We are writing to these prompts right now.


By Matt Shaw

At this exact moment I’m sitting with others around a cluster of round tables writing to shared prompts. We’re sipping coffee, munching donuts, and holding space for one another to silently write and audibly read.

We are discovering as we write and listen. We’re discovering things about ourselves, about one another, about the power of holding space.

There are deep and weighty topics. We hold our breath as the depths unfold. This is serious and intense!

Until it isn’t. Every week we laugh. A lot. Sometimes things get ridiculous, nonsensical word pairings spill forth, silliness abounds.

See below: Prompt #6 is a favorite. Instead of the usual ten minutes, we do that one in three minutes: Write fast. Don’t edit. Don’t check yourselves. Go!

Please join us right now.

Take a prompt or two.

Write freely for 10 minutes.

Then share your piece as a comment on this post.


Today’s Prompts

  1. Curly or straight? What do you think of?
  2. Invent a superhero.
  3. Write about a topic that you have to write about.
  4. What unique combination of foods have you discovered to be delectable? Convince us all why we should try it.
  5. Name brand items versus store brand items.
  6. Write about how to [make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich].
  7. You wake up to the sound of missiles falling.
  8. Write about ‘verts — introverts, extroverts, converts, and so on.