BlogFestivus 2012: a seasonal short story writing challenge

November 12, 2012 · by Blogdramedy · in Humor. ·

I promised and I always keep my promises. Do not tell me you are keeping track. I will ignore you.

BlogFestivus is back this holiday season just in time to drive you completely insane right in the middle of all your eggnog swilling and gift-card giving.

For 2012, the challenge is only 9 days in duration. Last year it was twelve days. I’m cutting you some slack because it’s been a long slog this year.

And to those of you who think this is a “CHRISTMAS” challenge…don’t be so quick to presume. It’s a “SEASONAL” challenge. It’s a “NON-DENOMINATIONAL” challenge. And it can be a “CHRISTMAS” challenge if that’s the way you jingle. All are welcome.

Here’s how it works:

Hop on the seasonal joy train and sign up in the comment section. If that’s not reason enough, here’s 9 more “why this is a good idea” reasons:

1. It’s a short challenge. Just 9 stories over 9 days. From December 11 to December 19. 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 243 to be exact (3x9x9 = 243) for each story. (I tried 9x9x9 but that was way too many words and who’s got that kind of time this time of year?)

3. I offer up the theme so you don’t have to make your brain go boom. You’ll be writing to the nine reindeers who are founding members of the Reindeers of the Icelandic Antler Club. And yes, that includes Rudolph. The fact that they fly and some people closely associate them with Santa should not be the determining factor in your decision to participate. The only reason to join in is for fun.

There are a total of nine reindeer. You write a short story with one reindeer as your main (or only) character.

It can be naughty or nice.

Happy or sad.

Gay or straight.

Republican or Democrat.

You decide. It’s your blog. Video or audio posts count. We all want to hear if you decide to give your reindeer accents.

4. You don’t have to set up a daily reminder or a prompt. I’ll be on Twitter every morning…jingling your bells.

5. You get to use the awesome artwork I designed just for this challenge on your own blog. Really. No, really, I insist.

6. Your blog or website will become part of the permanent collection here on Blogdramedy. In my mind, that means a lot! In yours, it may be more like a fuzzy mint candy cane found in the bottom of your sock drawer. And that’s what’s so great about the holidays! Fabulous gifts and crappy gifts and you’ll never know which until you open the box.

7. The writer who, over the course of the challenge, makes me laugh the hardest, will receive 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. A collectors item!)

8. 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.

9. 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.

Sign up by posting a comment and include your blog or website address. I’ll create a page for this year’s challenge before it starts with links to your fellow bloggers. Be a nice elf and include them in your posts.

Here are your cast of characters. Start at the top and work your way down. Let’s hope we all have shiny red noses by the end of the challenge. *wink wink*