a sturdy ladder

september writing prompts + weekly story work exercise

If you’re new here, Story Work is the name of my current book-in-progress. It describes a process of reflecting, reclaiming, and reimagining the stories of our lives. It involves looking at your life experiences as creative material that you have the power to shape.

The weekly story work topics cover universal life themes with references from literature, philosophy, science, and spirituality; offering perspectives that spark ideas for personal growth and creative expression.

Paid subscribers receive Story Work exercises every Sunday night at 8 pm et.

Today I’m sharing the writing prompts for September followed by the weekly story work exercise.

write with us

Their summer romance
over, the lovers
still cling
to each other

the way the green
leaves cling
to their trees
in the strange heat

of September, as if
this time
there will be
no autumn.

September, by Linda Pastan

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Let’s welcome September together at our monthly free writing workshop on Friday, September 6 at 7 - 8 pm et.

If you’re new here, each month I provide these prompt lists that are meant to spark an idea or train of thought that gets you writing.

When you read the prompt, what memories, images, feelings, or thoughts come to mind? Using these prompts as writing triggers, you can explore your voice and creative impulses in a playful, no-stress way.

You are welcome to use the prompts in your own way at your own pace. And do considering joining us online this Friday, September 6 from 7 - 8 pm et as we gather to do some freewriting together. You can RSVP here.

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a sturdy ladder out of the pit

Photo by Cesar Cid on Unsplash

Writing is my friend. The blank page has an unconditional interest in what is going on in my life, what I have to say, and how I think and feel. It accepts me whenever and however I show up and it reflects back the parts of me that I can’t otherwise see.

Many of us turn to writing when it seems there is no one or nowhere else in the world where we can express ourselves fully without the risk of misunderstanding, criticism, or indifference.

Whether it is reading someone else’s words or putting together my own, the art of words gathers me, it arranges the pieces, and it makes me feel safe and understood like a good friend should.

Writing, in the words of Alice Walker, is “a very sturdy ladder out of the pit.” 

What are your sturdy ladders?