12 reasons why you should join this writing challenge

Author’s Note: BlogFestivus is a short-story writing challenge that I hosted in December 2011. It will be back again this winter but if you want to read what it’s all about…keep reading. Each story is linked at the bottom of this post.

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I’ll keep this simple. I’ll also keep it brief. Perhaps short would be a better choice of word.

Back in June, I introduced BlogShorts: 30 short stories, 30 days, 30 words. It was an extremely tight challenge and it sure got your knickers in a twist. Everyone who participated did a great job and very few went commando. (You know who you are.)

I promised to return with another version of this short story challenge later in the year. Well, it’s now later and you’ve waited patiently so…

Hop on the seasonal joy train and sign up. If that’s not reason enough, here’s 12 more “why this is a good idea” reasons:

1. It’s a short challenge. Just 12 stories over 12 days. You’ll be done well before the insanity of the holiday season consumes your every waking moment.

2. You don’t need to come up with a lot of words. Only 144 to be exact (12 x 12 = 144) for each story.

3. For those of you participating in WordPress’ PostaDay2011, you’ll be doing like a two-for-one, which means…DOUBLE CREDITS!

4. I offer up the theme so you don’t have to make your brain go boom. You’ll be writing to “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” One item from the song each day. For those of you who are Christmas-challenged, think of this as a list of really strange things you found in a drawer somewhere. Before you ask, you don’t have to include the my true love sent to me part or the drumming, piping, leaping, dancing, milking, swimming, or laying parts, either. Unless you really want to and then, hey, it’s your story.

5. You don’t have to set up a daily reminder or a prompt. I’ll be on Twitter every morning. Or rather, my stand-in, Ashton, will be. *snicker*

6. Video or audio posts count. We all want to hear your voice crack when you try to hit the high note in five golden rings.

7.  You get to use the awesome artwork I designed just for this challenge. Really. No, really, I insist.

8. Once you sign up for the challenge, you can start writing so you got ‘em in the can ready to go. Seriously. I mean, what am I going to do… snitch to your Mother? I use the word “challenge” here in its loosest interpretation.

9. Your blog or website will become part of the permanent collection here on Blogdramedy. That’s worth like…a Teen Burger at A&W (plus $1 off coupon.)

10. The writer who, over the course of the challenge, makes me laugh the hardest, will get a gold-plated invitation to guest blog on Blogdramedy. (Word is…on the street? You could trade this for an empty Double Bubble gum wrapper. Yes, they are too collectors items!)

11. It’s free! There’ll be no PayPaling of any kind here on Blogdramedy. I want you to keep those pennies and treat yourself to something extra special from the Dollar Store this holiday season. Consider it my gift to you.

12. The best reason of all? You might find another writer whose writing makes you laugh (or cry) more than you do after reading your own work. Like that’s never happened. Ha!

I made the list and checked it twice. It’s up to you to decide if you want to do this the naughty way…or the nice.

Sign up by sending me a comment and include your blog or website address. I don’t need to say that we’ll be starting with a partridge and a pear tree, do I? Maybe I do. Start at the bottom and work your way up.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree! 

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BlogFestivus 2011 Participants (in all their unwrapped glory)

Sign up and join us under the mistletoe (just keep your hands to yourself.)

Blogdramedy (writing challenge instigator)
Fix it or Deal
Shouts from the Abyss
Stevil
All My Answers
Tori Nelson
A Few Clowns Short
Grouchy Mom
Rewind Revise
The Original Bean
My life: a constant work in progress
Becoming Bitter
PamBamBam
Clan of the Cave Hair
Words that Rhyme with Purple
Mad Hatters
A Daft Scots Lass
Random Says
Suzanne Forte PR
Slightly Whimsical
Trail Blazer 1

A special note on linking up: It would be great if everyone could include links to the other participants. I know blog real estate is precious — maybe an aside post, a temporary page for the duration of the challenge or just cut & paste the gang at the bottom of each day’s post (just don’t cut yourself) — it’s a nice blog-friendly way to say Happy Holidays!

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Pear Grenade

A Member of the Club

Rogue Special

1-800-Fly-Me

Hear the Christmas Rings

The Gambling Gander

A Honking Good Tale

Got Milk?

You’re a lady. Get smart.

Look Before You Leap

Laying Pipe

Bang the Drum Slowly