Writing Assignment Challenge April 2010

A total of 21 AC contributors signed up to participate in the debut round of the Writing Assignment Challenge last month. I asked each participant to give me a topic idea which was then randomly assigned to a different writer, thereby helping us to expand beyond our comfort zone and write about something that may be outside of the norm for us.

Seventeen writers were up for the challenge and did justice to their assigned topics. Of those, at least one received their very first upfront payment offer, and several received their highest offer to date. Unfortunately, four writers did not complete their assignment.

The writers listed below deserve recognition for taking on the challenge and following through with some great articles. Please take a few minutes to support their efforts by reading them.

My own assignment, submitted by Lyn Lomasi, was to take something that would normally be written as a how-to article and turn it into a home school lesson plan, which was definitely a challenge for me. I turned to what I know - crochet - and submitted Free Home School Math Lesson Plan: Crochet in the Classroom, for which I received a very nice upfront offer (my largest to date!).

Relative newcomer Melanie Patrick wasted no time in taking on the challenge and published Novel Ways to Get Rid of House Flies, the topic submitted by Vince. Melanie received her very first upfront offer on this piece, but I know it won't be her last. Great job, Melanie.

Carly Hart gave us all something to think about with her article Boyfriends Named Latest Cause for Being Fat. Thanks to Jolynne for submitting that topic.

Jillian McCoy just joined AC in March and took the bull by the horns with her article Blue Whale Facts, thanks to an idea from Kenzy.

Jolynne Hudnell chose to write about Chasing Coyotes: The Craziest Thing I Ever Did for her assignment, compliments of Jennifer.

S. submitted the topic that was assigned to Julie Darleen, who wrote Six Business Strategies to Consider On National Take Your Dog to Work Day.

Carol's topic idea was written by Karen Barnes, who submitted 3 Things You Should Know About Water Balloons. With spring soon heading into summer, this was a nice reminder of some fun to have with the kids.

Kay wanted to know what type of low creeping perennials she could plant in her area for a splash of color, and Vincent Summers helped her out with Six Colorful Zone 5 Flowering Ground Covers.

My chickens gave me the idea to have someone write about how egg cartons can be recycled, and S. Maven did a great job with How to Recycle Egg Cartons in Your Backyard, coming up with ideas I wouldn't have thought of.

Most writers like to read, so Tamara Waters wrote 5 Books I Can't Live Without from the idea submitted by Marilisa.

Most of us know that Tammy loves the zombie craze, so lucky Lyn Lomasi gave us What's Up With the Undead Craze?: Interesting Zombie Sites for her assignment.

Kay Whittenhauer was given Julie's topic to write about historical events that we should all remember. She couldn't decide on just one category to write about, so she gave us Space Program History: 5 Events Everyone Should Know and 5 Big Events in the History of Motorcycles. I enjoyed the history lesson, Kay.

Karen wanted to know how to build a home from (blank), leaving the assigned writer to fill in the blank.
Jennifer Moore put an interesting twist on it with How to Build a Home From Love, a great read.

Mary's topic idea was assigned to Carol Bengle Gilbert, who gave us Best Healthy Uses for Fresh Summer Strawberries. I hope there's still time to prepare a bed for some strawberry plants this year.

Katie wanted to know whether you should send your pre-K child to Head Start and Janice Meyer did a nice job with Will the Head Start Program Improve Within the Next Two Years?.

Melanie wanted to know what's the best advice you ever got, so Kenzy England answered with The Best Advice I Ever Got: If You Want to Write, Write.

Katie Sharp published Article Structure - Ideal Keyword Placement, a good tool for all article writers. Katie's assignment sprang from the topic submitted by Jillian.

Since four writers didn't finish the challenge, the topics submitted by Janice Meyer, Carly Hart, Angie Mohr and Rodney Southern remain unwritten. I won't list their topic ideas since they may want to write about it themselves.

I want to commend the 17 writers who took on this challenge, not knowing where the assignment may lead them. I learned a lot from the articles presented and I'm sure the research involved brought new awareness to each of the challenge finishers too. I anticipate making this writing assignment challenge a monthly event and encourage you to participate again.