Short Story Obstacle Course
Presenting the Short Story Obstacle Course
The obstacle course is a two-hour writing intensive where you will begin a story, and every fifteen minutes, I will introduce a new instruction that encourages alteration or addition to your work-in-progress, which you will address in real time.
At 1:00 PM EST, we will begin our stories. You may start with an original concept or use a prompt— I will be sending a series of story starters for those who want them. The first fifteen minutes will be uninterrupted writing time. At 1:15, I will draw an “obstacle prompt” at random and announce it to the participants. This prompt could be something like insert a mountain into your story, or have your protagonist confront a stranger. These prompts will arrive every fifteen minutes until the completion of the event. Some of them may be easy to address, providing a boost to your writing, while others may subvert the arc of your story entirely. The goal is to address each addition quickly, maintaining momentum and continuing to write in preparation for the next addition. It’s an obstacle course, those who fall behind will be left behind!
There will be eight prompts in total (seven if you choose to start your story unprompted). I will be sending each instruction over email—no Zoom necessary!
The Goal?
To expand and reimagine your comfort zone in the drafting process and create a story that is imaginative, surprising, and unique!
Image Text: Short Story Obstacle Course: A two-hour writing intensive where writers will begin a story, and every fifteen minutes receive a new instruction that encourages alteration or addition to their work in progress, which will be addressed/incorporated in real time. The event will be held Sunday, June 27 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM Eastern. The cost is a Pay-What-You-Can model, with 50% of proceeds supporting No More Deaths / No Mas Muertes). For more info and to RSVP, visit tuckerlp.net/obstaclecourse.
How much is it? How do I register?
The course operates on a Pay-What-You-Can model, which will be collected upon registration. Half of the proceeds will support No More Deaths / No Más Muertes, a humanitarian organization supporting migrants on the US-Mexico border. You can register by filling out this form.
What if the time doesn’t work for me?
You can still sign up to receive the prompts and write on your own schedule using your own timer.
What If I want to write a poem instead?
Participants have written short stories, poems, and flash fictions using my obstacle course—and all have found the process beneficial.
What If I have other questions?
Email me at tuckerleighty (at) gmail . com