The Nebraska Writing Project hosts writing marathons several times throughout the year, usually in downtown Lincoln each January, at Platte River State Park each fall, and at various other locations in Omaha and in western/central Nebraska.
What is a writing marathon?
Writing marathons involve small groups of writers moving together through a landscape, writing and sharing along the way, with no comment from group members except for a “thank you.” On a marathon, writers compose in any genre they like, drawing inspiration from their surroundings and also from their fellow writers. Writing marathons were invented in the Southeastern Louisiana Writing Project in the early 1990s and have been adapted for use in National Writing Project Institutes, classrooms, literary festivals, and writing groups throughout the country. They help writers experience the world as writers, generate new material, and to share writing in a supportive community.
For more information about writing marathons and how to use them in your own classrooms and writing groups, visit Louisiana Writing Project website, or check out their book, The Writing Marathon: In Good Company Revealed, from the NeWP book cart.
Upcoming Marathons
Stay tuned!
Recent Marathons
Write the River
September 25 - 26, 2020
Join a writing marathon on September 25-26, 2020 at Smith Falls State Park (choose your hour between 7pm Fri. to 7pm Sat., or sign up for more hours if you wish). Everyone is invited! Spend quiet time along the river and write about your river experiences and its importance to you. No need to be an expert.
Niobrara National Scenic River is joining with the National and Nebraska Writing Projects to celebrate National Public Lands Day. This writing marathon features individuals or family groups writing one hour at a time. You can sign up for more hours if you wish.
NeWP COVID-19 Digital Writing Marathon
April 25 - May 1, 2020
Writers shared a piece of writing highlighting the thoughts and places that have marked their experience during this time. The marathon suggested these "places" to write and get inspired:
- Creating a writing marathon by going to different rooms in your house
- Taking a virtual tour of a distant place
- Taking a walk while maintaining a social distance
- Traveling through the photos in your camera roll
Read writing from past marathons
