Faking it
Today at work someone asked me to edit an essay on the new technology scientists use. It was written by a well-respected archaeologist. I just kind of marveled at that for a minute. Well, actually, the first feeling I crashed into was Imposter Syndrome. You want insignificant me to do what? For whom? But the simple fact is I’ve been editing professionally for over a decade. It’s probably about time to own it.
It’s the same for my writing. I’ve been doing it in whatever form for over 25 years. I’ve won awards and been published, regardless of the critical voice in my head that says those awards and periodicals weren’t prestigious enough. How long does a person who fixes faucets and toilets wait before calling themselves a plumber? 25 years? That’s ridiculous. I think it might be time to stop blushing when someone calls me a writer.
That’s what writing fearlessly means to me. What does it mean to you?
Welcome to Week 401
We’re kicking off the week in style at YeahWrite with both our competitive challenge grids in one post, plus prompts, tips, tricks and more. You asked, we answered! Keep scrolling down cause it’s all right here.
Submissions for this week’s challenges open on Saturday at 12 midnight and close on Wednesday at 10pm ET. Voting will then open immediately thereafter and close on Thursday at 10pm ET. The winners, as always, will be celebrated on Friday.
Having trouble getting started? Hop on over to our quick guide. And don’t forget to doublecheck the full submission guidelines before you hit that button.
Technique Toolbox: Prologue to a Year of Fearless Writing
Ready to take yourself seriously as a writer? Not sure how, or not convinced you’re ready? We think you can, and are, and will be. Next year is our Year of Fearless Writing, and we’re going to warm up this December by setting a few resolutions. Share yours with us, and they might make the list!
Nonfiction: Optional Prompt
The nonfiction grid has no mandatory prompts. However, each week, we will give you an optional prompt in case that helps your mostly-true story juices flow. This week’s prompt is to write about something funny that happened during a holiday. It can be any holiday you celebrate, not just December holidays. And your story can be something that was funny at the time or funny only in retrospect. Have fun!
Fiction|Poetry Mandatory Prompt
Prompt Up is our mandatory weekly writing prompt for the fiction|poetry challenge! Here's How It Works!
It’s December! After the rush of NaNoWriMo or NaNoDoMore and Thanksgiving (for US writers) we’re turning our gaze to the end of the year. Everybody is busy with family, festivities, and winding up the year, so this month we’re taking the pressure off and asking you to include one compulsory single one-word prompt in your writing. You should mention the word itself in your work.
The compulsory one-word prompt, from YeahWrite #399 fiction|poetry winner MM Schreier, is: queasy.
Poets: December is a fun time for you too! This month you can write a poem incorporating the prompt word; queasy, or pick your favourite poetry form from 2018, or try a form you’ve never tried before from 2018. You can find all the poetry forms from this year here. If you choose a poetry form we’ve covered this year, you do not have to include the prompt word (though you can if you’d like to).
Poetry Slam - 2018 Roundup
Sad about your sestina? Regretting your rime royal? Don’t worry! You’ve got another shot at all of 2018’s poetry slams this month. If you missed a month, why not jump on in? We’ve got a handy list and roundup of poetry forms right here!
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Our tiniest challenge with the biggest bang is open the first Wednesday of every month from midnight to 10 p.m.
YeahWrite Super Challenge
Super Challenge #11 (nonfiction!) is now open for registration! Our next contest kicks off in 2019 so sign up today to ensure your spot. Make sure you sign up for our email blast so you don’t miss out on any Super Challenge announcements.
Winners’ Round-Up
In case you missed them, you can find last week’s YeahWrite staff picks and crowd favorites all laid out for you on last Friday’s winners’ post. Leave the winners some love in the comments. They will love you right back, we guarantee it.
About the author:
As a professional editor and writer, Nate has published his work in numerous English and history textbooks and in online reading programs. In February 2014, he found his way back to creative writing and began submitting to YeahWrite. Soon after, he became an editor of the Fiction|Poetry challenge. You can read his work at northwest journals, a blog that has been recognized by WordPress Discover, Five Star Mix-tape, Genealogy á la Carte, The Drabble, and BlogHer’s Voice of the Year. He lives in Chicago with his partner and a mini-Bengal tiger.
