The Nebraska Writing Project hosts writing marathons a few times throughout the year, in a variety of different places. Writing marathon locations are switched around so people from different parts of Nebraska don't always have to drive several hours to participate.
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
Writing Lincoln Initiative Fall Writing Marathon at Pioneers Park
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
This writing marathon invites guests to spend a day exploring nature while writing about their experiences or anything that is important to them. Bring a notebook, a pen or pencil, and join us for a day of nature and writing. There is no need to be an expert to participate in this event, so we highly encourage you to attend and invite others -- students, colleagues, friends, family members, etc.
The WLI Fall Writing Marathon will take place on Saturday, November 11th, from 12 - 4pm at the Pioneers Park in Lincoln, NE. We ask that all attendees first meet at the Pioneers Park Nature Center (3201 South Coddington, Lincoln, NE 68522) at noon to begin the marathon. After a brief overview of what writing marathons entail, attendees will break into small groups that together will explore the park, pause to write, and share that writing with each other. One of those groups will function as an accessibility group, which will stick to sidewalks, flat planes, and the sections of the park more suited for those with mobility issues. If the weather isn't great, we have two indoor spots to choose from.
