Category Archives: Writing prompt
Go small…
In a writing workshop at Pinney Library this summer, we spent one evening talking about “going small.” I set my writers an in-class challenge: seven minutes to write about something, starting with an object as the focal point. “Give us the … Continue reading
Small Things
At a recent Salon at Pinney Library we had fewer readers than time slots available, so I offered a writing exercise. I asked people to think about something meaningful they have with them in the room, then challenged them to write facts (1 minute), … Continue reading
From Cursive to Computer
There has been a lot of handwringing about the demise of cursive writing this year. An NPR piece about it aired as I drove to teach the first session of a memoir writing workshop back in March. It inspired me … Continue reading
Send me your travel essays
Let’s celebrate spring with some vicarious wanderlust! For the next couple of months, I will feature travel essays from my life and others’ — that is, if you send me something! My life as a traveler began with a family … Continue reading
Reflections on the Weather…
Sitting in Atlanta GA at a temperate 39 degrees this morning, and seeing that the weather in Madison WI is back to a seasonal 12 degrees or so (above zero this time), it feels odd to post about the cold. … Continue reading
Weather alert & Monday’s Salon…
12:00 Sunday update: Sad to make this decision, but “First Monday First Person” is cancelled for Monday January 6th. Join us for next month’s salon, February 3rd. In the meantime… why not use Monday night to write instead? Here’s a … Continue reading
Quick advice on how to write & what to write about…
A couple of gems for memoir writers turned up in recent articles in the New York Times. When you want a reminder of how much power a short sentence can pack, remember this line from George Orwell’s Animal House–“He carried … Continue reading
“Gesture Writing” – worthy post on NYTimes “Draft” blog
“The age-old artists’ practice of gesture drawing suggests a new practice…that can train us to “see” the whole before we write.” -Rachel Howard, in an essay in yesterday’s New York Times. Read on…
South Madison Class cancelled due to snow: stay in and write!
The South Madison memoir writing class for 6pm Monday 3/18/13 is cancelled due to our snow… so stay home in your pajamas, curl up with your favorite libation, and write for at least 15 minutes on the following prompt: “What … Continue reading
True Stories Well Told 
David Brooks on “What Suffering Does”
I’m preparing to teach next week on writing to heal, a subject on which my thoughts have yet to settle into a “set piece.” A couple of months back I posted about Jessica Handler’s book Braving the Fire, an excellent guide to writing … Continue reading →