The Reboot
The days are getting longer; I can feel my mood improving, even though we had five inches of snow last night. I’m still trying to figure out how to send all the snow to Rowan; there’s got to be a way. Snow’s pretty though, and I can imagine inspiring for some writers, especially those who don’t have to pause for an hour to exercise their dogs.
I haven’t been writing, as you probably know. I hope to though. I upgraded to the newest version of Microsoft Office to avoid the flagged compatibility issues I keep getting. I also bought Scrivener; maybe that was enough for writing, but honestly it’s also bugging me that my excel spreadsheets are misbehaving so maybe Office was more for that reason. [Ed’s note: I also rebuild my playlists at this point in the writing roadblock. This week’s playlist is saved as “I was promised snow.” /rbg]
Either way, it feels like I’m starting afresh, rebooting. It’s never too late. And if it’s too soon, there’s always tomorrow.
~Stacie
This Week’s Writing Prompt is:
a barn door
Your job, should you choose to accept it, is to incorporate this object into your story or essay. Want some pointers on how to do this? We’ve gone into detail in this month’s Technique Toolbox on Navigating Prompts.
There are no word limits. You can write fiction or nonfiction; you may interpret the prompt any way you like. Share your response in the Coffeehouse, located both on Facebook or Discord, by linking your blog post, Google Doc, or other file. Check out your fellow YeahWriters’ responses, and don’t forget to leave them some love in the comments!
Looking for our weekly grids? After nearly ten years, they’ve been retired. Read more about the latest changes to YeahWrite in the #500 Weekly Writing Challenge Kickoff Post.
The Schedule
We will release a new prompt on our blog every Friday at 12pm Eastern.
Then it’s up to you! Write your response to the prompt on your own blog or website and share the link in the Coffeehouse, located both on Facebook or Discord. If you prefer to keep your work under wraps (and away from the eyes of potential publishers), you can still ask for beta readers in the Coffeehouse and share your work privately!
Every Monday, we’ll check in to see how you’re doing and what your writing goals are for the week.
Wednesdays are “Work-in-Progress Wednesdays.” Share a few sentences or even a paragraph or two in the Coffeehouse (no more than 250 words, please). Even if you’re not done writing, this could be the boost you need to stay motivated.
Did you publish a book? Do you have a story in a magazine? The First Friday of every month is for self-promotion, where you can share commercial links to your work for purchase. (You can always share the news that you’ve been accepted for publication, though!)
And of course, the entire community is here 24-7 to share your victories and setbacks, challenges and accomplishments. So come on in, pull up a chair, and say hello. We’re all writers here.
Upcoming and Ongoing
Sign up for our email blast so you don’t miss out on any upcoming classes, workshops, or competitions.
Ongoing: Navigating Prompts (Free Workshop)
Each month, we’ll talk you through how to analyze and respond to a specific prompt style. We’ll coordinate the weekly prompts with the monthly post so you’ll have a chance to practice, compare notes with other writers in the Coffeehouse, located both on Facebook or Discord, and get advice from beta readers and YeahWrite editors. You’ll get to hone your skills when you’re not in crisis mode, trying to meet that fast-approaching deadline. And who knows—maybe you’ll end up with a new story or two in your back pocket!
This month, we’ll be taking a hard look at the ubiquitous—and deceptively difficult—”object” prompt. How do you incorporate a particular object into your story to maximum effect? How can you center the object in your story while maintaining your own unique perspective? January’s post will walk you through it. Check it out!
Super Challenge #19
Registration for Super Challenge #19 is open until Wedneday, February 10! This one’s for the personal essayists and creative nonfictioneers out there—or for anyone looking to stretch their writing skills. Make sure you also sign up for our email blast so you don’t miss out on any Super Challenge announcements.
About the author:
Stacie joined YeahWrite as its Fiction Editor in early 2013 and served as YeahWrite’s Executive Editor from 2016 – 2020. She blogs at Stacie’s Snapshots and Tidbits and was thrilled to be honored as a 2015 BlogHer Voice of the Year (VOTY) for this post. Before retiring, Stacie’s career involved developing new medicines for cancer and autoimmune diseases, work that resulted in more than twenty publications in scientific journals. Now, she enjoys daily hikes with her dogs and spending more time with her youngest son while her oldest is off at college.
