5 Easy & Free Creative Writing Opportunities to Tackle This Weekend
Whether you feel on-top-of-it or burnt out, these are a good idea for you
I don't know about you, but I'm feeling tired, this weekend. In other words: burnt-out and broke. But, the weekend is for living and writing, so I pulled together five free and relatively-easy creative opportunities that will help you feel productive by the end of this weekend.
And, hopefully, we can all get some rest!
Deadline: Monday, Aug. 25, 2025
Award: Publication
This might be the most involved our list gets, today, but it is relatively straightforward. Ignatian Literary Magazine, founded in 1910–11 at the University of San Francisco, is a student-run journal publishing poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual art from Bay Area voices and beyond. They are currently seeking submissions for Volume 38.1 (online, December 2025) and the Volume 38 print compendium (May 2026). Writers may submit one piece up to 5,000 words, following standard formatting, without personal identifiers. Previously published work is not accepted. Submissions must include a title, word count, trigger warnings if needed, and a third-person biography (max 50 words). Ineligible content includes graphic violence, sex, or hate speech.
2. Bob Hicok Fellowship for Poets
Deadline: Friday, Aug. 30, 2025
Award: $2,000, Residency
The Bob Hicok Poetry Fellowship is a year-long opportunity supporting one poet with funding, mentorship, and community. Open to poets at any stage writing in English, the inaugural 2025 fellowship includes a $1,000 cash prize, $1,000 in workshop credits, a one-on-one conversation with Bob Hicok, and a year to develop a new portfolio. Additional benefits include lifetime membership to ONLY POEMS, publication features, and community engagement. Five finalists will also be honored with $200 in workshop credits and lifetime membership. This fellowship uplifts poets of all backgrounds, celebrating both craft and spirit.
Deadline: Aug. 31 or when submissions meet cap
Award: Feedback on Work
This one is for all of you who aren't interested in waiting around in anticipation to see if they've received an award or not. Sunspot Lit now offers genre fiction feedback from Angel Leya, bestselling author of Shifted (Siren Prophecy series) and more than a dozen other works. Specializing in fantasy and paranormal, with experience in YA, light sci-fi, and contemporary romance, she provides practical advice on characterization, dialogue, flow, and hooks. Submissions up to 5,000 words receive half-page feedback; up to 12,500 words receive a full page. Monthly caps apply, with separate forms required for each submission.
4. The Inquisitive Eater - EAT THE RICH: Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Acadmic Essay, Art
Deadline: Aug. 30, 2025
Award: Publication
This one caught my eye in particular. The Inquisitive Eater invites submissions for its Fall 2025 issue, themed EAT THE RICH, exploring the intersections of food and capital. This issue seeks work that challenges traditional views of food and class, considering themes such as consumption, excess, cannibalism, accessibility, and privilege. Writers and artists are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly and creatively. Academic essays are capped at 5,000 words. The submission deadline is August 30, 2025.
5. Ekphrastic Challenge (Online)
Deadline: Aug. 31, 2025
Award: Publication
As someone who draws a lot of their inspiration from art in the first place, I'll be participating in this one myself. Rattle’s Ekphrastic Challenge invites poets to write in response to a single artwork posted each month. Writers have until the last day of the month to submit. Afterward, the series editor and the featured artist each select one favorite poem for publication online the following month. Submissions must directly respond to the posted image; other work should be entered in the General Poems category. This monthly contest blends poetry with visual art in dialogue.
About the Creator
Athena Pajer
The founder of JustMyTypewriter Poetry, a Central Illinois native and a passionate young writer.
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More stories from Athena Pajer and writers in Journal and other communities.
Best 8 Contests & More for Creative Writers this week (Aug. 18 - 22)
This week's top creative writing opportunities are centered around speed and many provide prompts for you to get started. It is also an eclectic mix of poetry, creative nonfiction, novel, essay, and even a consulting scholarship for those of you who already have a body of work and don't know what to do with it!
