Silver Linings
I’ve been working from the California Science Center in downtown LA all week (or from the nearby Starbucks) while my son attends a science camp. I’m not a “work-out-in-public” kind of person. I’m far too easily distracted and, knowing this, I’ve been dreading this week since I signed the kid up for the camp months ago.
I’ve been about as unproductive as I had expected when it comes to work. Anticipating internet issues and a need to kill some time where whipping out my laptop wouldn’t do, I’ve been bringing a book with me. Embarassingly, I hadn’t finished a book in ages, but in spite of the many distractions I faced this week, I somehow managed to read the entire thing. And then–fueled by the joy of reading–I was able to write something, too. So while I could puke thinking about how behind I am on work, I finally had time to read and that makes it all worth it.*
The point is, if you’re finding yourself feeling uninspired, never forget the power of reading. It can really remind you why you like to write in the first place. Or just sit out in public. Right now I’m overhearing the absolute longest conversation about beets ever. That’s got to inspire something, right?
-Michelle
*My kid’s happiness makes it all worth it as well, but you know what I mean.
Welcome to Week 428
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: Year of Fearless Writing – Networking on- and offline
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. This year is our Year of Fearless Writing, where we’re going to focus on the craft of writing, not the art, to take you from “I write” to “I’m a writer.”
In June we’re still talking about you, but who else is? Without a little buzz, no matter how busy a bee you are, you won’t get much honey. But who do you need to know, and how do you meet them? Networking is a critical part of the business of writing now, whether you love it, hate it, or constantly forget it exists until you’re digging for your business cards (you do have cards, right? we just asked you about cards, right?) in the back of your desk drawer. Find out some ways to make contact this month!
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, inspired by Rowan’s summer-cold-that-won’t-quit, is malaise. Whether you’re Dramatically Ill, have a Man Cold, or are just Bored to Death, tell us about a lingering sickness that’s impacted your life. Or don’t, the prompt is optional!
Fiction|Poetry Mandatory Prompt
June is here! Let’s give ourselves some time to enjoy the sun and flowers (in the northern hemisphere, at least) by only assigning one prompt this month.
The word and definition prompt, chosen by our YeahWrite #423 fiction|poetry winner, Lisa, is: mole. Read all of the definitions of this multi-faceted word here.
You must use the prompt word in your story, employing at least one of its definitions. Stories that make the prompt word integral to the story and use it naturally will be favored by the editors. Hint: You may have to change up your writing style to become an author that would use the prompt word. We encourage that!
Poets: Try your hand at the hay(na)ku. It’s as easy as 1-2-3! But don’t let the simple form fool you, the six (or a multiple of six) words have to move the reader in some way. Or write a poem that uses the one-word prompt!
Poetry Slam - Hay(na)ku
June days may be long, but our June poetry slam is short. Or as long as you want it to be!
To celebrate the Philippines this month we’re writing hay(na)ku. This form with the pun in its name is as easy as 1-2-3, with a simple building block verse structure that you can expand into as many verses as you need to say what you’re trying to say. Join us on the grid!
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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 #13 (nonfiction!) is now open for registration! Our next contest kicks off in July 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:
Michelle submitted her first entry to YeahWrite in March 2012 and was brought on staff shortly thereafter. In 2016, she stepped into the role of Editor-In-Chief. Outside of YeahWrite, she is a freelance writer working with a variety of corporate clients, primarily in the insurance and employee benefits space. Her work has been featured on The Huffington Post, Cosplay Culture, and xoJane, as well as several local websites near her former home in northern NJ home. She now lives in Southern California, enjoying the sunshine. She sometimes blogs at themichellelongo.com.
