JanFishler

Author ~ Writing Coach

  • HOME
  • BOOKS
  • COURSES
  • BLOG
  • FREEBIES
  • CONTACT ME

Try Writing Prompts — See Where They Take You

By Jan Fishler Leave a Comment

Try Writing Prompts — See Where They Take You

I thought I’d start this month off by following a prompt from my book, Flex Your Writing Muscle—365 Writing Prompts, which is available on Amazon in paperback and in kindle. The prompts for June are based on The Book of Runes by Ralph Blum. My recommendation for all of the prompts is to pick one and write/type as quickly as you can for five minutes. If you find yourself lost in your words, then by all means continue. If not, close the book and move on to something more inspiring.

Don’t be surprised if the prompts jump-start your writing. A prompt could easily become your next blog post or the beginning of a new article or short story.

The prompt for June 1: What do you require for your wellbeing? I will admit, sometimes it’s easier to come up with these prompts than it is to answer them. Here goes…

Like many women,  my wellbeing requirements have changed over the years. What I required as a single person working in San Francisco changed when I became a parent, and continues to change as my adult children become more self-sufficient. As a single woman,  my wellbeing depended a lot on how my friendships were going, and getting through various ups and downs that came with navigating relationships. As a parent, my wellbeing is often tied into the health and happiness of my children. I want them to thrive, and when they hit a rough patch, it can become a difficult time for me too. As my adult children become more independent and self-sufficient, I can turn my attention to other things.

Two things that affect  my wellbeing are my health and my work. Fortunately, my health is better than that of most people my age. I like being strong and fit and spend about six hours a week lifting weights and taking a dance aerobics class at my local gym. Working out helps me focus and decreases stress. It’s something I’ve been doing for decades and I have no intention of ever stopping. Occasionally, I might take a break, but I always come back.

My wellbeing is also tied up in my work—whether I’m writing for myself or for others—and in being of service. Early in my career I vacillated between corporate gigs and the nonprofit sector. I needed money to pay off my student loans, but experienced a great deal of satisfaction in helping others. As a result, I often worked in the nonprofit world—writing grants, serving on a board of directors, and even producing a telethon. Today, I’m still on the board of a non-profit and I also write grants for a local organization. I volunteer because giving makes me feel good and enhances my overall wellbeing.

If I’m completely honest, there are other things that increase my wellbeing…I love a chilled glass of good Chardonnay, a thick juicy burger hot off the grill, hiking just about anywhere—even in the rain, walking with my dog, seeing a good movie in a theater, bag of large buttered popcorn in my lap, having lunch with a good friend, and dancing to a live Zydeco music.

When I look at the wellbeing I have in my life, I feel an enormous amount appreciation and gratitude and see a positive cycle that continues.

What brings you the peace, comfort, security, and happiness you associate with wellbeing? Take five minutes to answer that question and see where it takes you.

—-

Jan Fishler is the producer of the Path to Publication DVD series filmed at the Squaw Valley Community of Writers featuring Amy Tan, Janet Fitch, Mark Childress and other well-known authors, agents, and publishers. She is the author of Searching for Jane, Finding Myself (An Adoption Memoir) and Flex Your Writing Muscle – 365 Days of Writing Prompts. She writes articles for VietNow National Magazine and has a bi-monthly column, “Healthy Options” in The Union newspaper.

 

 

Filed Under: Writing Prompts Tagged With: Authors, Writers, writing prompts, writing tips

Writing Prompt: Sacred

By Janfishler Leave a Comment

December 31 Writing Prompt: Write about what is sacred.

What do you hold sacred, and why is this so important to you? Was there an incident that caused you feel this way? In what ways is your life blessed?

Filed Under: Writing Prompts Tagged With: writing prompt, writing prompts

Writing Prompt: Sacrifice

By Janfishler Leave a Comment

December 30 Writing Prompt:  Write about sacrifice.

What if anything are you willing to sacrifice to reach your goals this coming year? What have you sacrificed to get where you are today? Was it worth the price?

Filed Under: Writing Prompts Tagged With: writing prompt, writing prompts

Writing Prompt: Happiness

By Janfishler Leave a Comment

December 29 Writing Prompt: Write about happiness.

Do you believe that happiness is our birthright? Who deserves to be happy and at what price? Write about a time you sacrificed your happiness for someone else’s. Was it worth it?

Filed Under: Writing Prompts Tagged With: writing prompt, writing prompts

Writing Prompt: Hindsight

By Janfishler Leave a Comment

December 28 Writing Prompt: Write about hindsight.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done differently? Write the scene the way it was and the way it “coulda, shoulda, woulda” been.

Filed Under: Writing Prompts Tagged With: writing prompt, writing prompts

Writing Prompt: Excitement

By Janfishler Leave a Comment

December 27 Writing Prompt: Write about excitement.

What are you excited about? What activity or event are you looking forward to? What book can’t you put down? Maybe it’s food or a restaurant that gets your juices flowing. Whatever it is, describe it in detail.

Filed Under: Writing Prompts Tagged With: writing prompt, writing prompts

Writing Prompt: Resources

By Janfishler Leave a Comment

December 26 Writing Prompt: Write about resources.

What resources do you possess that make a positive difference in your life? Consider friends, family, career, as well as personal attributes. If your resources are limited, write about what you can do to acquire more.

Filed Under: Writing Prompts Tagged With: writing prompt, writing prompts

Writing Prompt: Grace

By Janfishler Leave a Comment

December 25 Writing Prompt: Write about grace.

Is there a situation you are dealing with or have dealt with that requires or could have benefited from a more graceful approach? Is this an attribute you have or would like to acquire? Write about how grace could help overcome a difficult or frustrating situation or person.

Filed Under: Writing Prompts Tagged With: writing prompt, writing prompts

Writing Prompt: The Future

By Janfishler Leave a Comment

December 24 Writing Prompt: Write about the future.

Write about the person you will be in five, ten, and fifteen years from now. What would your family and friends day about you? Imagine interviewing them now and in the future and write their responses to various interview questions.

Filed Under: Writing Prompts Tagged With: writing prompt, writing prompts

Writing Prompt: The Coming Year

By Janfishler Leave a Comment

December 23 Writing Prompt: Write about the coming year.

Write about how you would you like your life to be this coming year? What goals would you like to accomplish? What goal is most important to you? What steps will you take to make sure you accomplish this objective?

Filed Under: Writing Prompts Tagged With: writing prompt, writing prompts

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 7
  • Go to Next Page »

Sign up for
email updates
and get a
FREE COPY of
Flex Your
Writing Muscle

Your Book:Just Write it!

* indicates required

Most Recent Book

Don't Stop Book

Schedule a Free Call

Copyright © 2023 · Jan Fishler