By Athena Pajer5 months ago in Journal
Fetty Wap
Fetty Wap’s rise to fame is one of the most memorable success stories in modern hip-hop. Bursting onto the scene with an unmistakable melodic style and raw authenticity, he quickly became a household name. Yet, behind the hit records and sold-out shows lies a complex journey—one that includes legal troubles, personal setbacks, and a period that reshaped his life forever. Understanding Fetty Wap today means looking at both his musical legacy and the chapter that unfolded during his time in jail. The Early Rise of Fetty Wap Born Willie Junior Maxwell II in Paterson, New Jersey, Fetty Wap grew up surrounded by challenges that later influenced his music. His breakthrough came in 2014 with the release of “Trap Queen,” a song that blended hip-hop with melodic hooks and emotional storytelling. The track became a cultural phenomenon, dominating radio waves and charting at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Soon after, Fetty Wap followed up with successful singles like “679” and “My Way,” cementing his place in the industry. His debut album showcased his unique sound and earned widespread recognition. For a moment, it seemed like his ascent was unstoppable. Fame, Pressure, and Legal Trouble As fame intensified, so did the pressures surrounding Fetty Wap’s life. The music industry often magnifies personal struggles, and for him, legal issues became increasingly difficult to avoid. In 2021, federal authorities arrested Fetty Wap on serious drug-related charges. The news shocked fans who had watched his meteoric rise years earlier. The phrase “Fetty Wap jail” quickly became a trending topic online, sparking debates about fame, responsibility, and the cost of poor decisions. While many expressed disappointment, others showed empathy, recognizing how quickly success can collide with real-world consequences. How Long Was Fetty Wap in Jail? One of the most frequently asked questions since his sentencing has been: how long was Fetty Wap in jail? Following his arrest, Fetty Wap pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. In 2023, he was sentenced to six years in federal prison. Although the sentence was significant, it was also seen by some legal analysts as a moment for accountability rather than an end to his career. During this time, Fetty Wap largely disappeared from the public eye, focusing instead on self-reflection and personal growth away from the spotlight. Life Behind Bars and Personal Reflection Incarceration often forces individuals to confront realities they previously avoided. For Fetty Wap, jail became a place of introspection. Reports suggested that he used the time to reconnect with his faith, reflect on his responsibilities as a father, and reconsider the choices that led him there. Unlike many celebrity cases filled with constant updates, Fetty Wap’s silence during this period was noticeable. That absence, however, allowed fans to shift focus from scandal to accountability. It also reminded many that behind the fame is a human being capable of growth and change. Fetty Wap Release Date and Public Reaction When news of Fetty Wap’s release date surfaced, it reignited interest in his story. He was released earlier than expected due to good behavior and sentence adjustments, marking a new beginning rather than a return to old habits. Fans responded with mixed emotions—relief, curiosity, and cautious optimism. Social media flooded with messages welcoming him back while urging him to stay focused and positive. The hip-hop community, known for offering second chances, largely embraced the idea of redemption. Can Fetty Wap Reclaim His Place in Music? The question now isn’t whether Fetty Wap still has talent—it’s whether he can successfully navigate a changed industry. Hip-hop evolves rapidly, and extended absences can make comebacks challenging. Still, Fetty Wap’s sound remains distinctive, and nostalgia continues to play a powerful role in music consumption. Many artists have returned stronger after setbacks, using their experiences as creative fuel. If Fetty Wap chooses to channel his journey into his art, his story could resonate more deeply than ever before. Authenticity has always been his strength, and real-life lessons could add new depth to his music. A Story of Accountability and Redemption Fetty Wap’s journey is a reminder that success does not erase consequences. His time in jail reshaped his public image, transforming him from a chart-topping star into a cautionary tale—and potentially, a redemption story. For fans and observers alike, his experience highlights the importance of accountability, resilience, and growth. Whether Fetty Wap’s future includes another major musical comeback or a quieter, more grounded path, his story remains impactful. Final Thoughts Fetty Wap’s life reflects both the highs and lows of fame. From dominating the charts to confronting life behind bars, his journey is complex and deeply human. The questions surrounding how long Fetty Wap was in jail, his release date, and what comes next continue to spark conversation—but ultimately, his future depends on the lessons he carries forward. As he steps into this new chapter, Fetty Wap stands at a crossroads—one where experience, accountability, and creativity could redefine his legacy in ways fans never expected.
By Saboor Brohi 3 days ago in Journal
Comments (1)
I look forward to seeing what you have in store for September. Keep me updated on future offers. Nice Article!!