In an effort to do more writing, my close friend Noor (The Intrepid Columnist) challenged me to commit to write 100 words every day, and publish them. I’m all about this. So, first – some rules:

The Challenge

Rules:

1. I publish 100 word minimum per 24 hours (100 words is the minimum- not the limit!)
2. I can post ahead and late by 24 hours.
3. Drafts must be composed within the 24 hour period of publishing.
4. I can polish and re-publish prior posts, but I still have to add 100 new words to that day’s entry.

DAY ONE

There have been a lot of people who have asked me, “Why do you write?” My answer has probably changed over the years, and here, I highlight a few bullshit past answers, translate them into an adult’s language – read: judgy AF, and then settle my current answer.

Late Teens: I’m so tortured. I’m angsty. I have all these feelings I don’t know how to feel and it’s a way for me to get them out in the world.

Translation: Goodness, another moody teen who thought he was so much smarter and intellectual than his peers.

Early Twenties: I found this amazing writing course, and people sort of liked my work. After a while, I realized people were just being nice, so it made me challenge myself to switch my major from Astronomy to English and focus on being able to write better, and like, I TOTALLY DID.

Translation: Yeah, I mean, this might be accurate, but sorta smug. I guess after REALLY understanding what poetry means in the ‘literary’ sense, I found a new appreciation for the craft.

Mid Twenties: I’ve been in therapy, and there’s just a lot of baggage in my life. I guess I’m writing to sort out how I feel because I’m not big on emotions in general.

Translation: A way to actually express what I think about a lot, but don’t really know how to form into words – but it still sounds kinda like pseudo-therapy bullshit.

Late Twenties: I really think there’s something about writing that just makes me happy. I’m good at it. I have found a community of writers. I’ve actually been much happier with my work, and I have found my voice.

Translation: I am pleased with the work I’m creating, and well, I’m also pretty damn good at providing critique for other folks.

Early Thirties: I’m writing because it’s still a good outlet to sort through my thoughts. I also think more seriously about pursuing this as a true-side career and work to publish a collection no one will buy – but that’s not important, because what’s important is just doing things that bring you joy.

Translation: What I just said.

Day One done.