Thursday, October 2 According to Jewish law and tradition, this year, 5775, is a Shmita or Sabbatical year, when Jewish farmers are supposed to let the land rest. The idea of fallow fields got me thinking about what grows when you don’t actively plant seeds, either physically or metaphorically. Prompt #1 Write about toiling, perseverance, steppingContinue reading “Fallow”
Tag Archives: writing prompts
The Face of Frustration
Thursday, September 18 Hey Everyone — I’m back from my summer hiatus with more prompts, recommendations and explorations of the craft of writing. Today’s prompt: Write about frustration. Suggestions and inspirations: 1. Writing in prose, write a series of dialogue-free actions that depicts growing frustration. Write for 15 minutes 2. Writing poetry, create pacing, wordContinue reading “The Face of Frustration”
Childhood Toys
Saturday, August 16 Write a about a childhood toy or game. Writing suggestions and inspirations: 1. Describe the game. What did it look like? How did it work? Did you play it with others or by yourself? 2. Do you associate any particular sounds or smells with this game? Was it a new or oldContinue reading “Childhood Toys”
Sign Up
For Wednesday, August 13 Write a poem or prose piece inspired by a sign. Over the next few weeks, be on the lookout for unusual, playful, or cautionary signs. Then, incorporate one of them into a written work. Suggestions: 1. Write from the point-of-view of someone who passes the sign frequently. What goesContinue reading “Sign Up”
Purple. Violet. Lilac. Lavender.
For Tuesday, August 12 Walking around Beach Haven, New Jersey last Wednesday, I came upon this fabulous house. Over the next week, walk around your own neighborhood (or a new one) and find a house, townhouse, or apartment building that captivates you. Stand or park in front of it for 5 to 10 minutes,Continue reading “Purple. Violet. Lilac. Lavender.”
Bouquet
For Sunday, August 10 Micro Prompt: Write about giving, receiving or arranging a bouquet of flowers–either wildflowers, garden flowers, or flowers from a florist. Write for 15 minutes.
Window Shopping
For Friday, August 8 From small towns to big cities, window displays hold a special allure. For this prompt, stand in front of a window display for 5 to 10 minutes, writing down notes on what you see, the display’s design, who its intended audience might be, and most importantly, your emotional responseContinue reading “Window Shopping”
End of Day
For Thursday, August 7 Write a poem or flash fiction piece that includes a sunset. Playing off of yesterday’s post, try incorporating yesterday’s suggestions or work with some of these. 1. Write from the point of view of someone on the boat or on the island in the photo. Imagine they are eager for theContinue reading “End of Day”
Day Break
For Wednesday, August 6 Write a poem or flash fiction piece that includes a sunrise. Suggestions: 1. If there’s a person involved, write about their interior state of mind. 2. Write about the most dramatic sunrise you’ve ever seen. 3. Write about waiting in relation to a sunrise. 4. Sunrises are often signs of hopeContinue reading “Day Break”
Snakes in a Jar
For Tuesday, August 5 Write a poem or flash fiction piece that revolves an unusual object, one that is particularly odd, chilling, or mildly gruesome. Suggestions: 1. Make your opening line a clear, simple description of the object: Snakes in a jar. A rusty pile of nails. A broken marionette. 2. Are you afraid toContinue reading “Snakes in a Jar”
Ellen Orleans 