Before we get started, a preview of a new podcast episode:
If you have been writing to the prompts regularly, well done. If you haven’t followed any prompts yet and you’re here now, this is what matters. Be brave, give it a go and be present. Write and pour your heart on to the page. Write by hand if you can. When the time is up type it up. Explore a new genre if you wish. Look at today’s theme and write what first comes to your mind. If you are an artist who prefers to draw or create other pieces than writing that’s ok too.
Writing is about what you see and how you see it. Others may not want to see what you have to share. It’s your job to tell the story that’s burning inside, even if the pages get to carry too much. Your job as a writer is to write it.
If you use these prompts to make a post or other work please say what inspired you to create and link it back to this post and the Writer Pilgrim by So Elite publication.
If a prompt doesn’t work, make it work for you. Pick an element, a word or an angle and try again and well done for persevering. Be gentle and be kind to yourself.
Previous prompts are available on the Prompt Station starting page. Give all prompts a chance. While you may be inclined to pick and choose, you may want to look more closely at the ones you’re avoiding. It may be that those prompts can offer you some guidance or discovery as you set out to write. Don’t always go for the safe option. Try new things in your writing. That’s what a prompt is for, to play, explore have fun and be silly or serious without planning.
Today’s prompt is:
Set your timer to 5 minutes. If you feel like writing more after the 5 minutes have passed carry on.
This is a 5 minute exercise in writing in long hand and letting your pen lead your words on the page. No judging, no editing, just a stream of words coming out.
These prompts started for the participants of writing workshoppers and have continued to include everyone. You may choose to write to the prompt and keep it private on your notepad. If you decide to post your writing in comments, you may get a comment or like from someone other than me! Can you handle it? This page is online, so only share what you are comfortable with.
I appreciate you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for those of you who post your work and those of you who read, comment and support. Always check back and comment on other participants’ work too.
While you’re here, subscribe please and join in Thursday’s SPAWN session, a Substack social hangout and the monthly Song Title Poetry. To my loyal subscribers, thank you for supporting independent writers.
The support of paid subscribers keeps the prompts and the Writer Pilgrim page going. If you can, please consider going paid. If you find you are too tight with money, share, leave comments and restack Writer Pilgrim stories, poems and prompts. Thank you!
Prompt Station is one of the features of Writer Pilgrim that gets the most views along with SPAWN on Thursdays and Song Title Poetry on the first Friday of the month. For those who can support me keeping this publication alive, go for one of the paid options and you get the podcast Writer Pilgrim Sounds included. Writer Pilgrim is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Don’t worry if a paid subscription isn’t for you. Many free posts are published weekly and I appreciate you being here whatever subscription model you choose.



This could be my neighborhood
Dogs and cats trying to be good
Stand behind storm doors
Naturally they are on all fours
And looking out on this world
Watching for boys and girls
To stop and say hello
A scratch behind ears would be so
Nice if the door would open
Your attention to lend
But the world keeps going by
Poor, sad animals just cry
Thank you Writer Pilgrim!
The cell was quite spacious as these things go. Although the infraction did not warrant maximum security. Some property damage. Theft. Nuisance mainly. The incarceration largely based on an accumulation of prior sins.
No more iron bars these days. Tempered glass. Easier to keep an eye on the inmates. But no doubt about it, some awkward moments on conjugal visits.