Inklings Write-a-Thon 2026

An invitation to write, connect, and support young storytellers

This March, join youth writers, mentors, and creative allies from around the world for our first-ever Write-A-Thon, a joyful celebration of words, creativity, and community.

For nine days, we’ll write together in support of the Society of Young Inklings, helping fund scholarships, mentorship, and creative programs for youth storytellers.

This year’s theme is INK.

Whether that ink flows, stains, reveals, or conceals is entirely up to you. Make ink into a character, a setting, a conflict, or a theme. Center ink as the star of a piece or tuck it into an inconspicuous corner.

Be creative with it. That’s part of the fun!

Your word count goal is also up to you. No pressure, just friendly, mutual support from a group of creative peers.

The Write a thon is a fantastic opportunity to push yourself creatively and write along with others supporting you! It’s a chance to grow as a writer, try new ideas, and most importantly, have fun.
~ Rae Feldman, Inklings Youth Leader

Sign Up To Write
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Why Participate?

When you join the Write-A-Thon, you’re helping:

  • Youth find their voices 
  • Youth writers gain confidence and mentorship 
  • Creative spaces remain accessible and welcoming

You’re also giving yourself permission to spill some ink on the page. Whether you’re writing for joy, for reflection, or simply to experiment and play, the time is absolutely worth it.

Download Participant Packet

How it Works:

 

  1. Sign up through the portal.

     

  2. Set a personal writing goal.

     

  3. Invite supporters.

     

  4. Write between March 7–15.

  5. Celebrate with the community!
Sign Up To Write

 PS: Need some help with the portal? Check out our step-by-step guide here.

Live Events & Resources

Before and throughout the Write-A-Thon, we’re offering free events for participants:

  • Brainstorming Idea Storm session (for writers of all ages!) 
    March 2, 2026, 5:45 – 6:45 pm PT | RSVP
  • A kickoff gathering
    March 7, 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 am PT | RSVP
  • Daily challenges and pep-talks 
    via email
  • A wrap-up celebration
    March 15, 2026, 3:00 – 4:00 pm PT | RSVP

You’ll need to register for each event individually. You’re warmly invited to join us for as many as your schedule allows!

Ready to Join?

Sign Up To Write

Write with us March 7–15.

Spill some ink. Illuminate the future.

Support the Write-a-Thon

You can support in two ways:

  • Donate a flat amount
  • Sponsor a writer by the word (with an optional cap)

Your support funds:

  • Free and low-cost writing workshops and creative opportunities, open to all, hosted by Society of Young Inklings
  • Creative writing scholarships
  • Youth leadership development programs, publishing opportunities, and more!

All donors receive a small digital thank-you gift inspired by this year’s theme, INK.

Donate Now

Write-a-Thon FAQ

How do I set up my participant page?

We’ve created a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process. You can download that at this link.

Do I have to raise a certain amount?

No, there’s no minimum. What matters most is your participation. Also, keep in mind that simply spreading the word about writing with the Society of Young Inklings widens the circle and ensures that more youth know that they are warmly invited to take part in our community.

Can I donate to myself?

Yes! You’re welcome to do so. It’s a meaningful way to support the program and your own creative commitment.

Do I have to write a lot?

Not at all. You might choose to write daily. Or just plan for one writing sprint during the write-a-thon window. Whether you write one page or use the opportunity to pile up 100 pages, every bit of writing counts.

What if I’m busy that week?

That’s okay. You can write whenever it works for you, or even participate by cheering others on.

Is the Write-a-Thon competitive?

There will be some friendly competition between youth and adults as each group races to hit their collective goal of 100,000 words.  However, we’ve decided not to publicly share a leaderboard that shows individual word counts. Your fundraising goal will be visible on your participant page. After asking permission, we will honors a few stand-out writers at our closing celebration. All participants will receive a small gift for taking part. Plus! If you reach the individual goal word count of 5000 words written, you’ll also receive a prize to celebrate your accomplishment.

What counts as writing?

All creative words (written by you) may be counted. Whether you write one piece or many, you may count:

  • Stories
  • Poems
  • Journal entries
  • Letters
  • Notes
  • Drafts
  • Brainstorming lists

If you count it as creative writing, we do, too.

One note: At Society of Young Inklings, we support writers in discovering, cultivating and sharing their voices. This is done by writing and revising your own creative work. Words generated by AI might spark ideas or support research, but they should not be counted toward your write-a-thon word count.
 
PS: If you haven’t previously counted all of your creative writing as “real writing,” we invite you to stretch out that personal definition. At the Society of Young Inklings, we strongly believe that writing isn’t only about finishing pieces.

One of the most important things that writers do is to explore and experiment. That’s how you not only produce words, but learn the unique sound of your own voice, and refine your words so they communicate the big ideas and stories that only you can tell.
Download Participant Packet