Why write your story? So you can move on. Today’s post is inspired by Patricia Hampl’s book, “I Could Tell You Stories: Sojourn in the Land of Memory.” Tell your story so you can move on. “When a writer keeps things inside, it becomes a ball of tangled yarn. As each story is told, the ball becomes untangled. Writing from memory can help us to let go of those stories we tell over and over again. We may not even need to tell them again [after writing about them].” Note from Marlene: I think writing from memory can also be a type of self-help . . . a vehicle for transporting oneself back in time and getting in touch with what really happened. Patricia Hampl is an American memoirist, writer, lecturer, and educator. She teaches in the MFA program at the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis and is one of…
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.
Your Inner Critic. . . Prompt #400
Your inner critic. How do you handle or quiet your inner critic? How do you tame your inner critic? Give your inner critic a make-over.
Worst habit . . . Prompt #399
Write about your worst habit. No thinking! Just write.
Nicknames . . . Prompt #398
Write about nicknames. Did you have a nickname growing up? If yes, did you like it? If not, what nickname would give yourself as a child? What nickname would you give yourself now? Write about nicknames.
Best or worst advice . . . Prompt #397
Best or worst advice you have ever heard or given. Just write!
Another reason to Just Write!
“Studies show that writing by hand, rather than typing, improves information processing as well as the ability to remember what you’re writing about. Take your learning to the next level by using your brain for what it does best: fusing existing and new information. . . . Crack open a book and once you’ve finished it, write a Goodreads or Amazon review. You might be surprised at what you come up with while mulling it over again.” — “Brain Fitness,” November 2015 Real Simple magazine. Note from Marlene: You will be helping authors and improving your brain fitness at the same time when you review a book and post on Amazon or Goodreads. And if you are inclined, consider writing a review of the Write Spot Books and post on Amazon. The Write Spot to Jumpstart Your Writing: Discoveries The Write Spot to Jumpstart Your Writing: Connections The Write Spot: Reflections…
Things I Can’t Forget . . . Prompt #396
Today’s Writing Prompt: Things I can’t forget . . . Take a moment and then . . . Just Write!
Lily Poetry Review
Lily Poetry Review is a print journal set to publish in the winter and summer of each year. “Our porch light is always on.” We must charge a nominal fee ($3) to cover the cost of submissions. The Lily Poetry Review is interested in promoting contemporary poets, poetry, flash fiction and literary citizenship. Please don’t send previously published material. Send no more than five pieces per submission. All must be contained in one document. Submission Guidelines
Just Write! Prompt #395
Want to write? Having trouble getting started? Stuck in a rut? Using prompts, or ideas, are a great way to free your mind and unstick your blocked mind. Set a timer for fifteen minutes. Choose one of the prompts below and Just Write! I remember . . . A childhood memory Something bad that turned out good Something you would like to see again Someone from your childhood How I really spent my summer vacation Or, write whatever is on your mind. Just write! It’s healthy. It can be fun. And it’s free!
The Courage to Write
My new writing friend, Nancy Julien Kopp, writes beautiful and inspiring posts on her blog, Writer Granny’s World by Nancy Julien Kopp. New Writers Need To Believe—Memoirs and Family Stories, by Nancy Julien Kopp Ever hear naysayers in the world of those who want to write a memoir or family stories who utter things like: I’m not a professional writer. I can’t write like some people do. I want to write the story but I wouldn’t know where to start. My grammar is not good enough to write. My writing is boring. All of the above can be overcome. But the first thing you must do is believe that you can write a memoir or a book of family stories. Sounds easy? Maybe. Possible? Yes. It takes some courage to do something new. Look at the people who zipline. Looks like fun but maybe a bit scary, too. Those who…