#PenToPaper: the why, the how, & the way to writing prompts

This week I’m all about writing prompts.

First, you’ll find my guest post, The Push and Pull of Writing Prompts, on Rochelle Melander’s Blog, Write Now!

photo of hands putting pen to paper and drawing a circleOn one hand, I see [prompts] as a critical component to the work. They serve as warm-ups in each of the classes I teach, as a way for participants to engage with the topic or lesson. Sometimes they work simply to get the ink in their pens flowing, to free the mind of anxiety before we dive into the real work. On the other hand, they can feel like torture. . . . But 9 times out of 10 prompts are working just as they should.

Read more HERE, which includes links to places where you can find prompts.


drawing of three figures and a wifi symbol surrounding a paper and pencilSecond, you’ll find me in the studio this Sunday, June 3rd, from 3-5pm (CST) facilitating another session of Study Hall: #AmWriting, two hours of prompts and discussion to get your pen moving.

There’s still time to register, and you can participate in person (West Allis, WI) or online (via Zoom–a super easy way to feel a part of even if you’re miles away).

Visit the Study Hall page for more information and links to register.

As a pull to get you thinking about how prompts work, here’s one of my favorite videos: Billy Collins’ animated poem, “Budapest” ….