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[Insert witty introduction here]
So I’m sitting here on my lunch break trying to come up with something new and interesting and compelling to say, and it’s just not happening. Instead I start a sonnet, scratch out 400 more words on the novel, noodle on a microstory, write a grocery list and comment on 15 Facebook posts. But this here? This isn’t happening. Sound familiar?
I don’t believe in writer’s block, not exactly. I do think that sometimes the words don’t come. And if that’s the case, it’s useful to switch gears and try something different. Instead of a blog post, I start a poem. Instead of typing, I write longhand for a while. Sometimes I ask a friend for a prompt–whatever I can do to open up some space. Meanwhile, the thing I was actually supposed to write is sitting in the back of my brain, percolating. Here’s the catch: you have to get back to that original project. Either you finish it or you reevaluate it, but you don’t abandon it. Writer’s block is only a thing if you let it be – if you let it stop you from moving forward. Push on through, and voila! That thing you meant to write falls onto the page.
Lucky for you, we’ve got all sorts of ways you can find that space. Do you usually hang out on the micro grid? Try a short story. Are essays more your thing? See if you can condense it down to 42 words. And if none of those options are working for you this week, try a free-write about the insanity that is Neko Atsume and post it on the moonshine. We’ve got you covered.
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The basics
Yeah write gives you three competitive challenge grids — nonfiction, fiction|poetry and microstories — all of which are moderated. Check them out below. Submissions that meet our guidelines will be moved to the voting grid; those that do not will get a personal love letter from our submissions editor explaining why. Got a question? E-mail us, tweet us, ping us on Facebook, or visit our online community, the yeah write coffeehouse. You can learn more about yeah write in our FAQ.
The rules
Please make sure you are familiar with our submission guidelines before you enter. We don’t have a lot of rules, but we do enforce them across the board. We’d hate to see anyone get disqualified by a technicality.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Bring us your personal essays and creative nonfiction!
The nonfiction challenge grid opens on Monday at midnight EST. This is the best place on the ‘net to showcase your best writing. Make us laugh, make us cry, make us think, and above all: make us care.
Nonfiction theme of the month: introspection
Sometimes the biggest changes in our lives are sparked by the smallest things. It’s natural to want to share your moment of epiphany, but how do you fit a thousand words into two seconds without becoming pedantic and repetitive? Rowan can tell you all about it!
Is fiction more your thing?
The fiction|poetry grid opens on Tuesday. Grab a mic and join our monthly poetry slam or check out our weekly prompt up!
Prompt up!
Prompt up is our optional weekly writing prompt for the fiction|poetry challenge! Here’s how it works: we choose a sentence prompt from last week’s winning nonfiction post and announce it in the kickoff. It’s your job to use that prompt as the first sentence in your poem or story and then run with it. The prompt is just a springboard, though: feel free to keep it as your first sentence, move it, change it, or float down it to other territories.
Natalie’s crowd fave post guided us through the internal monologue of losing a dear friend. This week’s Prompt Up is: I need to be in the water.
February poetry slam: Spenserian sonnets
When we think of sonnets, Shakespeare usually comes to mind. But The Bard isn’t the only one to play with the form. This month we’re revisiting sonnets, but with a twist. We’ll be writing our 14 lines Edmund Spenser-style. Read Rowan’s post for more details.
This week’s ultimate question: what weighs you down?
Answer this question in exactly 42 words for the microstory challenge, or use it to inspire your submission to the other competitive grids. The microstory challenge opens on Wednesday.
Tips for your microstories
A good answer to this week’s question will identify a thing that burdens you physically, emotionally or psychologically. Are you hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with a month’s worth of food on your back? Are you carrying the guilt of lying to a friend? Or maybe you’ve been bearing a grudge for twenty years. Whatever “it” is, make sure your answer is clear.
Remember: do not include the question in your title or your answer. Do not include extra words – no footnotes (except for photo credits), no explanations, no shout-outs. Do not rely on your word processor or blog to give you an accurate word count. COUNT YOUR WORDS WITH YOUR EYES. Posts that do not meet these standards will not be moved to the voting grid.
Questions? Want to talk it through? Grab a latte at the coffeehouse and chat with your fellow yeah writers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Winners’ round-up
In case you missed them, you can find last week’s yeah write staff picks and crowd favorites all laid out for you on Friday’s winners’ post. Leave the winners some love in the comments. They will love you right back, we guarantee it.
Weekend writing showcase
The weekend’s not over: the moonshine grid is still open. Have something to add? Old posts and new are welcome. No moderation, no voting. It’s a laid-back relaxed kind of place. Just leave your commercial or sponsored posts at home. Drop by, share your work, and while you’re there, visit your fellow yeah writers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
