february writing prompts + free first friday workshop
plus thoughts on devotion, commitment, and community
“If art doesn't make us better, then what on earth is it for?”
― Alice Walker
Hi everyone,
Today I’m sharing the February prompts, upcoming writing workshops and sessions, and a few thoughts on writing. Not necessarily in that order.
Whether you think of yourself as a writer or not, writing is simply good for you. When you write from the heart, your truth has a healing effect on you and everyone you touch. Art makes us better.
Giving yourself permission to write is an act of creative courage. We don’t show up to the page to be perfect; we show up to be real. We welcome the unfinished thoughts and broken sentences. We surrender. We experiment. We surprise ourselves.
If you're struggling with writing, forget about rules and expectations and go back to a time when writing was a way to free your imagination, or a way to connect with someone, or whatever positive impact it has had on your life. Go back to that feeling and try writing from that place. Maybe you go back to being a child with your first diary. Or writing a love letter to your first love. No expectations. No judgments. Just curiosity and acceptance and wholeheartedness.
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 also invited to join us for our free monthly workshop (on Zoom) on Friday, February 2 at 7 pm et where we'll be freewriting from these prompts. New faces are always welcome, and sharing is optional.
devotion over discipline
Early on in my writing journey, I thought there were certain indicators of a disciplined writer, and because I didn’t have those same habits — getting up at 5 am everyday, writing 2000 words/day, completing full drafts in one hour, etc. — I let imposter syndrome and self-doubt strangle me. I convinced myself that I wasn’t a serious writer and this got in the way of me being open to figure out what habits actually do work for me.
Many writers I’ve worked with talk about not being disciplined enough, finding it easier to be consistent in other areas of their lives and how frustrating that can be. It makes sense though because with creativity we have to pave our own path to find what works for us which requires a conviction that we have to dig deep to find. Most of us don’t have a roadmap for this.
Without this conviction, a creative calling can feel more like a duty or inconvenience —the way it calls to you and makes you feel guilty for neglecting it, the way you have to face your insecurities and doubts when you spend time with it. To dissolve this block, think of your creative practice as a devotion, not a duty, and find actionable ways to put this reframe into practice.
commitment over consistency
If you are in the habit of beating yourself up for being inconsistent, you might dread the time do set aside for writing because your expectations are so high. You expect to struggle to find the perfect words. Remember that’s not the point. The point is to simply talk to yourself on the page. It’s not supposed to be “good.”
Develop a habit of writing brain dumps of what is most pressing on your mind. Just a few minutes here and there. View it as a break from the movement of your day, and an opportunity to get your thoughts out of your mind and onto paper. That’s it. After a few sessions, look back and see if you notice any patterns in what you’re writing. This is a simple and accessible way to commit.
Get curious. What seems to be on your mind often? What could life be trying to show you? Express through you? Commit to this discovery. Commit to building a relationship with the page. Trust that when life pulls you away, you will want to come back as soon as you can. Eventually you look forward to this time with yourself, and in the process, you are becoming a more curious and consistent creator.
community over isolation
All of us have different patterns, needs, and lifestyles, and we know this, but when it comes to our creative endeavors we often look down on ourselves when our habits and patterns are different from what works for other people. One objective I have for all my clients is that they develop a refreshed outlook on their creative process, one that considers their unique rhythms and needs.
You don’t have to figure out your creative process alone. If you are ready to commit to your personal story work & creative development, consider joining us in the Inner Story Writing Circle. A membership group for people seeking creative guidance and community for the heart-centered work of writing about their lives. Each month members have access to a variety of virtual sessions to study, share, and celebrate personal storytelling. You can learn more here.
write with us this month:
February 2. Free Writing the Layers Monthly Workshop // 7 pm et
February 7. The Practice Journaling Session #12 w/ Lindsey Van Wagner // 12 - 1:30 pm et (free for paid subscribers | $15 for drop-ins)
February 21 - March 6. The Art of Writing Rough Drafts (via The Writer’s Center) // 6 - 8 pm et (three sessions)