Write About Good Times, Hard Times, and Making Changes

Writing prompts, a workshop opportunity for anyone anywhere, and more

Here’s the format for the Speak Up community writing workshops.

First, coffee and donuts. Free notebooks and pens for everyone. Then a sheet of paper with three groups of writing prompts, three individuals prompts per group.

Most of the prompts are written by attendees—sent in the day before.

Writers choose one or more prompts from each group and write for 10-15 minutes together. We share aloud with one another. Then we move on to the next group of prompts and write again.

It’s a simple approach with defined boundaries.

1. We write freely. Be authentic to you. Write whatever you want.

2. Read aloud and listen. Read your piece if you’d like. No pressure if not.

3. Applaud and honor. Generally: no feedback. Just gratitude for your voice.

The read-aloud portions are sometimes punctuated by bursts of laughter or sobs or sharp intakes of breath. There’s something about taking the time to put your thoughts on paper that gives extra weight and heft, for both the writer and the listener.

You realize that in the space of a few minutes you are both an expert and a novice, a teacher and a student. You are giving away treasure and also finding treasure. Everyone leaves richer.

—

Matt Shaw

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Prompts for the week of 9/29/25

Writing 1

• What makes a good party? Write about it.

• Write about the music that gets you going.

• From the 90s (or the decade you turned 20), think about your hair, your clothes, style, music? Pick one—or all—and write about it.

Writing 2

• “In my time…”

• Write about success. Or write about failure.

• What did you do when something you believed in turned out to be not true?

Writing 3

• What is your most endearing trait? (Or what is your least endearing trait?)

• Write about change. Change within your life. Past changes, future changes. Change in your mind or heart. Change in the community, culture, country, anywhere.

• Write a poem about something weighty: like death, homelessness, injustice, etc.

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📓 Remote Writing Workshop Community?

We’re gauging interest for the idea of a video conference-based Speak Up writing community. Using a popular video chat tool like Zoom, this potential weekly gathering will follow the same basic structure laid out above: writing to prompts and sharing with one another.

Please fill out this short form to share your name, email, and availability.

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