march writing prompts + free first friday workshop
plus thoughts on writing from the body and upcoming march events
“To be sensual, I think, is to respect and rejoice in the force of life, of life itself, and to be present in all that one does, from the effort of loving to the breaking of bread.”
― James Baldwin
Hi community,
Today I’m writing with my heart and mind all over the place trying to sort through all that is going on in the world and in my personal life. I’m so thankful for this community where I can explore and embrace it all. I’ll share a bit, and then below you will find the monthly prompts for March.
I have the first big deadline for my book coming up, so I’ll be submitting three chapters. I’ve been trying to stick to some kind of somatic grounding practice daily, to keep me in my body throughout this deeply vulnerable process of writing this book. I don’t want to write from my head, I want to write from my heart, from my body. I ignored the language of my body for so many years, y’all. It’s not easy, this rediscovery process, but it is enlightening and empowering.
Being in my body reflects my desire to be present, to live slowly and intentionally, to come home to myself after years of dissociation and avoidance. I keep healing at the center of my writing process because it grounds me, even as I am going through this traditional publishing journey, preparing my work to be evaluated, packaged, and sold. I’ll be sharing some of the simple somatic practices I’ve incorporated into my writing process in our first quarterly workshop on March 30, Writing to Heal: An Expressive Writing Workshop. Based on the poll, this was the most requested workshop and it will be free for paid subscribers and open to drop-ins for a $40 fee.
Also coming up in March, the Inner Story Writing Circle will welcome Lyvonne Briggs (back row, far right in the photo above), author of Sensual Faith: The Art of Coming Home to Your Body. Lyvonne has this magnetic energy and a powerful message that is all about discovering a healthier approach to spirituality and sexuality that centers pleasure rather than shame. This session will be open to Inner Story members and anyone who purchases a copy of the book and send me proof of purchase. I’ll also be hosting a giveaway soon too, so stay tuned!
Now, about those prompts. If you’re new here, each month I provide 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, March 1 at 7 pm et where we'll be freewriting from these prompts. New faces are always welcome, and sharing is optional.
These free monthly sessions are sacred to me.
There's a deep connection made, even between strangers, through the shared experience of creative effort, through the shared desire for full expression, through the baring of souls.
When you put yourself in spaces where vulnerability is the norm and stories are being told, your own voice is called out of its hiding place. In This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley, she says, "Just as outer voices can call you away from the well of your own selfhood, they also have the capacity to usher you into new depths of it. And if practiced right, your calling into selfhood may enhance the sound of self in someone else."
Whether you are looking for a community where you can develop your creative voice and explore your calling, or be supported in your healing and self-care through writing and storytelling, it is my joy to provide a variety of offerings that provide guidance, inspiration, and connection.
If you are missing community and mentorship in your creative life, consider joining us.
write with us this month:
Drop in for a workshop. Paid subscribers will receive RSVP links separately.
March 1. Free Writing the Layers Monthly Workshop // 7 pm et
March 23. The Practice Session #13: Group Journaling w/ guest Delanea Davis // 12 pm - 1:30 pm et (free for paid subscribers or $15 drop-in fee)
March 30. Writing to Heal: An Expressive Writing Workshop // 3 pm - 5 pm et (free for paid subscribers or $40 drop-in fee)
inner story writing circle events:
Gain all-access to my monthly group coaching sessions and workshops.
The Inner Story Writing Circle is a guided writing community to support your personal story work & creative development. A monthly subscription for people seeking guidance and strategies 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 about the group and our monthly sessions here. Here’s a preview of what we have coming up:
March 9. Inner Story Monthly Storytelling Workshop // 10 am - 12 pm et
March 20. Author Visit w/ Lyvonne Briggs // 5 pm - 6 pm et
March 29. Creative Project Planning Session // 12 pm - 2 pm et
Oh this is great. I was just gifted Lynonne’s book