What Are You Going to Do?
I’m going to be blunt: What are you going to do with your 2020? When I ask you at the end of the year what you’re most proud of and what you want to brag about (assuming I remember to ask), what do you want to say? Knowing what you want is key, but it’s not the only thing. You must take a hard look at where you are right this minute and be brutally honest with yourself. Want to be tradtionally published by 12/31/20 and you haven’t written a word yet? Probably unlikely. If you’re just getting started on your novel, you may need to adjust that pub date goal. Maybe a first draft is a better goal. If you’re editing, maybe finishing that and querying agents is better. I don’t know what’s right for you, but if you really dig deep, I’m sure you do.
Wherever you are and wherever you want to be, it’s all the same: Know the destination, know your current position, and then take the next logical step to get there. Take a minute to figure those things out and get ready to brag come December.
–Michelle
[Ed’s note: Consider setting goals you have control over, like number of submissions, instead of “be published.” Maybe I’m the only one who wants to make absolutely sure I have bragging rights in December? /RBG]
Welcome to Week 456
We’re kicking off the week in style at YeahWrite with 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.
*Note that our microprose grid now opens on Saturday at 12 midnight and closes on Sunday at 11:59pm ET. You’ve got a whole 48 hours to get your submissions in! Voting will open with the rest of the grids on Wednesday.
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: 20/20 Hindsight
For 202o we’re looking back at stories. Well. We will for the rest of the year, anyway. This month your challenge is to write the story or essay you’ll be looking back at, and re-envisioning in creative ways. Sound interesting? Check out our 2020 workshop right here.
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 take the micro prompt and extend it. What would you say in 750 words that you can’t in 48, about water? Did someone’s micro make you think of something in your own life? Let us know.
Fiction|Poetry Mandatory Prompt
January’s prompt is about plotting. Here’s how it works: We give you a decision point in which a character (probably your main character) must make a decision, and you set up and follow through on the consequences of that decision. Think Choose-Your-Own-Adventure!
For example, say the prompt is “A character must decide whether to take the dog for a walk or continue watching tv.” As a source of conflict in the story, you could put your MC’s leg in a cast. Does the MC avoid using their leg and continue watching tv? If so, have them slip in the dog poo on their kitchen floor. If not, have them fall into a creek in the park because their dog darted for a squirrel.
This week’s decision point is:
A character has a chance to steal something or kidnap someone. Do they take it?
Your story must contain a point where a character either steals something or contemplates stealing something. Good stories will build significance to the decision made, invoke emotion from the consequences of the choice, and not end before the decision is made.
Poets: Check out our technique-based January slam, then explore that technique to write a poem of your own. Or write a different style of poem incorporating the prompt above. Or both, we’re only mostly the boss of you.
Poetry Slam - This is Just to Say
Microprose Mandatory Prompt
Welcome to the inaugural 48 in 48 microprose challenge!
Here’s how it works: we give you a prompt, and you have 48 hours to write a response in exactly 48 words. Submissions will close on Sunday at 11:59pm US Eastern time. Voting opens on Wednesday at 10:00pm, which gives you plenty of time to read this grid—and the others!—before you vote.
This month’s prompt: Give us a 48-word story that incorporates water in some significant way.
A few rules:
- Water must be integral to the story. Mentioning a cup of water on a bedside table isn’t enough, unless that cup of water is important to the story.
- We’re looking for liquid water here, not ice or steam.
- Please avoid stories about drowning (murder or suicide) or torture via water. It might seem dramatic, but in our opinion, it’s a tired trope. We’re looking for creativity, and all too frequently “shock value” is substituted for genuine effort and innovation. We think you can do better.
That’s it! Have fun, and happy writing!
A QUICK NOTE REGARDING OUR GRIDS: Inlinkz, which supports our grid format, is currently upgrading its offerings and website which can sometimes result in a glitch or two. If you upload a piece to the grid and notice it disappears later on, please email us and let us know. This has been happening to one or two pieces each week. We will happily add it manually once we are notified. We apologize for the inconvenience, and are looking into alternative services. Thank you for your patience!
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Loading InLinkz ...YeahWrite Super Challenge
Registration is now open for Super Challenge #15! We are heading back to the realm of flash nonfiction this time, so make sure you take advantage of the discounted rate through January 22. Make sure you also 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.
