New highs – case numbers and procrastination
For the first time during this pandemic, the state I live in is beginning to feel the pinch of high case numbers. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to date, and the combination of excellent management and natural geographical isolation has kept us largely free from infection, ICU admissions, and high mortality rates. Like all good things, our moment in the sun came to an end and we’re seeing a surge in cases. If my introvert heart ever needed an excuse not to socialise, this is it. Analogously, our moment in the sun has also literally come to an end with the onset of stormy weather. Clouds are gathering overhead and … well… inside my head too.
Perfect conditions for writing, right? Sure, sure, just let me finish watching this great drama I started on one of the many streaming channels I’ve become dependent on. Oh, and is that this week’s episode of the serial superhero show I’m following? Straight after this episode, I’ll get onto writing that short story I’ve been putting off. Or maybe after this box office hit movie I’ve been wanting to watch for ages. Absolutely, definitely after this martial arts movie from 2003. Yeah, okay. I’m going. First I’m going to check in to our Discord server for some encouragement. Come join me!
~Asha
This Week’s Writing Prompt is:
“A truck’s brakes squealed so noisily that the nearby geese began honking.”
This week, your job, should you choose to accept it, is to write a story or essay using the above sentence as the first line. Stuck? We’ve gone into detail about unraveling this sort of prompt style in this Technique Toolbox post on word or phrase prompts.
There are no word limits. You can write fiction or nonfiction; you may interpret the prompt any way you like, but you must use it exactly as written. 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: Scarlet Quill Society (Free Workshop w/ Optional Paid Benefits)
In April we talked about pitfalls that could be resolved while you’re writing. In May we’re diving into developmental editing, talking about the things you need to look for to make sure your house doesn’t fall down before you can decorate it. Come take a look, May 1st!
Last month’s meeting was Sunday, April 10. The link to the recording is posted! Sign up for a membership today to automatically receive the Zoom link and password for May’s meeting. One-off meeting tickets can also be purchased on Kofi.
At YeahWrite we believe information wants to be shared. If you can’t afford to join us for society meetings, we post the recording about a week later, and you’re welcome to leave the tip you can afford (even if that’s just a nice thank you comment). Check out our YouTube channel for more.
Super Challenge #24 - Flash Fiction
WIP Write-Ins, AKA Co-Working Hours
Join Christine every Wednesday from 9:00am – 11:00am Pacific Time for regular WIP Write-ins. Other sessions will be scheduled in the future, so keep an eye on our calendar and we’ll be sure to post announcements of pop-up sessions in our Discord and Facebook groups. See you there!
[Ed’s note: if you add that calendar to your own Google calendar, it’ll change the times to match your time zone automagically. No more searching “what time is 9am Pacific in Warsaw?” You’re welcome. /RBG]
Spontaneous Writing Challenges
About the author:
Asha lives near the beach in Perth, Western Australia, but hates sand between her toes. She began blogging at YeahWrite in October 2014 with this post, and YeahWrite was lucky to pull her on board as a Contributing Editor in December 2016. Asha writes flash fiction, short stories, and creative nonfiction. She is published in a variety of places and you can find links to her work at Asha Rajan Writer.
