September Writing Prompts
Writers can be an obsessive bunch. The same focus that compels us to sit and chase an idea for days, weeks, months, and years, sometimes gets channeled into other areas of our lives. At PWN, we believe that inspiration comes in many forms. The things we’re obsessing over can be fodder for our next piece of writing. That show you binge-watch may offer a great story structure, the podcast you listen to might provide insight on character development, the food you crave day after day just might make a cameo in a piece of writing. Relishing in the senses of these obsessions—sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touch—can stimulate your creativity!
We all know the muse can be fickle. So we’ve decided to introduce a new column that showcases what our instructors are obsessing over in the PWN studio (in addition to our writing, of course!). Each month, we will share what has excited us, what we cannot stop thinking about, what is making us lose track of time and—even if we’re not sure how yet—what is inspiring our writing.
January 2020:
What we’re reading …
“H is for Hawk, by Helen Macdonald,” says writing instructor Mimi Cross. “We find ourselves craving Nature, with a capital N, craving more time in nature, more time outside. In that way H is for Hawk is giving us what we need. Books often wind up in our hands in that kind of serendipitous manner, something we find fascinating.”
Listening to …
“Literally at this moment, Carry On by Fun. I’m usually listening to 92.3 or my Youtube playlist,” says program coordinator Lisa Hartsgrove. “But I’m also, in the moments in between, listening to what I call my ‘Marissa Podcast’—a voicemail tradition a great friend from college and I share where we leave each other tons of voicemails throughout the day so the other can catch up at their own convenience, and then call back and repeat. I currently have 13 voicemails to catch up on today. This daily practice has strengthened our friendship in the most incredible way. I highly recommend this for others who live a long distance apart (she in Massachusetts, I in New Jersey) but want to remain close.”
Watching …
“Schitt’s Creek just started its final season and, for those of you who don’t know, it is the work of father/son team Eugene and Daniel Levy,” says writing instructor Jennifer Gaites. “It is light and hilarious, with quirky characters, great one-liners, and some amazing wigs.”
Eating …
“Halibut fish tacos, like restaurant quality, with a fish taco spice mix from Whole Foods,” says writing instructor Jennifer Shields. “The taco packet is at the end of the first aisle after produce. A little mayo, guacamole, lettuce, and you are good to go. Plus, all those omega-3 fatty acids are good for the brain, which we need in prime condition to create.”
Miscellaneous …
“Taking photos of lawn ornaments while walking locally,” says program director Allison Tevald. “I guess I’ve never paid much attention to them before. But what an odd purchase. Do people buy them on a whim? Or go hunting? What do they think the ornament says about them or their yard/home/garden? Some are even decorated.” PWN Tip: Take a pic when you see one of these and then use it as a writing prompt!
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