november writing prompts
write with us
The All the Many Layers newsletter has a new home! There are more changes coming and I will keep you updated every step of the way. The newsletter will continue to be a space for resources and reflections that center writing as a tool for healing, growth, and creative courage. You will also receive notices about my creative offerings including workshops, membership groups, and coaching programs. I expect that moving the newsletter to Substack will foster more community interaction, so let’s take this adventure together, okay? You can still find free resources here using the password AML2022THRIVE. You can also find the current discount codes there.
Hi friends,
Where my fellow Scorpios at?!
It’s my birthday month and I’m so thankful to celebrate life and evolution. Zora Neale Hurston said, “There are years that ask questions, and there are years that answer them.” This year has answered so many questions for me, and each one has sprouted flowers that are seeding themselves with new questions.
I turn to my journal to process my blessings and my burdens. To process the ache in my soul from all the suffering in the world, and to protect the joy that sustains me through it all. Writing is my restoration.
So I create these lists for my community every month, and on the first Friday, we gather on Zoom and freewrite together using these prompts. It’s become a treasured part of my creative ecosystem. Creating the lists feels like play; it centers me and pulls me into a state of ease. I look forward to it. I think about the stories and connections that will be inspired by these phrases. Then, gathering with the writers every month and seeing how vulnerable and generous everyone is with each other fills my cup every time.
So how can you use this list?
Well, there are no specific rules. When you look over it, what memories, images, feelings, thoughts, or stories come to mind? The prompts might give you the urge to write a fictional story, poem, reflection, list, essay, or something that defies category.
If you’re a visual person, they can be used to inspire photos, sketches, or paintings. You can do this as a challenge with friends or a writing group. You can do it alone as a way to fuel your creativity and stay in tune with yourself. You might decide to do a prompt a day or find another rhythm that works for you.
Whatever you like.
The only directions I’ll offer are to sit down with the list and a journal and pen or whatever device you love and choose a prompt that sparks a train of thought that gets you writing. One thing that can really help to get the flow started is to let the prompt trigger a thought without getting attached to where your words take you. The whole point is to let yourself write without rules or direction and to just practice that surrender. Using these prompts as writing triggers, you can explore your voice and creative impulses in a playful, no stress way.
If you enjoy writing in community, you are also welcome to join us for our free monthly workshop on Friday, November 3 at 7 pm et where we'll be freewriting from these prompts. New faces are always welcome, and sharing is optional.
Hope to see you there.
Much love,
GG
Write with us this month:
November 3. Free Monthly Writing the Layers Workshop // 7 pm et
November 8. The Practice: Group Journaling Session #9 w/ L’Oreal Thompson Payton // 7 - 8:30 pm et