How to (Re)Enter a Writers Challenge When You Have Only Five Days Left?

Summary

To successfully re-enter a writer's challenge with only five days left, one should let go of the pressure to win and instead focus on writing authentically.

Abstract

The article suggests that the key to thriving in a writing challenge with limited time is to abandon the pursuit of victory, which can be overwhelming and counterproductive. By relinquishing hopes of winning, a writer can liberate themselves from the constraints of expectation and judgment, allowing for the creation of raw and genuine content. The process involves mentally 'killing' the desire to win and embracing the freedom that follows, which leads to a state of mind where authentic writing can flourish. This state is described as a unique space in the brain that is both comfortable and slightly unhinged, enabling the production of compelling work that can captivate the jury. The article reassures the reader that reaching this creative zone may require several attempts but is ultimately achievable.

Opinions

Winning should not be the primary focus in a writing challenge as it adds unnecessary pressure.
Celebrating the 'death' of winning aspirations can lead to a sense of liberation and improve the quality of writing.
Authentic writing is born from a place of freedom, where one is not influenced by the jury's potential thoughts or opinions.
The creative process may involve being repeatedly ejected from the 'pit of despair'—a metaphor for a creative block or the difficulty of tapping into one's authentic voice—but persistence is key.
The article conveys a sense of trust and encouragement, affirming that the reader is capable of achieving this creative state with determination.

There’s only one rule to follow.

Writing challenges are exhausting, but they don’t have to. Do not work yourself to death. Follow this rule to survive the process and even find the space to nail it.

Forget about any chance of winning.

If you think you can win, you won’t. It would be too much pressure to handle. Let your hopes of winning die.

Celebrate their death!

And then, celebrate your newfound freedom.

Once the ritual is accomplished, reenter your working space and write down all the words you always wanted to share. You won’t wonder what Jurors could or would think anymore; you won’t care AT ALL. Your writing will be raw and authentic.

And that’s where you want to be.

Down, in the pit of despair of your lost winning hopes, a small space awaits.

Good writing comes from this special place in your brain. It needs to be comfy and crazy. It needs to shout some weird stuff and then wrap and organize them neatly in a beautiful box the jury will be opening slowly, delighted, remembering their happy childhood moments under the Christmas tree.

If you’re anything like me, the first time you’ll reach this space, it will throw you out right away. You’ll have to reenter. Again and again. Four times in total.

You can do it.

I trust you.