Weekly Challenges

Create a self-portrait with distinctive shadows and highlights accenting your features.

Write a poem or short story whose only purpose is to make the reader laugh. The style of humor you use is up to you: sarcasm, snail jokes, situational irony, etc.

What makes you feel squishy inside? A hug from your mom? Your dreamy new crush? Your tattered childhood blankie? A cat cozied up on your lap? Write about that tender-hearted feeling in poetry, prose, or self-reflection.

It’s back to kindergarten! Creatively photograph something or someone that holds deep meaning to you, and write a short paragraph explaining their role in your life. Make sure to get permission from your subject.

Find inspiration in this theme for your next piece, written in any form: The sky is falling.

Write about a character trying to meditate or do something mindfully. What’s holding them back? Do they eventually find peace?

In your own signature style, illustrate a favorite scene from a favorite book.

Holding a secret for yourself or another can feel lightheartedly mischievous, devious, painful, or like an immense honor and sign of trust. In poetry or prose, write about someone with a secret – their own or someone else’s.

Ferris Bueller may have been the king of bad choices, but he knew how to have a good time. Let yourself imagine the itinerary of an unexpected day off from school – not playing hooky, but on a very welcome snow day.

Make a study of a small home appliance, such as a microwave, toaster, or coffee maker, paying special attention to little details like dials, settings buttons, and number pads. Photograph or draw the elements that most intrigue you.

Lay down the story of two unlikely friends. How do they meet? Are they bound together by a promise or secret, or do opposites really attract, after all?

Write about a character whose love language is making food for others. Do they manage to win someone over throughout the course of a meal?