“She turns off her flashlight and listens to the waves, which sound to her like the earth itself breathing.” —“love anthony,” by Lisa Genova, pg. 246 “As ocean surface waves approach shore, they get taller and break, forming the foamy, bubbly surface called surf.” —Google Search Writing Prompt: Image of waves lapping on shore or the quotes. What popped into your mind when you saw this image? Or, what did you think after you read the first quote? Your reaction after you read the second quote. How do you feel when you see and hear waves on the beach? Write whatever you want. Just Write!
Author: mcullen
Marlene Cullen is enthusiastic about encouraging people to write, even those who think they can’t write. Her series of books, The Write Spot anthologies, features writing that entertains as well as inspires writing. Every story, vignette, and poem in The Write Spot books include writing prompts motivating readers to become writers.
Marlene hosts The Write Spot Blog, a treasure chest of inspirational gems for writers.
Fulfilling her passion for writing and sharing with others, Marlene has created unique writing environments such as Jumpstart Writing Workshops, where participants often experience transformational changes. Her workshops provide essential elements for successful writing.
Marlene is the founder of Writers Forum of Petaluma, a monthly literary event featuring presenters talking about the craft and business of writing.
Marlene's awarding winning short stories and essays have been published in literary journals, anthologies, and newspapers, including Tiny Lights, Building Bridges, More Bridges, Redwood Writers anthologies, and The Write Spot anthologies.
She is a member of the California Writer's Club.
Writing Through a Book’s Mushy Middle
“Advice on Writing Through a Book’s Mushy Middle” By Judy Bolton-Fasman A eulogy I wrote for my father expanded into journal entries and eventually my book, “ASYLUM: A Memoir of Family Secrets.” I long dreamt that those loose collection of journal entries might become a book, but for many years they were arc-less and therefore not coalescing. There was no discernible beginning, middle, and end. But those entries, the impetus to start a writing project—I wouldn’t dare call it a book at the time—formed my literary North Star. As Emily Dickinson wrote: “I am out with lanterns looking for myself.” I searched for myself in every corner of my memory, soul, in every rare photo I had, in every journal entry I wrote, and in notes I jotted down. In that process, I found profound, surprising things about myself and the other protagonists in my life story. One of the…
Ten Seconds of Boldness
“Ten Seconds of Boldness: The Essential Guide to Solving Problems and Building Self-Confidence” by Shawn Langwell Reviewed by Osha Hayden. Read Ten Seconds of Boldness, then keep it handy when you need a boost through challenging times. With refreshing honesty and humility, Shawn Langwell guides the reader through proven steps to overcome fear, increase self-confidence and achieve success. These are the techniques he has perfected to lift himself up, achieve success, and become a better human being in the process. Now he’s sharing his hard-won knowledge with us, and for that I am grateful. Not only is it an effective guide, it’s an enjoyable read. Shawn will share the story behind “Ten Seconds” on October 6, 2022 at 7 pm at Copperfield’s Books in downtown Petaluma. This is sure to be a lively and meaningful event. Shawn is one of the most authentic people I know. Free and open to the…
Childhood memories . . . Prompt #682
What did your family do for fun? What games did you play? Did you go on vacations? What fragments of your past, or what memories stay with you, even though they seem insignificant? #justwrite #iamwriting #iamawriter
Snap . . . Prompt #681
Suppose you could snap your fingers and be wherever you want to be, where would you go? Where would you like to be? #amwriting #justwrite #iamawriter
Trips and Travel . . . Prompt #680
Are you a detailed planner or spontaneous when you travel? #justwrite #iamawriter #amwriting
Taste of Summer . . . Prompt #679
A Taste of Summer is inspired by Ellen Wu and her beautiful plating and photography. Ellen describes this gorgeous dish: Greek Yogurt with Summer Fruits Greek yogurt, figs, strawberries, cherries, gooseberries, raspberries, blueberries. Chopped pistachios, freeze-dried strawberries. Raspberry coulis (with Chambord) Peach coulis (with Peche liqueur) “The afternoon lighting turned its yellow color to green.” Prompt: Taste of Summer
The Ghost Story
Do you have a ghost story that’s itching to see the light of day? The Ghost Story Supernatural Fiction Award (deadline Sept. 30, 2022) “Ghost stories are welcome, of course—but your submission may involve any paranormal or supernatural theme. What we’re looking for is fine writing, fresh perspectives, and maybe a few surprises in the field of supernatural fiction.” Twice each year “The Ghost Story” awards $1,500 and publication to the winner of their short story competition. Two other writers will receive Honorable Mentions that include publication and a $300 cash award. Winning stories and Honorable Mentions will be published on “The Ghost Story” website on June 1 and October 31. GUIDELINES Ghost stories are welcome, of course—but your submission may involve any paranormal or supernatural theme. What we’re looking for is fine writing, fresh perspectives, and maybe a few surprises in the field of supernatural fiction. Story length should run between 1,500…
Ghosts . . . Prompt #678
When you are writing and you have more time to write, but you feel ready to stop . . . try to keep going. Push the limits. Push past the urge to go no farther. Writing Prompt: Play with the word and the concept of “ghost.” Writing Prompts Seeing a ghost. Have you ever seen, or thought you saw, a ghost? Ghost of a former self Not a ghost of a chance Ghost of a smile Give up the ghost Caspar, The Friendly Ghost Relationship (past or present) as a ghost Rituals as ghosts Look in a mirror and “see a ghost” . . . see grandmother or grandfather Ghost writing Ghost town Ghosting someone: to cut off all contact abruptly and without explanation, pretending that person doesn’t exist. Writing Prompt: Ghost Submit your ghost story to The Ghost Story.
School Days . . . Prompt #677
How would people who knew you in high school describe you? What did you wear to school? Were you in a school club? Did you play sports, an instrument, were you on a team? #justwrite #amwriting #iamawriter