All good things...

Today marks the end of an extraordinary run of writing

Every day of 2026, starting January 1^st, we’ve published somebody’s reflection on a moment they chose as life-shaping since the year 2000.

That’s 121 tiny stories of great magnitude, often deeply personal and moving, shared with the writing community. In fact, these ‘daily blessings’, as our first contributor Martin Lee called this project’s writing, have felt like one-to-ones, me to you.

The breadth and brilliance of writing has given The 20:26 Project its energy to sustain such a run. We thank our writers for that.

Submissions remain open

Although our daily run has come to an end, we’re accepting submissions to the project throughout 2026. If you know anyone who would like to take part, please ask them to email us. We’ll then share the brief with them.

Dip back in any time

This project hasn’t just encouraged brilliant writing. Writers have shared something profound. In a world, especially for writers, becoming dominated by AI technologies, we’ve explored what it means to be human.

Please revisit 20:26 pieces if ever you’re feeling overwhelmed by what’s happening around you. Ground yourself and find comfort in our shared humanity.

Watch this space

26 projects continue. Recently, our members have been collaborating with print makers and Eames Fine Art as part of First Impressions. We’re also working with UCL, 26 of our writers paired with students to celebrate the university’s 200^th anniversary. We have plenty more projects lined up.

Join 26 to get involved. Hear our members celebrate language on our podcast Why Words Matter. And follow us here on Substack, and over there on Instagram.

It’s been our pleasure to work with you as guides and editors.

Rob, Michael, Izzy and Regina

Find us at:

Rob Self-Pierson (new project launching soon)
Michael Gough
Regina Beach
Izzy Jarvis