28 x 20: Daily Prompts for Writing Super-Short Personal Essays in 20 Minutes

28 days. 28 prompts. 20 minutes. Less force, more allow.

Photo of Toni Morrison, February 13, 1973, by Jill Krementz

Listen. It’s a new year. A time to reset. But we know what often happens. “I’m going to write more, create more, do more, get started, stick to the plan.” Then, somehow, little to nothing changes. We stall out. INSTEAD OF THAT, WE ARE DOING THIS.

The What

28 X 20 is an invitation to dive into the daily rhythm of crafting short pieces. 28 days. 28 prompts. 28 micro-stories. 20 minutes each. No time to overthink it. No toe-dipping. Grab momentum, sharpen your skills, blow out your range, and end the month with a richer, more confident practice. Y'all. February is the shortest month. You can do this.

The Why

28 x 20 gives you the best prompts — the ones that keep you out of those damn weeds. Narrow the focus, and you break out of the paralysis of indecision and uncertainty, staring into the abyss of big idea lists and scattered story fragments. The most interesting prompts are results-driven. They make you feel some kind of way; you don’t want to do it. You don’t know what to do. You resist. You’re uncomfortable in your body. That’s where the good stuff lives. Don’t give yourself an out.

The How

Every day beginning February 1st, you’ll receive a new prompt designed to inspire fresh work and stretch your creative boundaries. Set a timer for 20 minutes. Write. Don’t look at what you’ve written. Move on. And here’s a tip: if you freeze, go with the first thing that comes to mind and start anywhere.

The What-You-Get

A LOT. I’m talking about some writing advice, some craft insights, and some micro pieces by published writers. You’re getting not just the fuel but the engine. Not just the spark, but the fire. Not just a slice, but the whole damn pizza. And all the other metaphors.

At the end of February, you’ll have 28 miniature stories. Revise them. Polish them. Submit them. Expand them into longer works. Or sit back, admire your creative self, and say, I DID THE DAMN THING.

The Way In

28 X 20 is for paid joiners. Snag a WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT DISCOUNT for 25% off a one-year subscription. Subscribe for the month, pause or cancel anytime. Send a gift subscription to someone you know. If you’re already a financial supporter, you’re good to go — and thank you.

28 X 20 starts February 1. Sharpen your No. 2 pencils. Let’s make some magic.