Somehow, it’s almost April again–and time to decide about so many things, including how to manage this year’s Every Day in April challenge, which I started back in 2009 as a way to connect writers across my various workshops to a common project. Once an unofficial band of folks, once an email list, once a FB group, and now: I think it’ll just have to live here on the blog this year.
Here’s the scoop, in case you haven’t participated in the past: if you so choose to accept the challenge, you commit to writing every day during the month of April. Every single day. Not revising: writing. New material. How long you write for, or how many words you aim for, is entirely up to you, and if you so choose then you can leave that a variable detail–which can help make the challenge sustainable even on really hard days. But you’ve gotta show up every single day to see what happens when you do. (I’ve gotten a headstart–today is actually my day ten; I have an individual goal involving a certain page count by the start of summer and have been clocking hours like nobody’s business over the last couple weeks.) You’re welcome to join in, and to join whatever conversation evolves, regardless of whether you’re currently in workshop, or taking some time off, or a friend of a friend of a friend–I couldn’t care less. Any friend of writing is welcome. But no excuses–no matter what happens, you show up.
I’ve never orchestrated a giveaway on the blog (so many of the trappings of blog culture make me eepy…) but I’ll happily randomly give away a copy of Open Winter & a copy of Best New Poets 2011 to someone who RSVPs here or on FB by April 1st, & who is still standing (or typing) at the close. Think it over, my dears. The lights are on through April 30th.
All One Hum 
I am in, Rae! I welcome this challenge like sleeping in on Saturday. I can hardly wait to see what comes. Much love, Jen
I’m in too! I’ve been trying to follow an “Every day in 2012” regimen (although I’m including revising as well as new writing). I’ve faltered now & then, but generally having the most productive writing year of my life. I’m starting with a solo 5-day writing retreat at the coast this weekend!
Love the giveaway idea too, but I already have both books you’re offering! 🙂
O.K. April will obviously be a big month. I’m dedicating this (non-poetic) effort to Adrienne Rich, who has gotten me through some tight places. Count me in.
I’d like to be counted in because I would love a copy of the Best of New Poets 2011! I’ll give it a try and thanks.
Hi, Rae,
Carlena Wike here. I accept the challenge. Thanks for the impetus!
I’m in. I recently read about the 6 word biography project, and then heard Michele Norris read the cards folks submitted to her on race….if I can start with 6 words every day, I am willing to see what builds on it. Something tells me more words will appear, but I need to set small goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Thanks for the push!
I’m in! I always work better when I have an “assignment” Thanks!
Wow, I was just telling my boyfriend that I was planning to write, revise or sing at least 20 minutes a day for a couple months. I can modify that goal to write daily (AND revise or sing, not or) to be part of this band of writing warriors. So I’m in!
I like the challenge. I’ll take it on. I’ve been heavy into revision, and have been wondering if I can produce new material. Is this the word of honor system or do we report a word count or something like that? Sandra
SW: you’re free to talk about how it’s going for you here, on subsequent blogposts, or on Facebook–or not at all. However works.
Okay, got started today! 276 prose words. I aim to do at least 225 words of prose or at least 6 lines of poetry. I am in the process of grieving so starting at that hurt spot to see where it goes.
Count me in!
I’m in . Looking forward to the results and the challenge. Best, Sande
I’m in!
Ok. I’m in. Time to stop testing the waters and leap…
doing it! starts tomorrow. love you. –susannah rose
Gulp. I’m in!
Ok. I’m doing it!
Hi Rae! Do we post our work here? This is what I woke up with today….
write now
one poem
right now
keep it simple
small words
on snowy paper
Dear Ray,
Please count me in on ‘Every day in April’ … I started earlier this evening.
I really need this … this is not an April fools prank!
Ralph
Phew, got in my first day under the wire just now with my latest blog post.
I wrote and wrote today, brand new story. But tomorrow I go home from my mini-retreat. *That’s* the challenge, to keep at it in one’s usual space and schedule.
hey! three times in two days! not bad for someone who has a romantic relationship with sleep.
i’m off to go for number four…woah baby.
Whew! Made it with 12 minutes to spare today and it was my longest entry so far. Usually I write in the morning. So far making the daily count–some prose, some lines of lyrics. A poem is coalescing out of the murk.
Thought I’d blown it when I realized I didn’t write a word in my notebook yesterday, but then remembered hacking and whacking through a 100 word bio for an exhibition catalog on my computer last night. Creative non fiction?
I’m alternating between 8-hour marathons and 30-minute sessions on fuller days, but going strong. Every winter I find myself with an overabundance of material–April always ends up being timed gloriously. Somehow, attention never runs out.
Already blew it on Wednesday except for one teeny phrase written down BUT I started a day early so I’m not letting it get to me. Writing not coming easily, jealous of the people in the flow!
I’m here. I’m posting my poems to FB. It’s been quite an experience. Thanks again Rae for organizing this little exercise. 🙂
just stopping by to say that THIS IS HARD some days 🙂
Tell me about it. I’m right there–
Okay, I did it! It’s called, rather imaginatively, “April Papers.” And I wrote an entry yesterday, then realized it is isn’t April anymore, but somehow I will write new stuff everyday–even if it is puny.
A piece of what I wrote made it into my creative work (i.e. thesis, which is in its final week of refinement); another poem was born, and another is still in labor, plus there are just a lot of “morning papers” that I need to read to see if there is any scaffolding for further work.
Thanks so much, Rae, for getting me into a habit.