Writing prompts have a unique ability to unlock creativity when inspiration feels out of reach. Sometimes all it takes is a single image, question, or challenge to spark an idea that otherwise might never have appeared. Writing contests can be especially valuable because they encourage us to experiment, stretch our creative muscles, and create something within a specific set of constraints. In 2020, I participated in the KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy, a popular children’s literature writing contest that challenged participants to create original pieces inspired by visual prompts. The result was a short poem titled Underneath the Costume Veil, which explores identity, self-doubt, self-acceptance, and the masks we sometimes wear to fit in. Below, you’ll find the original contest entry along with information about the KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy and why writing prompts remain one of the best tools for overcoming creative blocks.
Editor’s Note (2026): This article was originally published during the 2020 KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy writing contest. While the contest details are no longer current, I’ve preserved my submission because the themes of self-acceptance, identity, and creative expression remain just as relevant today.
The KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy challenged participants to create an original piece inspired by a visual prompt. The image I selected immediately sparked thoughts about identity, self-perception, and the masks we sometimes wear to fit in or gain approval from others.
The result was the poem below, titled Underneath the Costume Veil.
- Image Selection: Number 2
- Word Count: 144
Underneath the Costume Veil
See us coming one and all,
Dressing up in time for Fall.
Wearing costumes head to toe,
Adults do it too you know.
We all wonder who to be,
Let’s be us, can we agree?
Underneath the costume veil,
Our view of us we assail.
We are critics, self-proclaimed,
Focusing sights on the vain.
We are critics, looking ’round,
Will we ever become crowned?
We are critics, raw and rough,
How we doubt ourselves is tough.
Doubting seeds they grow until,
Heart and mind and soul do will,
Accept who we are is still,
Good enough and can fulfill.
We are lovely. Kind. Sincere.
Friendly. Caring. We appear.
We should not fear being true,
We are all a vibrant hue.
In the mirror let us cast,
One last glance and answer fast.
My question don’t misconstrue,
Who am I and who are you?
Themes Behind Underneath the Costume Veil
While the poem was inspired by a costume-themed image prompt, the deeper message is about identity and self-worth.
Many of us spend a surprising amount of time comparing ourselves to other people. We focus on our flaws, shortcomings, and perceived failures while overlooking the qualities that make us unique.
The poem explores this tendency toward self-criticism and asks a simple but important question:
Who are we underneath the costumes we wear?
Whether those costumes take the form of social expectations, professional titles, achievements, insecurities, or the desire to fit in, true confidence often begins when we learn to accept ourselves honestly rather than constantly measuring ourselves against others.
Writing often allows us to explore these ideas in ways ordinary conversation cannot. Sometimes a simple prompt can reveal thoughts and emotions we didn’t even realize we were carrying.
Why Writing Prompts Are So Effective
One of the reasons writing contests and prompts remain popular is that they remove the pressure of starting from a blank page.
Instead of asking, “What should I write about?” a prompt provides a starting point and allows creativity to take over from there.
Prompts can help writers:
- Break through creative blocks
- Explore unfamiliar ideas
- Experiment with new styles
- Practice storytelling skills
- Discover themes they care deeply about
Many writers are surprised to find that some of their strongest work begins with a simple image, question, or challenge. Inspiration often appears after we begin writing, not before.
If you’re feeling stuck creatively, don’t wait for inspiration to arrive. Start with a prompt and see where it takes you.
What Is KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy?
KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy was an annual writing contest created for the children’s literature community. Participants selected one of several visual prompts and created an original piece of writing within a strict word limit. The challenge encouraged creativity, experimentation, and concise storytelling while giving writers an opportunity to receive feedback, critiques, and industry-related prizes.
Although the specific contest referenced in this article has ended, writing challenges like this remain a valuable way to practice creativity, develop writing skills, and connect with other writers.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, the greatest value of participating in writing contests was never winning a prize. It was having an opportunity to create something meaningful, share it with others, and continue growing as a writer.
Creative challenges remind us that writing does not always need to be perfect. Sometimes it simply needs to be honest.
If you’re a writer experiencing a creative slump, consider finding a prompt, joining a challenge, or experimenting with a new idea. You may discover that the next piece of writing you’re most proud of begins with a simple spark of inspiration.
