What the Challenge Means (from John)

I created the Challenge because I believe three things:

1. That it is entirely possible to create a substantial and good piece of writing within a year, good enough to be published.
2. That when properly committed and prepared, people can accomplish things they didn't think possible.
3. That there are some people who will always talk more about what they wish or want to accomplish, but not actually do anything about, so like anchors and albatrosses, they drag everyone down.

The reason why the Challenge is so straight-forward and uncompromising is because there shouldn't be any bad writers doing it. This is Darwinism, sort of, and improving writing does come down to whether or not you actually write, rather than just read or analyze or think about writing. It's not a perfect system, but it is a perfect idea, and I'm so proud of the people who have picked up the gauntlet (or alternatively, thrown their hat over the wall) and said to themselves, "I've talked too long about doing this, now it's time to see if I can actually make it."

And I don't know if they all will make it. My heart says yes, I want them all to succeed. My mind...not so much. But it's not for lack of trying. And it's in the trying that they'll discover whether or not they're pursuing the passion in the right way.

So the challenge drives on, and now you can be a fan of it on Facebook.

What's the point? To draw that line in the sand and have people actually make a change in their lives so that they can do what they say they've always wanted, so that they can have an active role in their lives and in their dreams. And...so that they can be better.

If you've read all that, and you want to join in (yes, I'm looking at you, random person on the Internet who wishes they could do more writing or do it better), it's not too late, email me.