Weekly Challenges

Need inspiration? YWP has a wide range of writing and visual art challenges every week throughout the year. Teens ages 13-19 are encouraged to sign up for a free YWP account to respond directly to the challenges. Writing and art posted on the site – both responses to these challenges and general "Create" posts – will be considered for publication with our Vermont media partners, and in our monthly digital magazine, The Voice, and our annual anthologies. Teachers do not need a YWP account to view the site and use our challenges and resources to inspire young writers and artists.


  • Visual Art

    Deadline

    Flow

    Music tickles more than just our ears; it alights our sense of touch through vibration, and inspires movement through dance. But what does music look like to you? In your own style, depict music as it flows from an instrument or record player.

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Foreshadowing

    Write a short fiction piece that early on foreshadows a critical event or the final denouement of the story.

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Five #1

    Five #1. Use all five words in a poem or short story: Delirious. Flip-flopping. Parka. Skyline. Purpose.

  • Visual Art

    Deadline

    Bedroom

    Sketch out or photograph your bedroom from your favorite angle. Expose us to as much or as little of your personality as you wish!

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Coin

    Write a short story that hinges on the outcome of a coin flip.

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Animal

    You have the power to transform into any animal at will, real or imagined. Which do you choose and why? Would you retain your human mind? Write about a day in the body of an animal.

  • Visual Art

    Deadline

    Idiom

    Illustrate a favorite idiom (“under the weather,” “pie in the sky,” “walking on eggshells,” etc.) in your favorite style.

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Moxie

    Moxie can refer to courage and determination (aka nerve), energy and pep (aka verve), or know-how (as, say, reflected in one’s oeuvre)” (Merriam-Webster). In poetry or prose, write about someone with moxie, or about a moment you felt it yourself.

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Chase

    Suddenly a little boy rushes past you on the street in pursuit of a leaf blown in the wind. There is an air of desperation in his gait, in his breath: He must catch it at all costs. What is his story? 

  • Visual Art

    Deadline

    Imaginary

    In any style, create an imaginary friend for yourself. What characteristics do you give them? If taking pictures, feel free to photograph your pet (pretending as if it could speak to you) or other lifelike objects you’re inspired by: dolls, statues.

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Multiverse

    Beyond the universe we see, do other universes exist? If you think the multiverse is real, how would you describe it? Or write a fictional story about encountering yourself in the multiverse.

  • Writing

    Deadline

    Patch

    Set a poem or story in a pumpkin patch in October. Use seasonal details to add color to your writing: the weather, the changing of the leaves, the upcoming holiday, etc.