Everything about how Write That Down works
Three ways to start, one process from there
However a story starts, it goes through the same steps: write it, decide how it should be attributed, submit it, and (if it's chosen) it's read and voted on by the community.
- Choose how you're writing. Follow one of this week's three themes, or write freely with no prompt at all.
- Write. You get a blank page — a title and as much space as you need. Your work saves automatically as you go.
- Optional: ask for editorial help. Before you submit, you can flag your story for a light read-through on pacing, flow, or small details.
- Choose your attribution. Right before you submit, you decide whether your name is shown or the piece goes up anonymously.
- Submit. Your story is queued for a quick review, then posted for readers to vote on for the rest of the week.
- Voting closes at the end of the week. The most-voted story in each category is published to our Instagram.
Themes change every week
We post three new themes at the start of each week. You can see the current ones on the homepage, or jump straight into choosing one. If none of them fit what you're working on, free writing is always open — it's read and voted on exactly the same way.
A second pair of eyes, if you want it
When you're writing, there's a checkbox to ask for editorial feedback before your story goes up. It's meant for light notes — pacing, flow, clarity, small line edits — not a rewrite. It's entirely optional, it won't slow down a story that doesn't ask for it, and the story stays yours either way.
Your name is your call, made right before you submit
You don't have to decide how you're publishing until the moment you submit. Right before your story goes in, you'll choose to either publish under your name or publish anonymously. If your story wins its category, that same choice carries over to the Instagram feature — anonymous stories are featured without a name attached.
Readers vote, one winner per category
Once a story clears review, it's posted for the rest of the week so readers can read it and vote. When voting closes, the story with the most votes in each category — each of the weekly themes, plus free writing — is published on our public Instagram page, @writethatdown.journal. Our community also uses Instagram to weigh in on upcoming themes.
Why this exists
Write That Down is built for people who want to write and be read. Every submission gets the same light editorial pass, whether it follows the week's theme or came from nowhere in particular — the goal is to make it as easy as possible to share an idea. It doesn't take much to get started, just an idea and a creative mindset.
Questions people ask
Is it free?
Yes — writing, submitting, and voting are all free.
Can I submit more than one story a week?
You can write as many pieces as you like — head back to start writing again for a new theme or another free write.
Can I edit a story after I submit it?
Once it's submitted, it moves into review, so treat that as your final draft — proofread before you send it in.
What happens if I don't win?
Nothing bad — your story stays up for readers all week regardless of the vote count, and you're welcome to submit again next week.
Get in touch
Questions, ideas, or something you'd rather say directly — reach out any time at writethatdownsupport@gmail.com, or follow along on Instagram.