If you’d like more resources on writing, creativity, storytelling, and overcoming creative blocks, explore the other writing articles on this site.
You can also see what I submitted for and won last year during KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2019.
Annie Lynn
October 17, 2020This right here…. We should not fear being true, We are all a vibrant hue.
Great job Rhys.✌🏼🎶
Rhys Keller
October 18, 2020Thanks, Annie! I love that line too 🙂
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
October 4, 2020Thanks so much, Rhys for sharing this empowering poem! So glad to know I’m not the only one who questions these things and so wonderful to be affirmed in positivity
Rhys Keller
October 5, 2020Thank you for reading it, Kaitlyn, and I’m so glad it resonated with you!
Charlotte Sheer
October 3, 2020Your poetry prowess is wonderful…Love the message you evoke!
Rhys Keller
October 4, 2020Thank you for such a thoughtful comment, Charlotte!
mdpwallace
October 2, 2020I love this take! The look at costuming and identity – I enjoyed reading it a few times 🙂
Rhys Keller
October 2, 2020Thank you! So glad you enjoyed thinking over the poem.
melissamiles1
October 2, 2020I loved this image, but couldn’t think of a story. Great job! My daughter literally towered over her peers, so this one immediately caught my eye. 🙂
Rhys Keller
October 2, 2020Ha! Thanks, Melissa!
anneuro
October 2, 2020You deliver so many good vibes and good lines in this pithy, topical, and insightful meditation on masks and identity. “We are all a vibrant hue” really resonated with me. @AnneLipton
Rhys Keller
October 2, 2020Thank you for such kind words, Anne!
Alicia Curley
October 1, 2020Lovely poem, Rhys! A lot of reflection as you read through. Love the idea of a veil that we are really hiding behind. Good luck!
Rhys Keller
October 1, 2020Thanks, Alicia! What a veil we all wear…if only we were completely comfortable in our own skin…
Sarah Meade
October 1, 2020I enjoyed reading this thought-provoking piece. Love the ending line, too.
Rhys Keller
October 1, 2020Thank you, Sarah! So glad the deeper meanings are coming through.
Jennifer Raudenbush
October 1, 2020Lovely sentiment! Good luck in the contest!
Rhys Keller
October 1, 2020Thank you so much, Jennifer!
Kelly Conroy
October 1, 2020Great poem and great message!
Rhys Keller
October 1, 2020Thank you, Kelly!
heatherbell37
October 1, 2020Lovely poem! I love how it delves into the deeper thoughts of being in costume.
Rhys Keller
October 1, 2020Thank you, Heather, and I’m glad that angle of the poem is coming across. Our daily costumes aren’t easily seen.
csheer18
October 1, 2020Not being on Twitter must mean I am not able to participate?
Rhys Keller
October 1, 2020You can totally participate, Charlotte! Just go to the rules paged linked above and you’ll fill out the submission form. Your submission story/poem can be posted on your website or in the comment section of the submission’s page on Kydia’s site. I’m rooting for you, you non-Twitter user!
Charlotte Sheer
October 3, 2020Thanks for the encouragement, Rhys! Though late to the party, I DID write a story yesterday, posted this morning in the Comments of Lydia’s Entry Form post.
Rhys Keller
October 4, 2020Way to go, Charlotte! Way to be bold, courageous, and creative! Hope you win a prize 🙂
csheer18
October 4, 2020Your comment is the ‘highlight’ of my day, Rhys! (WINK, WINK to your blog post on ‘being a highlighter’!)
Rhys Keller
October 4, 2020Haha!
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
October 1, 2020Well done, Rhys! And in rhyme, no less–so impressive!
Rhys Keller
October 1, 2020Aw, thanks, Jolene! And thank YOU for being one of this year’s prize donors!
Ashley Chalmers
October 1, 2020Wow, great job! And just clicked over to last year’s entry, hope you’re on a winning streak now!!
Rhys Keller
October 1, 2020Thanks, Ashley! One can only hope 🙂
Brenda Whitehead
October 1, 2020Lovely poem, Rhys! You’ve wonderfully captured the magic and fun of costumes. Good luck!
Rhys Keller
October 1, 2020Thank you, Brenda!
colleendougherty
October 2, 2020Nice, Rhys!
Rhys Keller
October 2, 2020Thanks, Colleen!