An Ode to a Writer’s #Inktober

And why it’s important to seek out other creative outlets

Photo by GoaShape on Unsplash

October 1st marks the first day of Inktober 2019. Started by artist Jake Parker in 2009 as a personal crusade to practice and improve upon his own ink drawing skills, October’s now famous artwork challenge is already generating buzz across Instagram and beyond. Thousands of artists — amateurs and professionals alike — all over the world prepare to participate and share their work. While many of them steadfastly keep to Parker’s proposed official prompt list, many others are creating and promoting prompt lists of their own.

No matter what prompt list for whichever day of the month, however, one thing is certain: throughout all thirty-one days of October, the hashtag #Inktober will be flooded with new artwork across social media.

Honestly, I had no idea what Inktober was until maybe two years ago, and I didn’t consider participating until last year, when I think I maybe did ten out of the thirty-one days. Not my best effort in regards to the many internet challenges I’ve put myself up against, but fun to do and without inordinate amounts of pressure.

Why?

I am not an artist.

I am a writer.