Free Write

Don’t Write Alone | 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.

Jul 6, 2021
Don’t Write Alone | Free Write
Make it Sharper, Make it Stranger

Simon Han shares an exercise to help make your sentences stronger and more surprising during the revision process.

Jun 29, 2021
Don’t Write Alone | Free Write
Writing the Autobiography of Your Stuff

The detritus of our lives can serve as a cannon for fiction or nonfiction writing.

Jun 7, 2021
Don’t Write Alone | Free Write
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.

Jun 7, 2021
Don’t Write Alone | Free Write
Let Translation Guide You Into Writing

Check out this writing and reading exercise from classes instructor Poupeh Missaghi

May 12, 2021
Don’t Write Alone | Free Write
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.

May 7, 2021
Don’t Write Alone | Free Write
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!

May 3, 2021
Don’t Write Alone | Free Write
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.

Apr 29, 2021
Don’t Write Alone | Free Write
A Writing Prompt for Mandarin Speakers

Are you a bilingual writer? Try this prompt from Catapult instructor and poet Chen Chen.

Apr 5, 2021
Don’t Write Alone | Free Write
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.

Apr 5, 2021