Skip to main content

2012 April PAD Challenge: Guidelines

Okay, I've been meaning to make this post all month, but I've been waiting to get it perfect. There's no better way to delay a project than trying to make it completely perfect. So I'm just going to post the guidelines the best I can and then make edits as needed.

What is the April PAD Challenge?

PAD stands for Poem-A-Day, so this is a challenge in which poets write a poem each day of April.

Who can participate?

Anyone who wants to write poetry--whether you've been writing all your life or just want to give it a shot now, whether you write form poetry or free verse, whether you have a certain style or have no clue what you're doing. The main thing is to poem (and yes, I use poem as a verb).

Where do I share my poems?

If you want to share your poems throughout the month, the best way is to paste your poem in the comments on the post that corresponds with that day's prompt. You'll find folks are pretty supportive on the Poetic Asides site. And if they're not, I expect to be notified via e-mail.

Here are some more April PAD Challenge guidelines:

  • Poeming begins April 1 and runs through May 1 (to account for time differences in other parts of the world--and yes, poets all over the world participate).
  • The main purpose of the challenge is to write poems, but I also will choose my favorite poems of the month from poets who submit up to 5 poems by May 5 to my e-mail address (robert.brewer@fwmedia.com) with the subject line: My April PAD Submission. Poets can only submit up to 5 poems, and I will only consider the first submission--so make sure it's what you meant to send. Unless you need formatting in Word, please include the poems in the body of your e-mail message.
  • I will make selections by August 8, and they'll be announced on this blog.
  • Poem as you wish, but I will delete poems and comments that I feel are hateful. Also, if anyone abuses this rule repeatedly, I will have them banned from the site. So please "make good choices," as I tell my 3-year-old son.

Other rules, questions, concerns, etc?

If you need any other questions answered, put them in the comments, and I'll revise this post as needed.

Other than that, I can't wait to start poeming later this week!

*****

Follow me on Twitter @robertleebrewer and my personal blog at My Name Is Not Bob.

*****

The Productive Writer cover

Want to be a more productive writer?

Learn how in Sage Cohen's The Productive Writer, which shares tips on how to set goals, achieve those goals, discover what really keeps you writing, weed out bad habits and attitudes, accomplish what matters most to you, and more. This guide is the ultimate book for writers who wish they could be more productive day in and day out.

Click to continue.

Poetry Prompt

Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 721

Every Wednesday, Robert Lee Brewer shares a prompt and an example poem to get things started for poets. This week, write an only one poem.

Writer's Digest JanuaryFebruary2025

Writer's Digest January/February 2025 Cover Reveal

Presenting the January/February 2025 issue of Writer's Digest, featuring articles to help you write your next great story and an interview with Booker Prize-winner Pat Barker.

online prompt 12:10

Imperfect Day

Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, write about a perfect day gone awry.

Joseph Knox: On the Public Explosion of Grifters

Joseph Knox: On the Public Explosion of Grifters

In this interview, bestselling author Joseph Knox discusses how his fascination with grifters helped lead to his new thriller novel, Imposter Syndrome.

One Piece of Advice From Young Adult Fiction Authors in 2024

One Piece of Advice From 15 Young Adult Fiction Authors in 2024

Collected here is one piece of advice for writers from 15 different young adult fiction authors featured in our author spotlight series in 2024, including Kara Thomas, Ronni Davis, Amanda Glaze, Desmond Hall, Tiffany Wang, Samira Ahmed, and more.

From Script

Novelist Turned Showrunner Blake Crouch (From Script)

In this week’s round up brought to us by Script magazine, novelist turned showrunner Blake Crouch shares some challenges and rewards adapting his own work.

The Allure of a Novella: Why Writers (and Readers) Should Indulge, by Tara Deal

The Allure of a Novella: Why Writers (and Readers) Should Indulge

Award-winning author Tara Deal shares a reason for writers and readers to try novellas, including four tips for writing them and a sneaky good novella reading list.

Cale Dietrich: Figure Out What Works for You

Cale Dietrich: Figure Out What Works for You

In this interview, author Cale Dietrich discusses putting a queer spin on a rom-com favorite with his new romance novel, The Rules of Royalty.

Land a Book Deal in 2025

Land a Book Deal in 2025

Think like an industry insider who makes decisions every day on what work merits print publication, plus more from Writer's Digest!