Writing Prompt: Music in the Square

Find the story in the photograph. Capture the moment with words.

3 Word Challenge

Discover new ideas with the 3 Word Challenge.  Write a piece that uses these three words. -or- Use the 3-word idea to kickstart your imagination. How do you fit them together? What might you create?

Writing Prompt: Behind the Mask

Use the image as a starting point. What's the story behind this picture? Write a poem inspired by the image. Write about a time you were in costume. What was the occasion? People often wear masks, whether literal or figurative. Examine your characters. What masks do they hide behind? What secrets or insecurities are they …

Your Character’s Journey – Home from the Dentist

Earlier this year, I had a moment of writing illumination as I read a science fiction novel. A character in this novel had taken a trip and was about to return by hovercar to the human settlement on his planet. As a reader, I was subconsciously prepared for a description of the journey back. I …

Writing Prompt: Lighthouse

Write a story or scene that takes place in or around a lighthouse. Use the image as a starting point. Describe the place and the moment. Utilize as many senses as you can. Reach for strong, vivid language to help your reader experience the scene. Use the elements of the scene (whether lighthouse, boat, ocean, …

Writing Prompt: The Next Stop Is…

Finish the line: "The next stop is..." Write a story or scene that takes place on a subway. Next time you are on a bus, train, airplane or any other form of public transportation, watch the people around you. Note the details or their dress and behavior. Make a list of your observations.

Writing Prompt: Embarrassment

Write about your most embarrassing moment. Is it still embarrassing or has your perspective changed? Describe the feeling of being embarrassed. Use vivid, active language. Describe before and after the moment as well as the experience of the embarrassing ordeal itself. Is your character easily embarrassed? Hardly ever? What might they point to as their …

Summer Vacation: A Writer’s Guide

Summer brings new places and new routines. With our first group challenge completed, the writing routine may look a little different too. It's important to take advantage of times of transition and different paces of life to bolster our writing. The most important thing is to keep writing. Find a writing routine that works for you, …

100 Days of Words + News

One hundred days ago we were still in the throes of a seemingly endless winter (at least in my part of the world). One hundred days ago we didn't know what we were getting ourselves into. One hundred days ago there were words and ideas locked away inside of each of us. Today, we've reached …

Let’s Be Adventurers

One of the most difficult aspects of the writing life is learning to balance the big picture with the day-to-day. One moment I'm caught up in the dreamy vision of the finished work. I can sense the story's potential. In the next I'm distracted by the snarled plot point that won't unravel.    Both are …