First Write

Every January 1 throughout North America, hordes of human "polar bears" make a mad dash to icy waters for a quick plunge.

Why do they brave the elements and the possibility of frostbite and hypothermia? 

Some say it’s a family tradition or a way to combat depression.  Others swear it is a spiritual experience.

But perhaps they also take the plunge for one of the same reasons writers write: they want to prove they’re alive.

On New Year's Day 2019, writers throughout the world will mark the occasion with an abundance of new words and a new tradition: a 24-hour writing challenge, called FIRST WRITE™.