Write about a house you no longer go to. Or a house you would like to visit. Write about a house.
Taking Root by Brenda Bellinger
Brenda Bellinger’s Taking Root is an engaging story with believable characters that drew me in, welcoming me to join them. Taking up residence in this community is like biting into a warm blueberry muffin and sipping a hot mocha . . . warm, endearing, and nurturing. I look forward to reading more of Brenda’s books. — Marlene Cullen, Editor, The Write Spot Books “From the very first page I was drawn into Delaney’s unfortunate life of coping with panic attacks while trying to become independent at the tender age of seventeen. With no family support and a relentless elderly woman and young music store owner who befriend her, she is determined to change the course of her life but a startling discovery from her past threatens to destroy her success. I found myself cheering for Delaney on every page!” — Janet Pierce, Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the…
What does age have to do with it? Prompt #516
Now that you are of a “certain age,” you know a thing or two. What do you know now that you didn’t used to know?
Suleika Jaouad and The Isolation Journals
Guest Post by Suleika Jaouad, creator of The Isolation Journals. The Isolation Journals was founded on the idea that life’s interruptions are invitations to deepen our creative practice. Suileika: When I started The Isolation Journals project, I had no idea so many would join me. In late March 2020, I was quarantining in my parents’ attic, having left New York City as Covid-19 was surging. I was no stranger to isolation. For much of my twenties, I was in treatment for leukemia, unable to travel, eat out, see friends, even take a walk. Now isolation was back—this time on a global scale. The Isolation Journals is an artist-led community and publishing platform that cultivates creativity and fosters connection in challenging times. We are in an unprecedented moment. This is one small way to stay grounded and hopeful to transform our isolation to connection. Suleika’s August 2, 2020 Isolation Journals Post: Today’s…
The last piece of the puzzle. Prompt #515
Writing prompt: The last piece of the puzzle. You know what to do . . . Just write!
What are you confused about? Prompt #514
We know what we know. What’s more interesting: ~ What don’t you know? ~ What are you confused about?
Today I . . . Prompt #513
Today I . . . Write from your point of view or from a fictional character’s pov. Don’t have a fictional character? Today might be a good time to create one. Use these words in your writing: Illusion, jar, hope, shatter, widget, super, awkward Hope = hoping, hopeful Jar = jars, jarring Writing Prompt: Today I . . .
The Three Questions
Guest Blogger Shawn Langwell shares smart writing tips, focusing on three important questions. Octavia E. Butler said, “You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.” Writing and leadership have a lot in common. Both require creativity, passion, and persistence. Both are conversations. And every good author as well as effective leaders know their audience. Each requires a level of confidence and humility to listen. To listen to the suggestions of an editor. To listen to the inner voice that says you need to sit your butt down on a regular basis and write. Or, upon awakening to listen and follow the conviction of a dream so vivid and powerful that the story just unfolds and becomes a book and a short…
An argument. Prompt #512
“At the time it seemed very important. That’s the funny thing about arguments. Now, I can’t even remember what it was all about.” Quote by Dr. Chilton in the movie, Pollyanna. Writing prompt: Write about an argument or a disagreement. After you have written all you want on this subject, put on your screenplay hat. Write this same scene from the point of view of the other person involved in the argument or disagreement.
Sy and Editing
Sy Safransky has this to say about editing: Readers sometimes ask how much I edit my own writing. I edit until each paragraph has lost the ten pounds it gained over the winter. I edit until each sentence can survive three days in the wilderness on its own. My father taught me to look at a sentence and, if it didn’t deserve to live, shoot it between the eyes. Sy Safransky, The Sun Magazine, May 2011