National Day on Writing

National Day on Writing is celebrated every October 20. It’s a day dedicated to acknowledging the significance of writing as both a crucial skill and a form of art. This special day encourages everyone to appreciate and engage in writing activities.

This day is important because it aims to highlight the diverse forms of writing we engage in and promote a broader understanding of writing’s role in society.

Established by the National Council of Teachers of English, it reminds us of the power of writing to convey ideas, emotions, and information, fostering a more literate society.

The celebration of the National Day of Writing is not just for the literary community but for anyone who wishes to express themselves through written words.

It’s a day to encourage creativity and confidence in writing, allowing people to explore new ideas and share their thoughts.

History of National Day on Writing

The National Day on Writing was officially established by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) on October 20, 2009.

This day was set aside to celebrate and explore the wide variety of writing that Americans engage in daily. The U.S. Senate recognized the importance of this initiative by approving resolutions in 2009 and 2010 to honor this day.

Originally linked with Journalism Day, the focus was broadened to include all types of writing, not just journalism.

In its inaugural year, the celebration included activities such as webcasts, writing marathons, and local writing exhibitions. It even had even a seven-word memoir challenge.

These activities aimed to make writers from all walks of life aware of their craft and encourage them to share their writings. The NCTE also launched the National Gallery of Writing, a virtual space where writers could submit and share their works publicly, which remained open for submissions until June 2011.

This annual event emphasizes the essential role of writing in society and encourages everyone to reflect on and engage with their writing skills.

The National Day on Writing highlights that writing is not just a solitary act but a shared and crucial component of literacy and communication in the modern world.

How to Celebrate National Day on Writing

Embrace the Social Sphere

One lively way to dive into the National Day on Writing is to storm the social media castles with your prose and poetics!

Start a hashtag frenzy with your reflections, stories, or poetic tweets, encouraging friends and followers to do the same. Tag it #WhyIWrite to see it flutter through the digital realm, joining voices from around the globe in a shared celebration of written expression​​.

Host a Wordy Gathering

Why not throw a party where the guest of honor is writing itself? Invite pals over for a write-a-thon, where everyone pens something personal—be it a letter, a poem, or a mini-memoir.

Spice it up with some friendly competition, perhaps challenging attendees to concoct the most compelling tweet or crafty caption in under 140 characters​.

Set Up a Story Exchange

Arrange a story swap meet, where folks can share and swap their favorite written pieces with others. It could be as organized as a book exchange or as casual as sharing favorite blog posts or articles.

This not only celebrates writing but also spreads the joy of reading others’ works​.

Unleash Your Inner Poet

Unchain your inner Shakespeare or Maya Angelou and pen some poetry. Don’t stop there—turn it into an open mic night!

Whether at a local café or through an online video call, give people a stage to share their original verses. It’s a great way to hear the rhythms of written words come alive​.

Create Visually

For those who think outside the traditional pen-and-paper box, why not create a video essay or a graphic story?

This modern twist can capture the essence of your thoughts in a dynamic visual format. It is perfect for sharing online and capturing the imaginations of a visually-driven audience.