July 27, 2026 by J.R. Johnson
Here’s a fun writing contest: 1Picture1000Words
Write 1,000 words about it by August 31st, 2026. You can write whatever you want, so long as you connect it to the photo. Creative nonfiction. Sci-fi. A joke. Something else. It’s up to you.
It’s run by Quarter Mile, the folks who put together the previously mentioned “Dear Aliens” contest. The contest is what you probably think it is. They’ve provided a photo and want 1,000 word stories about it. No more, no less. No fees!
Check out the site for more info (although apparently they’re being cagey about the name of the dog!).
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Posted in Writing | Tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2026, creativity, no fees, secret agent dogs, wacky fun, Writers, writing, writing contest | Leave a Comment »
July 26, 2026 by J.R. Johnson
“Each day I am reborn. Each day I must begin again.” — Pablo Casals, Spanish Catalan cellist and conductor
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Posted in Other, Writing | Tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2026, creativity, expert advice, inspiration, quotes, Thoughts | Leave a Comment »
July 25, 2026 by J.R. Johnson
“You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.” ― C.S. Lewis
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Posted in Writing | Tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2026, editing life, happy thoughts, Thoughts, Writers, writing | Leave a Comment »
July 24, 2026 by J.R. Johnson
Something for the writers among us: In case you were wondering what a professional author thinks of the editing process, fantasy and science fiction author Jessie Mihalik has Thoughts!
Let’s Talk About Edits
If you take nothing else away from this post, take this: Edits should be constructive and collaborative.
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Posted in Writing | Tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2026, editing, examples, nagtives aren't positives, negatives aren't positives, Thoughts, writing | Leave a Comment »
July 23, 2026 by J.R. Johnson
While it can sometimes be a helpful motivator to indulge in a bit of friendly professional competition, I find it generally unproductive to worry too much about who is doing what in the world of writing (and why I am not, who is ahead of me, what have they done lately, that sort of thing). What a lot of wasted energy. I’d rather use it to make something fun.
In case you need this reminder today!
“A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.” ― Koshin Ogui
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Posted in Writing | Tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2026, competition, inspiration, Motivation, quoteandaprettypicture, Thoughts, Writers, writing | Leave a Comment »
July 22, 2026 by J.R. Johnson
“I figured something out. The future is unpredictable.” ― John Green
Here’s to the good kind of unexpected!
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Posted in Other | Tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2026, inspiration, quotes, Thoughts | Leave a Comment »
July 21, 2026 by J.R. Johnson
Ever had a day where your mind is cluttered and you’ve just spent hours wading through the news and it is both literally and figuratively cloudy, but then you look up to see a gorgeous little Monarch butterfly flutter by?
That’s me, today:)
Here’s to the many neighbors who have joined us in growing milkweed and other plants for these beauties, and to happy surprises!
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Posted in Other | Tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2026, butterflies, good neighbors, inspiration, nature, Thoughts | Leave a Comment »
July 20, 2026 by J.R. Johnson
Sure, this short story from Ellie Race-Moore at McSweeney’s may be a little too on the news nose, but it is funny!
A Case for the Giant Toxic Goo Pit I Want to Build in the Center of Town
I am a humble man. I made my fortune the old-fashioned way, through grit, determination, and a small multi-million-dollar loan from my father. And now I’m trying to achieve something beyond what humans have ever imagined: a giant toxic goo pit.
Because Mondays are better with a bit of humor!
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Posted in Funny, Writing | Tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2026, data centers, free fiction, humor, short stories, Writers, writing | Leave a Comment »
July 19, 2026 by J.R. Johnson
I see no particular merit in the fact that I was an artist at the age of eleven. I was born with an ability, with music in me, that is all. No special credit was due me. The only credit we can claim is for the use we make of the talent we are given. That is why I urge young musicians: “Don’t be vain because you happen to have talent. You are not responsible for that; it was not of your doing. What you do with your talent is what matters. You must cherish this gift. Do not demean or waste what you have been given. Work — work constantly and nourish it.” — Pablo Casals, Spanish Catalan cellist and conductor
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Posted in Writing | Tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2026, action, art, artists, creativity, eschew vanity, talent, Thoughts, work, writing | Leave a Comment »
July 18, 2026 by J.R. Johnson
/where once fell soft rain
This phrase popped into my mind after a cloudburst rolled through overhead. We’ve been having more of those in the past few of years, intense concentrations of Nature’s power blasting through an otherwise clear weather map. It makes me miss the grey skies of summer rain, and the gentle drops that encouraged growth rather than washing it away.
The phrase also sounded very familiar, and a quick check assured me that yes, it was a variant on the title of a Ray Bradbury short story. It’s not a cheerful story by any means, but it is classic Bradbury.
There Will Come Soft Rains (short story) – Wikipedia
I found the story available here, along with a lot of other classics from the likes of HG Wells to George MacDonald to Bradbury, Christie, Chesterton, Gilman, and many more.
Library of Short Stories | Authors
Here’s hoping you find stories that encourage your growth as a writer.
Enjoy!
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Posted in Writing | Tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2026, classics, free fiction, inspiration, library, nature, short stories, Thoughts, weather, Writers, writing | Leave a Comment »
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