Online fantasy writer’s group for women
The Understory
Join us for fantasy-focused creative writing workshops, write-ins, guest speaker workshops, open mic nights, and so much more. This is your space to hone your craft, fuel your inspiration, and tell your story.
STARTING AT $35/MONTH
Finally, a place where you can connect with other fantasy writers who just get you.
The Understory is a space designed so that you can connect with other writers. Whether you are looking for:
A critique partner who wants to work with you on your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th draft
Accountability as you undertake a new writing project
Inspiration to jog your creative juices via workshops or writing prompts
Support and guidance from fellow writers + guest speakers
This community offers it all!
What’s Included in The Understory?
-
Monthly Workshops
Get on a call with us to stretch your creativity muscle, practice writing with prompts, and hear from other writers
-
Exclusive Guest Workshops
Hear from guest speakers and have your questions answered
-
Community Events
Join us for member mingles, open mics, storytelling nights, and more!
-
Critique Partner Matchup
We will pair you with another writer who you can connect with to receive feedback, support, and accountability
-
Accountability Check-ins
We will post check-ins to help you stay on track with your goals and prioritize your creativity
-
Weekly Prompts
Enjoy writing prompts to help you stay creative and challenge yourself
-
Resource Library
Get access to the replays of the virtual events so that you never miss out
-
Discounted Entry to Challenges
Join writing challenges at a reduced fee
-
Early bird pricing for retreats
Be the first to get an opportunity to snag a spot at any of our writing retreats. Plus, enjoy early bird pricing!
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Member Mingle
May 4th, 2026
Come hang out, meet other writers, and introduce your current project! This is a casual space to put yourself in the (virtual) room, chat all things craft, and gain inspiration and accountability.
Monthly Workshop
May 21st, 2026
An engaging, interactive session designed for makers, innovators, and thinkers to collaborate, connect, and spark new ideas. Join us to exchange insights, explore creative possibilities, and build meaningful relationships within a vibrant community.
Open Mic - Storytelling edition
May 19th, 2026
This is a chance to practice your oral storytelling skills. Whether its your first time telling a story out loud, or your a seasoned pro, join us for a fun night full of inspiring tales, some laughs, and maybe even some tears.
What’s in the Resource Libary
-
![]()
Denise Madre
Discussing Inclusivity in Fantasy
-
![]()
Amy Suto
Self-Publishing Success: How to Launch and Sell Your Book Without Gatekeepers
-
![]()
Sarah Lockwood
Social Media Masterclass for Writers
-
![]()
Anni Eza
Sacred Spark: How to Connect to your Creative Essence
Love fantasy and have also wanted to try your hand at writing it
Are in a creative rut and need some help getting out of it
Want to challenge yourself, push yourself out of your comfort zone
Are a seasoned writer and want a break from your current WIP
Want to remember what’s it is like to just have fun with writing
Need something to help inspire your next writing project
Want to make more writer friends
Simply like being creative and trying new things
This challenge is for you if you…
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Short story challenges are PERFECT for new authors. Not only do they inspire you to actually get those words out of your head and onto the paper, but they push you out of your comfort zone — something that is invaluable to new writers.
Our challenges are designed so that writers in all stages can get inspired, trying something new, and make some new friends in the process.
-
Within one week of winners being announced.
Our team goes through each piece of feedback for quality assurance purposes. Please be patient with us while we review your feedback before sending it your way.
-
You will be able to access your feedback for 1 month after it is sent out.
-
If you have questions regarding prompts, formatting, guidelines, and how to submit, please wait until you receive a more detailed email at the challenge start time. All questions will be answered at that time.
For all other questions, please email us at challenge@woodlandwriters.com
If you have already registered, please include your “submission number” in the subject line.
Please do not message us through the Award Force platform or Instagram with your questions.
-
Your registration fee goes toward:
Award Force platform to run the challenge
Cash prize pool
Compensating our review team for three rounds of review
Running Woodland Writers
-
Online! You can write from the comfort of your own home or your favorite coffee shop. As long as you turn in your submission on time, it doesn’t matter where you do the rest!
-
Heck no! This challenge is exactly that: a challenge. That means that no matter what level of writing you at currently at, participating in this challenge will only help you get better! This challenge is for seasoned writers and newcomers alike!
-
You must be over 18 to participate.
-
YES! Woodland Writers reserves the right to publish the story on the website, but the rights to the story remain yours.
-
Yes!
-
Yes!
-
Yes! Woodland Writers is not responsible for translating your story into English. You may, however, use phrases or quotes in other languages throughout the story.
-
We will refund the cost of your ticket minus the cost of processing fees up to 72 hours before the challenge start time. After this, registration fees will be non-refundable.
-
The stories will go through 2 rounds of preliminary judging based on a standardized rubric with various criteria. The top stories from the preliminary rounds of judging will go on to be read and reviewed in a final round of judging, where winners are selected.
Each story is read and reviewed in a set of 20 stories, and each story will be scored by multiple readers. You will receive feedback from at least one reviewer in each round your story advances to. The amount of feedback you receive will depend on how many rounds your story goes through.
-
Yes, international participants are welcome! Just make sure to adjust the time zone so you get your assignment in on time.
-
Stories will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Creativity & Originality
Storytelling & Engagement
Character Development
Creative use of Required Prompts
World-Building
Conflict
Dialogue
-
Your story should be a maximum of 2,000 words. There is no minimum. This does not include the title page/synopsis.
-
At the start of the challenge, you’ll receive an email that will include all of the instructions for submission. There will be a link to a form in Award Force where you will be able to submit your story.
-
No, all submissions must be original to this challenge! That is how we keep the challenge fair for everyone participating.
-
No. At the start of the challenge, you’ll receive an email with specific prompts and elements that you’ll need to include in your story. So, if you start writing before receiving those instructions, you’ll likely need to start all over anyway!
-
Yes, but it needs to be a story that was written specifically for this challenge, and it needs to read as a stand alone story. An excerpt from a larger work will be disqualified.
-
Yes, you may submit a retelling. Fanfics, however, will not be accepted and will be disqualified.
-
No! A.I. is not allowed anywhere in the writing or reviewing process.