What can I do with 300 words?
It takes me about 22 minutes to write (if I have a good idea) and about 6 minutes to read three hundred words.
- I can write a short blog post.
- I can encourage someone with a card that I put in the mail.
- I can sympathize with someone who has had a loss.
- Or write my elderly grandmother and tell her how we are all doing out here in California.
- I can pen out a prayer, a request or praise.
- I can make a list that has been weighing on me. Getting it out on paper helps.
- A love note. I can tell my husband how much I appreciate him going to work each morning.
- I can send a thank-you to somebody who has poured their life into one of my children’s hearts. I can make sure it’s unexpected.
Three hundred words is not much.
It is concise. Much less than a chapter. Only a tiny bit more than one typed page, double spaced.
And if you are wordy, a three hundred word limit will force you to make your words count be wise with them. Use rich language and words that have significant meaning and connotation.
Three hundred words is brief. Anne Lamott calls it good, daily writing practice in Bird by Bird.
And if you do, as I do, believe in the power of words, you know that something as energy-less as three hundred words could breathe life into someone.
So today, I challenge you to do it. Be real, tell the truth, and write your 300 words, whether they are to someone, for someone or for the world to see. Spend them today on someone who truly needs them or on something that needs to be said.
It will only take 22 minutes.
Wow, this is really informative.
smooches,
Larie
did it! thanks for “spurring” us on.
Thanks Sarah! You are inspiring.
love this…
like you, i write to learn…so i don’t even want to know where i will end up…just where i can start…
GOOD advice & GREAT heart, honey…
all my love,
dad
Oooo I like this. Last year, one of my goals (I don’t do resolutions
) was to send at least one pen & paper letter to someone a week. I loved it! This year it’s to journal more. Again, not just the blog but pen & paper journal. I like the 300 words a day challenge!
oh you don’t have to do it every day, just once in awhile!! =) i love your resolutions.
Sarah, thanks for much for the info. It’s always easy to forget what words mean to other people. 300 words can be so simple if you think about it yet so many people don’t take the time to use them.
Thanks again!!
Something in the mail with a stamp on it IS a gift. Holding it, feeling the texture, reading and rereading the love, appreciation and encouragement – priceless. Thx for the push.
Using my 300 words to say thank you for a huge mentor in my life who has impacted me, well, really more than I could ever express in 300 words. But I’ll give it my best shot! Thanks Sarah!
something I need to do MUCH more often
Thanks for the encouragement to do so!
A worthy challenge.
I accept!
Wonderful advice!
{Bird by Bird might be my favorite book…}
I go into every new year saying that I am going to send more encouraging notes to friends and family members through the mail but I never do. There is just something so special about getting a nice note in the mail, and I want to do that for the people I love. This is good encouragement. Thanks!!
I love Bird by Bird too; I find it helpful and encouraging when I write. I enjoyed you post on 300 words, because it reminded me that every little bit helps. And, as I read your writing, it helps kindle my own spark for the written word, the creative process I mean.
I’m pulling out the old notecards that have been collecting dust on the shelf! Time to send some girlfriends some encouragement…just because!
Thank you for this!
Sarah
[...] took a challenge today. Write something meaningful in exactly 300 words. . So hear I [...]
[...] on January 8, 2010 Yesterday, Sarah over at the best days of my life challenged us to write 300 words. To someone. For someone. Whatever the case may be to just write. Here are my 300 [...]
Thanks so much for sharing this! I’ll be taking a little extra time out today to write my 300 words!
Between myself and my brother we’ve owned more gadgets over the years than I can count, including GPS units, iPods (classic & touch), etc. I love Amazon’s kindel, it’s by far the coolest toy I got. Why? Because I was happy to discover just how well-designed and fun it was and how simple it was to use . Make sure you buy the cover though as it will get scratched pretty easily.