Free Write
Remember, You Are in Conversation
When I’m feeling stuck and lonely, I try to remember that I’m in conversation with the world—that I am alive in it and it is alive through me.
Make it Sharper, Make it Stranger
Simon Han shares an exercise to help make your sentences stronger and more surprising during the revision process.
Writing the Autobiography of Your Stuff
The detritus of our lives can serve as a cannon for fiction or nonfiction writing.
Let’s Talk About Imagery
It’s hard to talk about love without clichés, but what about images you associate with love? Poet José Olivarez shares lessons on imagery learned from country music.
Let Translation Guide You Into Writing
Check out this writing and reading exercise from classes instructor Poupeh Missaghi
The Pain Scale Exercise
Try this writing exercise from Madeleine Watts: Sometimes the restrictions and limitations imposed by a given structure can help you more than complete creative freedom does.
An Exercise in Building Character (Both Ways)
How do you write a character’s particularity in a way that ensures it’s different from your own? Check out this writing prompt from Ryan Chapman!
An Exercise to Help You Find Your Voice
Try this writing exercise from Simon Van Booy if you feel you need help finding your voice, whether you are writing nonfiction or fiction.
A Writing Prompt for Mandarin Speakers
Are you a bilingual writer? Try this prompt from Catapult instructor and poet Chen Chen.
A Writing Exercise Using Photographs
If you’re starting a new personal essay or you’re working on a memoir, try this writing exercise shared by our instructor Brian Gresko.