Challenge Me! Or, Proser Notes

I like challenges because I have found that when I post stories in challenges they get more reads than stories that stand alone. I find this to be so true that I often write a story and then go read through the challenges to find one that even vaguely fits, so I can attach the story to it. I wouldn’t post on the site if no one was reading what I posted, and the more that do read them the merrier, so I put it where it will get read.

I prefer challenges that involve philosophical dilemmas, or inner struggles. Sometimes a challenge grates a nerve, and sparks a story like a flint struck by stone. Those stories usually write themselves, and they pull out the most interesting ideas and emotions. I love when that happens, but I find it happening less often lately, probably because of the multitude of challenge retreads. Some challenge ideas get recycled so many times that I have already written three or four similar stories on them, and am out of angles.

Personally, I don’t like challenges that are direct questions. I prefer to explain my viewpoints through the thoughts and actions of fictional characters. Fictional characters are able to get away with things that I could never pull off in the real world, and they can do it with a aplomb. That is fun for me, but I know that others prefer to write essays, or

non-fiction, so I am good with whatever.

I really don’t care much about winning and losing challenges. I prefer a high “read” count, as I know my story touched people when it gets either read by many, or over and over by a few... and like us all, I truly appreciate a heartfelt comment.

I think that, to some extent, the “likes” are political, but I have no problem with that. There is nothing wrong with supporting those who support you. With that said, really good stories and/or poetry will get more reads and likes than not.

Prosers seem to have short attention spans, so word count also matters. For the most part, shorter posts get more reads, and likes. I know there are exceptions, but that is the general rule.

I am a year on site now, and still enjoy it, although I seem to find the writing quality to be poorer now than when I was new to the site, although that positive perspective could have come from my initial enthusiasm for having found a fun place to write and receive feedback. I still find great pieces, but they seem to be fewer, and further between.

Good questions here, though. I look forward to reading other responses.