avatarADEOLA SHEEHY-ADEKALE

Summary

The undefined website outlines the theme of 'success' for December 2023's monthly writing challenge, encouraging writers to explore personal definitions of success through various writing prompts and sparks.

Abstract

As 2023 draws to a close, the undefined website invites writers to reflect on the concept of 'success' for the month of December. The theme encourages creators to consider their own interpretations of success, questioning whether their aspirations are self-determined or influenced by external factors. Writers are prompted to examine their achievements, dreams, and the impact of their life choices, with a focus on authenticity and personal fulfillment. The website provides weekly prompts by Casey Lawrence and Bella Smith ⭐, along with 'Writing Sparks' to inspire essays, fiction, poetry, and articles. Participants are encouraged to tag their submissions appropriately and to write freely, embracing their passion and excitement in their storytelling.

Opinions

  • The website values the individuality of success, suggesting it can vary greatly from person to person.
  • There is an emphasis on self-evaluation and the importance of personal goals over societal expectations.
  • The idea of success is linked to New Year's resolutions and the desire to make a meaningful impact.
  • The website acknowledges the potential for disillusionment when achieving a long-held dream does not align with expectations.
  • It challenges writers to consider if their current state is a form of success or if they are in perpetual pursuit of an ever-shifting goalpost.
  • The website encourages writers to embrace their identity as writers, even if they have not formally recognized this achievement.
  • Writers are encouraged to let their first drafts flow unfiltered, prioritizing passion and authenticity over immediate editing.
  • The inclusion of quotes from notable figures like Albert Einstein and Bill Gates serves to provoke deeper thought on the nature of success.

The Promptly Written Monthly Theme for December 2023

Let’s get inspired!

Image by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

In just a few short weeks 2023 will be coming to a close and as most of you look back at your creativity for the year and whether you have met your goals and achieved your ambitions, I invite you instead to spend this time stretching those creative muscles to go out with a bang!

November was full to the brim of inspiring essays, insightful and informative articles, as well as poetry and fiction we happily lost ourselves in. We loved the responses you have been submitting from our own prompts as well as those you have found in and around the Medium-verse. Keep them coming!

Casey Lawrence and Bella Smith ⭐ will be continuing to draw your pens eagerly to the page with their weekly prompt inspiration but for December’s prompt theme questions, sparks and quotes, read on…

The theme for December is ‘success’

When we look back over our lives it’s often with the hope of seeing ourselves at having achieved something, making our mark or an impact in some small way. The idea of self-evaluation and of New Year’s resolutions are both wrapped up in striving for success, but what does that mean for you?

Are you chasing an idea of success that was handed down to you from parents, family members or teachers as a young person? Or have you seen the people around you reach goals and thought you’d like some of that for yourself?

One person’s successful life could feel like the worst kind of trap for another. The corner office and sharp suited world are far away from the simple homesteading life… which feels like success to you?

If there is no award, and no external mark, how do you know when you’ve reached success? Is a new goal added or the bench post moved every time you get close? By whom?

When did you draw your map to your goal, and is the world you now inhabit in alignment with that goal? For example, you may have dreamed of being a Nobel Prize winner but took a detour on your path through the land of parenthood? Is there a part of you that still wants to return to the path, or have you let that ambition go?

What does it mean to have to let dreams die or change?

Did you succeed at your dream only to realise that it wasn’t quite what it seemed?

How many of us dreamt of being paid writers but yet haven’t quite acknowledged that that is exactly what we are today?

Is where you are enough?

How To Use Monthly Themes

1. Write specific poems, fiction, essays, or articles related to the theme — try using the Writing Sparks.

2. Choose a Weekly prompt or select a Writing Spark, and center your piece around the theme.

3. Remember to tag your work appropriately (Poetry, Fiction, Essay, or Articles) and use ‘Monthly Theme’ if your work is centered around the theme.

Writing Sparks

1. What is the dream that fuels you?

2. How do you feel about what you have succeeded or failed at so far in your life?

3. If you could paint a picture of a successful life, what would it look like?

4. How has your pursuit of success shaped your path through life?

Bonus Prompt — Consider the following quotes:

‘Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value’ Albert Einstein

‘Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.’ Bill Gates

‘Survival was my only hope, success my only revenge.’ Patricia Cornwell

‘However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.’ Stephen Hawking.

Have a creative month, I can’t wait to see your responses!

Important Reminder

Write what comes to mind, don’t try to shape it or edit, let that first draft flow out of you like a stream of consciousness in direct response to wherever inspiration took you.

Only after that and perhaps a little time, should you reread and polish. We want to see your passion and excitement for your stories, and it’s what you write best.

Best Wishes & Have a great December!

ADEOLA SHEEHY-ADEKALE

If you are new to Promptly Written and would like to know how to get started, please read our submission guidelines below.

Prompt
Writing Prompts
Writers Block
Creativity
Success
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarAnita Carr
ADHD & Friendships

2 min read