I’ve been neglecting you. Last year you told me you’d like to receive something writing-related from me on a Friday, for reading and acting-on, during the weekend. And I did nothing with that information. Until now. So I’m committing to sending you a little 'something for the weekend' on Fridays, this year. Let’s get started. First, a letter from me, then some writing prompts. Onward: Elephant In The RoomWriters tend to be a pretty progressive lot. Our self-imposed job is to think about why people are the way they are. This leads to us having compassion for other creatures and for our environment, and it often leads to an urge to improve our institutions and communities. This is a tough time for the compassionate and for the improvers. The loudest voices are, once again, telling us that we’re kidding ourselves, that we’re fools, that we’re being taken advantage of. But we’re not. (You know that.) And we are not the minority. Those of us who can, must keep, as cheerfully as possible, reminding everyone of that, too. StoryADay is my sliver of the Writing-sphere and it is resolutely a place where people are welcomed with respect, encouragement, acceptance, and a loving kick in the pants when they’re not living up to their own (sometimes secret) expectations for themselves. The only thing I will not tolerate is intolerance. Still here?OK. I have some more words for you. Fiction is not about escapism. I mean, it can be, but mostly creative writing is the spoonful of sugar that helps the truth go down. The truth of what it is to be human. The truth of the horrors we see, and the heroes that fight them. The truth that it is possible to create–and live in–better worlds. I know you might feel pulled away to pay attention to the news, but remember: your creative writing matters (fiction, or creative non-fiction). Your writing is a lifeline to yourself and others who are drowning in a sea of headlines and clickbait. It’s a respite from the (sometimes brilliant) non-fiction we all consume, daily. People need a break. Let’s give it to them. Let’s make good trouble with our writing, as Sen. John Lewis advocated. And illegitimis non carborundum*, as British intelligence used to say, during the Second World War. On that note, here are some Story Sparks for you: Writing PromptsI’ve been amusing myself by posting Story Sparks as Shorts/Reels this month. Here are the first 7:
I’ve also posted some from my old stomping grounds in Scotland. To see them all (including one with a castle), click here. I’ll be back in your inbox next week. If you have questions or fears, or are stuck on anything to do with your writing, hit ‘reply’ and let me know. I’ll do my best to address your question in an upcoming missive. Keep writing, Julie P. S. * Illigitimis non carborundum is mock-Latin for 'Don’t let the bastards grind you down'! Words to live by… |
Hi, I'm Julie Duffy, founder & director of StoryADay. Every year since 2010 I've challenged writers like you to prove to themselves that they can write more (and better) than they think, during the StoryADay May challenge. During the rest of the year, StoryADay supports you with the StoryAWeek newsletter (writing lessons & prompts), a popular podcast, blog posts, mini-challenges, courses, and a members' community. StoryADay May has become a fixture on the writing calendar, and the lively community is one of Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers. Join me for info, workshops, challenges & courses, and of course, the StoryAWeek newsletter.
I’ve been getting some questions about this year's September One-Story Challenge, so here’s a quick rundown of how it’ll work: How it works (at a glance) New mini-lesson unlocks daily (you’ll also get an automatic email reminder). Bite-sized actions each day (think 30-45 minutes) so you can succeed with a full life. Guided cohort conversations via the comments in the course–share wins, stuck points, and aha moments (you’re not doing this alone). Two Rest & Reflection days each week with no...
Hi Reader,, Quick behind-the-scenes update: I’ve been heads-down recording and revising the lessons for this year’s One-Story September Challenge: Mastering the Middle—and it’s getting sharper, stronger… honestly my best version of a challenge like this, yet. Why I’m excited to welcome you in: A cohort is forming now. Last year, around 80 writers went through the challenge together. I’m expecting we’ll stay below that number this year—perfect for real community without getting lost in the...
How cultivating wonder can keep your creative energy flowing, and why it's so important to nurture it... This time last year I was able to travel to Scotland for a very happy reason — to party with my my parents on their 60th wedding anniversary. The journey didn’t exactly go smoothly, but travel always offers the opportunity to see things in a new light: for example our inexplicably cancelled connecting flight from London to Glasgow turned into an impromptu train journey up the west coast of...