In January of 2009, I wanted to try something new on this site. I’ve noticed over the years that some of my favorite writings online are the ones where I’ve shared something about myself that may be considered personal. Having attended many sessions at BlogHer or read online horror stories of people baring their souls and having the Internet collectively spit on them, I wanted to foster something positive from sharing a bit of ourselves.

Thus began our Living Out Loud Project. Each month, I choose a theme for the project, elaborate on any requirements for the assignment and encourage everyone to participate. Entries are due at 5pm eastern time on the first Sunday of the following month. I then post a recap of everyone’s entries and choose a winner to receive a small prize for their efforts. There are no fancy corporate sponsors, no complex rules or guidelines and no one voting you off the blogging island. In the end, really it’s just you and whatever you choose to share with us.

Below is a list of the themes for each month with a description of the project and a recap of the entries. You can also read all entries related to Living Out Loud by perusing the Living Out Loud category of this blog.

To showcase those who have taken on the challenge of living out loud and living to tell the tale, below is a list of all participants thus far. I highly encourage you to check out these talented writers. Every one of them has impressed me with what they’ve shared about themselves.

LOL Members

Rich – Puckeater.com
Megan – An Acorn Dreaming
Ben – A Swooshing
Kim – Prosaic Paradise
Karal – The Orange Chair
Liz (Megan’s Mom – submitted via email)
Iseulte – At the Top of Her Glass
Gina – Weaverrhi’s Journey
Martelle – Martelle’s Medieval Meanderings
Audrey – Mermadn’s Madness
Jeb – Full of Sound and Fury
Tink (Megan and Ben’s daughter: age 5)
Ace (Megan and Ben’s son: age 9)
DebSiobhan – Deb’s Place
Sarah – WG’s Ramblings
Jen – Pink Leader’s Pontifications
Jessica – I have measured my life out with coffee spoons
Collette (submitted via email)
Travis – Shemp’s Asylum
Lisette – A Stitch in Time
Becca – Honey, I KNOW I can dance
Julia – I Do Things So You Don’t Have To
Candice – The Bookish Penguin
Justus – This journal is for fish only!
Sharyn – FeeFiFoTo
Vic – Erudity.net
SuziCate – The Water Witch’s Daughter
Laurie – Laurie Writes
Nina – RainSinger: Laughs! Thrills! Pathos!
Grace – What if No One’s Watching?
Wil – Middleager
JBarbie
Kaylyn Pippin
Janet
Rachel – Crunchy Turtle
Kim – Kimz Corner
Rachel – Tales of my 30s
Jen – Examorata
Peg – Square Peg in a Round Hole
Amy – Kazoogrrl
Heather – A Suite to Suit Strange Tastes
Jimmy – Just My Opinion
Christina – Katana’s Blog
Dwayne – 20 Miles from Nowhere
Ruth – Mary and Bob’s Journal
Kathy – The Castle Beckons
Erin – Pursued by a Bear

I hope you enjoy this ongoing project and are inspired to participate yourself if you haven’t already!