Thank you
Last week, when I drafted the template for #600, it didn’t quite hit me how monumental that is for YeahWrite. Six. Hundred. Weeks. I tried to nail down exactly when I first discovered YeahWrite, and while I couldn’t find the exact week, it definitely started with a one, so over eight years ago. I recall how eager and excited I was to find this community, one filled with similar writers willing to read and share and comment. I made lifelong friends I still have to this day (and will for many more years to come).
Lately, it’s hard to recognize the writer I was back then to who am I now, both good and bad. While my writing has certainly improved, in no small part due to YeahWrite, my eagerness has waned. There’s no other way to say it: I’m in a slump, having not picked up a pen for months, both personal and professional obligations and struggles leaving me too drained to indulge in any creative pursuits. But today, thinking back on all the years I’ve spent with YeahWrite, the six hundred weeks this community has been here for writers like me and you, that excitement stirs once more… All this to say, thank you, YeahWrite.
What is your YeahWrite origin story? How did you find us? Hop over to Discord and tell us your story.
~Arden Ruth
This Week’s Writing Prompt is:
Genres: Magical Realism + Detective Story
Object: A coin
This week, your job, should you choose to accept it, is to write a story or essay using the above combination prompt. Stuck? We’ve gone into detail about unraveling this sort of prompt style in this Technique Toolbox post on combination 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)
This month we’re getting into the nitty-gritty and talking about what most people expect editing is for: line- and copyedits. Check out our October post, where we’re doing all this and more, and then tune in (and ask questions) (like why are there so many parentheticals here) to the live talk!
This month’s meeting will take place on Sunday, October 9 at 2pm US Eastern time. Sign up for a membership today to join the Scarlet Quill Society and automatically receive the Zoom link and password for every meeting. One-off monthly 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 #26 - 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:
Behind the scenes, Arden is currently working on the first novel of her Fated Paths trilogy. She also published a number of short stories and a fantasy anthology which can all be purchased on Amazon. Arden lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and two rescue pups. To read more of her stories, visit her website.
