Last year, I challenged myself to write twelve short stories – one story each month – around a central theme. A few other wonderful writers joined me, and it became a really fun and interesting creative project. So, of course, I’m doing it again.
The rules are the same: Write and post one story each month of 2022. Posted whenever you/I want to (for me, that’s usually the end of the month), and written around one theme. And the theme this year is:
Folklore.
I thought about several options, but this one wouldn’t let me go. How does a story become folklore? What are the necessary elements of a folk tale? What drives us to share folklore? How long does it last? Why does it last, and why, sometimes, does it fade away? Folk tales and folk traditions tie us to our ancestors. They connect us to our cultures, and to each other. Folklore is powerful, and I want to dig into it and see what I can learn along the way.
And if you want to join me, that would be wonderful! If you do, when you post your stories, you can use the tag “2022 Short Story Challenge” and mention this post. But just reading is good, too, and I’m glad you’re here for this journey. 😊
I think 2022 is going to be a wonderful year for stories!
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If you haven’t read them, or if you want to revisit any of them, here are all of my stories from 2021. Some of them I really liked, some of them I didn’t, and some were certainly easier to write than others. But they were all worth writing, and they each taught me something (or, sometimes, a lot of somethings) about myself, the art of writing, and how to tell stories. I’ve put asterisks by my two favorites, though, because why not?
The Making of Annie’s Auld Lang Syne
Enjoy, and thank you so much for reading!
A Virginia Writer's Diary 
This does sound intriguing–perfect hook for the upcoming year!
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Thanks! I think it’s going to be really interesting to dig into.
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This is exciting! Can’t wait to join you again this year!! 😁
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Awesome!! 🙂 I think it’s going to be really fun.
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I’m going to join. I have been sharing some poetry, but not a short story, so that’s a new challenge for me. I plan to reblog this.
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I love that! I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. 🙂 Thanks for the reblog, and I look forward to reading your stories!!
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Reblogged this on Bonnie Reads and Writes and commented:
2022 Short Story Challenge from A Virginia Writer’s Diary. Write one short story a month this year. The theme is Folklore. I’m going to try it.
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Great idea! 😀
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Thank you! I’m really excited about it. I think it’s going to be really fun to explore. 🙂
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Yeah, good short stories are really satisfying to write and to read, and once a month doesn’t sound too overwhelming if there’s a goal and you’re having fun ☺
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Here’s my January story, one day late. https://bonniereadsandwrites.wordpress.com/2022/02/01/2022-short-story-challenge-2022shortstorychallenge/
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I just read it, and I love it!
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Now that’s a true friendship 😁
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