Summer Writing Challenge
Join the Challenge
Join us for our Summer Writing Challenge from June 1 - August 31, a fun and inspiring way to motivate you and spark your creativity. It's summer, so we are going to make it easy.
- Visit the 2nd-floor desk at the Main Library to pick up a tracking sheet or download it below. Our tracking sheets are optional. Track your writing progress in the way that works best for you.
- Write whatever you want.
- Log 45 hours.
- Share your completed writing progress with us at the Main Library's 2nd-floor desk to claim your Summer Writing Challenge Patch prize.
Writing support is available through our Writing Room and resources below. This program is intended for adults.
Drop into Our Writing Room
Drop into our Writing Room
Track Your Writing
Creating a writing habit isn’t about a single spark of inspiration—it’s about steady, repeatable sessions that add up over time. Tracking your writing will help you see progress and create a writing routine well past the summer.
45 hours of writing over three months. 15 hours a month. Just under 3 1/2 hours a week.
This is a challenge—but with a little bit of consistency, commitment, and some help from the tools we provide, you can do it!
Writers' Resources
Writers' Resources
Poets & Writers
This website features information on literary journals accepting submissions, writing contests, writing retreats, and more.
Northwestern's The Writing Place
Compiled by Northwestern's The Writing Place, here's a list of local organizations that host events, services, and spaces for writers.
Hive Center for the Book Arts
Compiled by Evanston's Hive Center for the Book Arts, here's a list of online resources for writers. Hive also has writing workshops.
Funds for Writers
A website dedicated to helping writers find funding opportunities for their work, including grants, contests, and other financial resources.
Local Writers' Organizations
Writers' Resources
Evanston Writers Workshop
This Evanston organization offers a writers community, critique groups, and workshops.
Chicago Writers Association
This local organization provides writers with opportunities for promotion, literary events, and networking.
Rhino Poetry
This Evanston organization supports writers through poetry submissions and prizes, and hosts literary events.
Off Campus Writers Workshop
This North Shore organization offers workshops, manuscript critiques, a literary community, and a great Writers’ Resource Guide.