Matt Shaw
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Light and Beauty and Darkness and Death Prompts
Writing 1 Write about old folks, old-timers, and being old. Or write about youth and the young. Start with this sentence: I don’t know about…
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Publish your work from the writing groups
For summer 2026, here’s a sharpened approach to Speak Up writing groups publishing.
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The need was shared and then quickly met
On Thursday, Qiana called me. She was facing a financial crisis and was hours away from ending up on the streets with her kids. I…
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Community is Hard (and Possible)
Speak Up writing groups hit on multiple levels. They provide individual invitations. These spaces let people discover and uncover things within. Carving out time to…
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From the Group Writing Prompts
Here are some additional prompts from this week’s writing groups. These prompts were suggested in real time by group attendees. Write about hoarding and hoarders.…
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Here and Now Writing Prompts
Writing 1 “Today will be a great day if…” Write about flavors. Write about less versus more. Writing 2 Think of all the personal technology…
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Curiosity and Hope Writing Prompts
Writing 1 “I’m surprised by…” Write about education, teaching, school, or being a lifelong learner. Write about an invention or discovery that you appreciate. Writing…
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Three One Five Writing Prompts
Writing 1 A genie grants you three wishes. Write what happens next. “I can’t live without…” Write about five things you own. Writing 2 What’s…
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Mission, Values, Practices, and Distinctives of Speak Up Writing Communities
What is a Speak Up Writing Community? A group of people who gather in person, write together, and read their work to one another, honoring…
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Best Resources on the Creative Act?
“What books do you recommend on writing and creativity?” That’s a question that often comes my way. Speak Up writing groups connect people across divides…