Illumination Writing Challenge
Let’s Rock That Vote!
My name is Timothy Key, and I support this positive writing challenge
If you are like me, you probably dread election season. All of the negative energy and attack ads have to have some sort of massive destructive impact on our collective self-worth and outlook on life.
No matter what the political race, half of the voters are going to be upset with the person elected, and then the other half will slowly be disappointed as the person they voted for ultimately doesn’t have the impact they claimed they would whilst on the campaign trail.
Thankfully for all of us though, Zach J. Watson has offered us a bit of relief and respite from all of the destructive and divisive vibes that hang around election season by offering up this great writing challenge:
Zach asks us to positively highlight a writer using a political advertisement formula, like this:
- Name of the candidate
- The issue
- “Evidence” of the issue
- An out-of-context quote
- Why you should vote for the candidate
- Approval of the message
Like with any election season, it isn’t always about just the president and governors’ races, there are a host of other seats up for grabs as well. That being the case, there is certainly more than one candidate to highlight. I bring you my endorsements for the following positions:
Chair of the Senate Committee on Writing Standards and Excellence
P.G. Barnett is the incumbent, and it is no surprise why that is the case. A top writer in Short Story, Fiction, and This Happened to Me as well as editor of five publications including Rogues Gallery and ILLUMINATION, Paul is the experienced candidate we need to do the job!
He can switch from humor to compassion without missing a beat (or losing a reader), and is a tireless advocate for quality in writing, noting that, “Crappy writing is lame!” Paul is supportive of other writers, and isn’t afraid to admit when he is wrong. Paul’s sort of integrity is exactly what is missing from so many spots in leadership right now, that is why we cannot afford to not have him on the job!
Join with me this election season in supporting P.G. Barnett. My name is Timothy Key and I approve of this message.
**Disclaimer — candidate may, or may not, have actually said the included quote. I don’t recall.
Chief Minister of Storytelling and Awesomeness
Britni Pepper is also an incumbent in this inspiring position based on her prolific writing across a host of topics. A top writer in Travel, and no wonder since her stories pull you in and take you on an adventure every time!
Covering topics from fiction to erotica to travel (and sometimes both), Britni leaves no doubt about her ability to fill the role of Chief Minister of Storytelling and take it to new heights. But writing isn’t her only forte, as she notes, “I have wooed many a gentleman with my smouldering glances.”
Britni’s depth of character and charm are what is missing from the storytellers of today, which is why, come November, you should vote for Britni! Heck vote for Britni now and save yourself the wait, and have a good laugh!
Join me in this election season in supporting Britni Pepper. My name is Timothy Key and I approve of this message.
**Disclaimer — candidate may, or may not, have actually said the included quote. I don’t recall.
Leader of the House Committee on Non-Fabricated Rules and Guidelines
Elle Rogers hopes to unseat the current sitting representative on this committee and should be your first choice! With a strong resume including editor roles at Frazzled and Where My Poems Go, and with deep insight into the mind of 5-year -old’s (a requisite for any accomplished politician), she is certainly the best choice for the job!
Self-ascribed mommy, wife, writer and lunatic, Elle clearly has all the requisite skills to excel at the role. Elle knows how to weed through the nonsense and get to the bottom of critical issues, or as she puts it, “I don’t talk no turkey!”
Elle’s perseverance, tact, grace and humor are what is missing from our thought leaders today and why you should vote for Elle! A vote for Elle is a vote against falling turkeys, something we can all do with a lot less of!
Join me in this election season in supporting Elle Rogers. My name is Timothy Key and I approve of this message.
**Disclaimer — candidate may, or may not, have actually said the included quote. I don’t recall.
This story has been a hoot to write, so thanks again, Zach J. Watson!
I enthusiastically pass the torch on to all the mentioned candidates and to our creative and ingenious campaign team: Holly Jahangiri, B. A. Cumberlidge., Tree Langdon ♾️, and Infiniti.
If you like this, you might like some of my other recent writing, including my July daily roundup of writing challenges:
And a recent response to another prior challenge:
And this blast from the past:
Timothy Key spent over 26 years in the fire service as a firefighter/paramedic and various fire chief management roles. He firmly believes that bad managers destroy more than companies, and good managers create a passion that is contagious. Compassion, grace and gratitude drive the world; or at least they should. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and join the mail list.
