, writing, editing, and publishing fifty-two stories in a year.
‘52 short stories’ means allowing imperfect ideas out into the world, open to criticism.
‘52 short stories’ means risk.
But I’ve always liked a little risk. Plus, I have a good feeling about 2022, so I’m taking on this challenge again this year.
So, what is Stories?
Stories, which will live under my ongoing project Collected Rejections, will house 52(ish) stories. I’ll start writing a new story every Monday and post on the weekends.
Additionally, every Monday I’m going to send out a writing prompt to subscribers, in case you want to participate too!
My hope is to build a community around this, so if there’s enough interest I’m going to start a Discord for us to connect and read each other’s writing.
Will I end up writing 52 bad stories in a row? Maybe! There’s only one way for you to find out.
Should I subscribe?
I think so! Here’s what you’ll get:
A weekly writing prompt every Monday
A free short story every weekend
Invited to any reading or editing club we create