Greetings, writers—
The writing prompts that I sent out via email for nearly two and a half years—and thus, this Substack you’re reading—all began with a generative writing class I taught during the pandemic lockdown.
Many Good Ideas subscribers attended these classes, which were sponsored by the incredible Portland nonprofit, Literary Arts. For those who didn’t, here’s how they worked.
On Monday nights, somewhere between fifteen and thirty people would gather on Zoom. We’d say hello and welcome each other to the space, and then it was time to write.
First there was a warm-up—5 or 10 minutes of freewriting. After that, I’d offer a longer, more detailed prompt, and people would write for 20-25 minutes. When time was up, we’d take a moment to turn our cameras back on and smile at each other, or else at my cat, who really digs showing his butt to a Zoom screen. Then we’d do another 20-25 minute prompt before coming back to say goodbye.
In case you don’t feel like doing the math, it was an hour of intense, but not unceasing, work. An hour spent writing alongside friends and strangers and classmates. An hour in which we all put words down on our pages, and did so knowing that a bunch of other people were doing the exact same thing at the exact same time.
Honestly, it was pretty great.
I’d like to host one of these classes again, and I invite—indeed, I implore—you all to join me. Please mark your calendars for February 27th at 7:00 p.m. Pacific.
The class will be 40 minutes rather than an hour, and will consist of a warm-up and then one longer write.
This class is free, though if you’d like to buy me a coffee, or become a paid subscriber to this labor of love, I would be very grateful.
The only catch to attending is that you have to RSVP, which you can do by replying to this email, commenting on this post, or emailing me directly. Then I’ll send you a Zoom link, which seems like a better idea than posting it publicly.
COME ON, IT’LL BE FUN.
And now, without further ado, here is today’s prompt, which actually comes from a generative class held back in June 2021:
Gary Shteyngart’s novel Super Sad True Love Story begins with the words “Dearest Diary, Today I’ve made a major decision: I am never going to die.”
Write a scene in which one of your characters says something wildly wishful, completely misguided, and or flat-out wrong. What happens next?
Must your character reconsider their original position, or do they manage to maintain their belief? Who plays the role of the truth teller? Who might encourage them in their delusion? etc. etc.
Happy writing—and I hope to see you on Zoom.
Emily
Hello Emily, I appreciate offering us your wonderful generative writing class! I will indeed be there! Thank you.
I'd love to attend!