july writing prompts + upcoming workshops
lean into your creativity
Hi everyone,
A new month brings new writing prompts and another opportunity to gather and write together. Below you will find the July prompt list as well as the link to register for our free monthly workshop, which will take place on the first Saturday this month instead of first Friday.
Before we get to that, I wanted to share a small change that I’m making to my creative platform.
When I transitioned away from Mailchimp in 2023, my newsletter’s average open rate was around 57%. Over the past two years on Substack, that number has slowly dropped to about 40%.
I don’t measure the worth of my work by numbers, but I do pay attention to engagement as useful data. I’ve always cared more about connection than follower count. I don’t want thousands of passive subscribers who aren’t engaged, you know?
I imagine that some of the decline is newsletter fatigue, which as a reader, I experience, too. I’m subscribed to more Substacks than I can keep up with!
I sign up with genuine interest, but there's simply no way I can read everything week to week. I turned off email notifications to keep my inbox manageable, but in doing that, I lost the intimacy of being notified when a new post goes live, and that naturally leads to less engagement.
I know I am missing out on some beautiful writings, too, and I wish all of those writers knew that it’s not a reflection of their work.
As creators, we can observe our engagement simply as data and remember that having a creative platform requires being creative about how we connect with the people who value our art.
These are the things I’m sitting with and trying to navigate.
My artist soul loves it here on Substack and will continue to create and share in this space. However, I also feel like it’s time to experiment with new ways of connecting and sustaining the business side of my creative work.
If you’re someone who’s interested in creative coaching—whether that’s 1:1 sessions, group programs, workshops, or intensives—you can sign up here to join a separate email list. This is where I’ll share early access to offerings, exclusive discounts, and deeper insights into the coaching side of what I do.
If you’re a free or paid subscriber here on Substack and you value the free monthly prompts and weekly reflections—I see you, and I’m so glad you’re here. I’ll continue to share about my creative process, reflections, encouragement, and workshops with the intention of supporting your creative journey.
Read on for the July prompts, updates on my new book Story Work, and a list of a few things going on in July. ♥
july writing prompts
Here are the writing prompts for July. I share these lists every month as an invitation to write and reflect. If you’d like to write in community with us, for the month of July, our free monthly writing workshop will take place on Saturday, July 5 from 7 - 8 pm et. where we will write to these prompts together.
This monthly event is open to all subscribers. New faces are always welcome, and sharing is optional. You can RSVP here.
story work preorders are open!
My new book, which will be released on November 4, 2025, is officially available for preorder! Please secure your copy now and help me build momentum towards publication day.
I am cooking up something special for those of you who preorder. (Thanks to those of you who have already submitted!) Once you have your receipt, please head over here and fill out this form to be added to my preorder list. In the coming months, you will receive details about an exclusive bonus that will take place in the fall.
Writing opened my mind to the idea that I could change my story, and my hope is that this book will open your mind—whether you consider yourself a writer or not— and empower you to find new pathways for your story, too.
What early readers are saying:
“In Story Work, GG Renee Hill does more than teach the art of storytelling; she embodies it. With raw honesty and heartfelt reflection, she models the very method of story work she invites you to explore. Through intimate personal narratives, carefully crafted reflection questions, and guided exercises, this book is not just something you read—it’s something you experience. With intention and care, GG Renee Hill gently moves alongside you, helping you uncover, shape, and honor your stories. I paused in each chapter to breathe in its beauty, depth, and invitation to step more fully into my story. Whether you are a writer, an artist, an activist, or someone longing to understand yourself more deeply, this book is a gift. Those who journey through its pages will not only witness the power of storytelling—they will emerge transformed by it.” — Cierra Kaler-Jones, storyteller, teaching artist, cultural organizer, and Director, Unlock Your Story
upcoming workshops
I offer a variety of creative sessions each month. There are options for free subscribers, some for paid subscribers, and some exclusively for Inner Story members. I also offer workshops through third parties like The Writer’s Center. All sessions are virtual unless otherwise indicated. Come write with us! If you are interested in working with me as a creative coach, sign up for this newsletter to be the first to hear about new offerings and receive special discounts and bonuses.
Life as a Creative Process — Mid-Year Check-In
Wednesday, July 2 from 6 - 7: 30 pm et (paid subscribers)
In this session, we’ll revisit the intentions you set at the beginning of the year and reflect on how you've navigated the challenges and the wins that have occurred so far. The goal is for you to leave with renewed clarity and practical ideas for staying committed to your creative practice—no matter the peaks, valleys, or plateaus that the rest of this year brings. We’ll work on reflection prompts together to support your creative momentum moving forward.
Writing the Layers Freewriting Workshop
Saturday, July 5 from 7 - 8 pm et (open to all subscribers)
The Writing the Layers free monthly workshop is a virtual safe space for adult writers — from beginners to seasoned hobbyists to professionals — to nurture their writing practice and connect with other writers. In each 60ish minute session, we do a series of freewrites based on the monthly prompt list. Participants have the opportunity to write, share, listen, offer supportive feedback, and come away feeling inspired and replenished. Sharing is optional.
The Creative Courage Writing Intensive
Every other Thursday, July 10 - September 18 from 6 - 8 pm et
The Creative Courage Writing Intensive is a 12-week exploration of the creative process including the inner stories, values, and desires that fuel it, and the fears, doubts and obstacles that hinder it. Through a combination of self-study, group coaching, community wisdom, and storytelling, the creative courage framework leads to a fresh perspective on writing and the role it can play in your life.
This workshop is for you if you are seeking creative renewal and the courage to cultivate a more fully expressed life. During the course of this series, writers work on a personal narrative project, learn a transformational 4-step process for developing ideas and bringing them to life, and collect a unique arsenal of techniques, exercises, and habits that support creative resilience and expansion. You can learn more here.
The Practice: Group Journaling Session #22 w/ Jacqueline Diaz
Wednesday, July 30 from 5 - 6:30 pm et (paid subscribers)
Jacqueline Diaz is a storyteller, content creator, speaker, and transition guide for women of color. As a self-described “rebirth doula,” she walks alongside women of color in the midst of identity shifts, burnout, and emotional healing—holding space for their shedding and reemergence. Through her workshops, courses, and 1:1 guidance, she helps women move from survival into softness, reconnecting with their voice, their vision, and their power. Her work blends personal storytelling, spiritual grounding, and practical tools to support women in becoming who they were always meant to be. We will chat with Jacqueline about her creative journey, and she will provide us with a journaling prompt that we will work on together.
Also check out this upcoming workshop offered by my friends at !
The Geography of Joy
Saturdays, July 19 - September 6, 11a-12:30p ET. Price: $175. 10 seats available.
Where did you first feel your own magic?
Geography of Joy is for the inquisitive and joy bound—those ready to excavate the sacred landscapes where we became ourselves. We’re mapping corner stores that knew our names, playgrounds where laughter lived, kitchens that held our secrets, streets that witnessed our becoming.
Over four sessions, we’ll layer personal joy-maps with our communities’ celebration histories. The block parties. The festivals. The gathering places that built us, together.
This is joy as foundation. This is community as celebration. This is resistance through remembering what made us whole. Part of Kin Keepers, ending with a live reading salon where we share these maps of becoming.
Ready to remember your geography of joy?
Hi GG,
It was a pleasure to attend the July 5th writing workshop. Thank you for creating a safe space for us to write and share our stories. I look forward to returning again.