“Totem of Confessions” by Michael Garlington at Burning Man What have you done that is “outside the norm?” Been to Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert? “Burning Man is all about self-expression and the rejection of corporatism and capitalism. The experience of creating and viewing art and living in the moment is Burning Man’s purpose.” —Reno Gazette Journal, Aug. 31, 2022 Or, perhaps something like seeing the musical Hair, “where friends struggle to balance their young lives, loves and the sexual revolution, with their rebellion against the war, their conservative parents, and society.” Writing Prompt: Write about an experience you have had that is “outside the norm.” #justwrite #amwriting #iamawriter
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.
Letting Go . . . An Essential Skill For Writers
Guest Blogger Bella Mahaya Carter: Last week, I went to the dark side. I kept trying to get out of my low mood, which I created by misinterpreting a situation, making presumptions about other people’s opinions about me, and then listening to—and believing—the small voice inside my head ranting about what a terrible person I am. These thoughts looked real. They weren’t. They were expressions of fear. Having been beaten as a small child, I can sometimes be a hyper-vigilant people-pleaser, and when I sense others are unhappy with me, it can trigger the kid who feels unsafe. Last week, when I was in that low mood, I kept trying to do things to get out of it, but nothing helped. I finally realized there was nothing to do except sit with my uncomfortable feelings, be compassionate with myself, and wait for my mental storm to pass. There was nothing…
All In Good Time
Memorable writing that sparks imagination. Lean in. Hear the writer’s voice on the page. All in Good time By Lynn Levy “How do you work it?” Joe finally asked. Agnes smiled. It was one of her rules. No cell phones in the house. Not no phones, but by the time these kids got handed over to her, less-is-more turned out to be a good starting place. “What’s the phone number?” Agnes asked. Joe shrugged, which was not a surprise. Kids didn’t memorize numbers anymore. The phone stored them. “Alright,” Agnes said. “The first thing you have to do is memorize the phone number here. Get it down until you can say it by heart. It’s just 10 numbers. 304-555-0058. Say it back.” “Three oh four,” Joe started and faltered. “Can I write it down, at least?” Joe asked. Agnes shook her head, and repeated the number. This first test told…
Neuroplasticity & Character Development . . . Prompt #743
Neuroplasticity We have well-worn neural pathways that help us get through routine activities without having to think about the details of each one. For example: Driving to a destination and arriving without having remembered every detail on the route. When that neural pathway gets interrupted, there is an opportunity for: Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to form new connections and neural pathways. That change of habit can enrich perspectives: The way we look at our world, the way we meet challenges, and problem solve. Prompt #1 Set the scene. Choose a fairytale character, a fictional character you create, or someone from your life (this could be you): Finish the sentences: A character wants ___________________________ To get it, character needs to ____________________ But (obstacles) ______________________________ What if: Neural pathway gets interrupted. An opportunity for neuroplasticity? _________ Prompt #2 Choose one path to follow Path One: Fractured Fairytales: Start with a well-known fairytale…
A Christmas Legacy
“A Christmas Legacy” reviewed by Rebecca Rosenberg. “A Christmas Legacy” by Anne Perry is a heartwarming and suspenseful historical mystery novel set in London in the late 19th century. The story follows Gracie, a former maid who is now married and has a child of her own. When her friend’s daughter, Millie, comes to her with a story about missing items from the kitchen of the household where she works, Gracie agrees to take her place for a few days to investigate. Gracie soon discovers that the couple who employs Millie are neglectful of their elderly grandmother, who lives in the upstairs bedroom. The husband and wife are hoping that the grandmother will die soon so that they can inherit her money. Gracie is determined to help Millie clear her name and to protect the grandmother from further neglect. “A Christmas Legacy” is a well-written and suspenseful mystery novel. Perry…
Grandparents . . . Prompt #742
What did you call your grandparents? Great-grandparents? If you didn’t know your grandparents, why is that? Do you know stories about them during their young years? Write about your grandparents and/or your great-grandparents. #justwrite #iamwriting #iamawriter
Intuition . . . Prompt #741
Writing Prompt: Write about a time you paid attention to your intuition. Or, a time you didn’t pay attention. Just Write! More on Intuition: Calm Your Brain. #justwrite #imawriter #iamwriting
Imagination and Mentors
Imagination is everything. It is the preview to life’s coming attractions. – Albert Einstein Guest Blogger Suzanne Murray and imagination: I’ve been asking myself, how can I best help empower others at this time of great global change. The first answer that came in the flash of inspiration was the word imagination. Einstein regularly insisted that imagination is more important than knowledge. But the thing is, it’s not just for geniuses. It’s for everyone. We have been taught to favor the rational mind at the expenses of capacities that actually can help us in amazing ways. It’s easy to reclaim. Years ago, I learned an exercise from Jean Houston, noted author, visionary and one of the founders of the human consciousness movement. It involves working with an imaginary mentor to get advice on any question that we have for any area of our life. Using our imagination and intuitive mind give…
State fairs, county fairs, bazaars . . . Prompt #740
Photo by Denisse Leon Writing Prompt: State fairs, county fairs, bazaars Where you . . . Tried your luck at winning prizes. Threw a dart to win a stuffed animal, tossed a ring to win a goldfish. Went on a dizzy, scary, gravity-defying ride. Ate fair food: Fried food, caramel covered apples, cotton candy, funnel cakes, soft-serve cones. Were entertained: Music, hypnotist, magicians, stilt-walkers. Inhaled a variety of smells: Barnyard animals, food. Gazed at exhibits: 4-H crafts, fine art, photography, sculptures. Prompt: State fairs, county fairs, bazaars . . . an overabundance of sensory riches.
A building . . . Prompt #739
Write about a building that has or had meaning to you. Describe the building. Where is it? Or, where was it? Write about the energy of the building or the place. Did you like being there, or going there? If you no longer go there, would you like to go back? If you continue to go there, what draws you to this place? In your mind’s eye, turn to the building. Wave good-bye. Tell it you will see it again, either in your imagination or for real. “A Building,” by Cheryl Moore, might offer inspiration. #justwrite #iamwriting #iamawriter