Unshelve the Writer is a 7-week writing challenge prompting scribes to hone their skills across various genres.
**The 7-week challenge came to its close on May 31, 2021; however, you can still access any of the weekly pdf prompts below. **
This challenge was created by a group of writers who also work in a library setting. From poetry to novels or screenwriting to short fiction, our love of literature extends to creating it. Join us as we challenge one another to keep developing our skills and inspire others to nurture the writer within.
Each Monday, starting April 12th 2021, we will post the coming week’s theme (i.e. poetry, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Creative Non-Fiction, Romance/Comedy) in the form of a downloadable document for your convenience.
Spend the next six days drafting and crafting your content as you see fit. If you have any questions or need feedback during the week, comment below or email UnshelveTheWriter@gmail.com. We’ll check back in on the weekend to share (optional) what we’ve created.
*No official library affiliation or endorsement is intended or implied. This is strictly voluntary and done outside of our professional environment.*
WEEK ONE: FREE-FORM WRITING
We’re easing into the challenge by focusing on the writing styles and genres in which you are most comfortable. Utilize the prompt given on the downloadable pdf document below to spark the creative juices. Draft a 500-1000-word piece (poetry has no word count criteria) throughout the week and comment below with any questions or status updates. Email UnshelveTheWriter@gmail.com if you would like feedback from the other writers or wish to have your finished piece posted online.
WEEK THREE: POETRY
Roses are red / Violets are blue / I feel like writing a poem / How about you?
As you can tell by my “lovely” example, week three of Unshelve the Writer will be focused on the art that is poetry. Utilize the following prompt to create a three to five stanza poem and then email UnshelveTheWriter@gmail.com if you would like feedback from the other writers or wish to have your finished piece posted online.
WEEK FOUR: SCI-FI and FANTASY
We’re exploring new worlds during week four! Utilize the prompt given on the downloadable pdf document below to stretch the imagination. Draft a 500-1000-word piece (poetry has no word count criteria) throughout the week and comment below with any questions or status updates. Email UnshelveTheWriter@gmail.com if you would like feedback from the other writers or wish to have your finished piece posted online.
Weeks 5 and 6: Horror/Mystery/Romance/Comedy
We’re combining weeks five and six into one prompt, while we continue to explore genre fiction. Utilize the following prompt to create a 500-1,000 piece (no word count for poetry) and then email UnshelveTheWriter@gmail.com if you would like feedback from the other writers or wish to have your finished piece posted online.
WEEK TWO: ENTERTAINMENT
And…Action! Utilize the prompt given on the downloadable pdf document below to spark the creative juices. Draft a 500-1000-word piece (poetry has no word count criteria) throughout the week and comment below with any questions or status updates. Email UnshelveTheWriter@gmail.com if you would like feedback from the other writers or wish to have your finished piece posted online.
WEEK SEVEN: MEMORIES
Our final week of Unshelve the Writer will close by honoring those who came before us; sometimes moving forward requires us to look back. Utilize the following prompt to create a 500-1,000 piece (no word count for poetry) and then email UnshelveTheWriter@gmail.com if you would like feedback from the other writers or wish to have your finished piece posted online.
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Kelly Deeny 