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Life writing

Memoir Prompt: 14 Statements

by Matilda Butler on February 24, 2015

Writing Prompt LogoPost #207 – Women’s Memoirs, Writing Prompts and Life Prompts – Matilda Butler

What Defines You and Your Beliefs?

Memoir writing promptHere’s a sign I saw recently. Okay. It was in the Women’s Room at Daylight Mind Cafe in Kona, Hawaii. Warm tropical breezes. A lovely meal on the lanai. Views of the ocean. The hint of salt in the air. And yes, a dessert of two cups of Kona coffee made using a full immersion brew method with the thick fragrant coffee poured after four minutes.

I’m always excited when I find a new vegan-friendly restaurant so our lunch was the opportunity to check out the menu and the location. We’ll go back many times to this place. Great location. Great staff. And a chef more than willing to meet my vegan gluten-free meal request.

memoir writing promptWell, back to the sign. We tried two Kona coffees and that meant a trip to the restroom before taking off to get apple bananas, papayas, and avocados at the farmers’ market across the street. As soon as I saw the sign, I knew it was perfect as a writing prompt.

Memoir Writing Prompt

1. Here’s my suggestion. I count 14 separate statements on the sign, and I’ve listed them below. As your writing prompt today, read the following statements. Then figure out your own list and write it down. Your list might be humorous, spiritual, practical, frivolous or a mix of all four. The point is to think about 14 statements you’d enjoy sharing with others. These should be statements that express you and your perspective on life.

1. Smile
2. Share joy and kindness
3. Play outside
4. Dance in the rain
5. Eat a cupcake
6. Smell the roses
7. Sing loud and proud
8. Be happy
9. Listen & learn
10. Laugh out loud
11. Snuggle & hug
12. Be thoughtful and gracious
13. Dream big
14. Enjoy life

2. Now that you have your list, have the fun of turning them into a paper sign. What order will you put them in? What font sizes will you use? Maybe you want to add a bit of decoration. Once you are happy with the result, print several copies and share with your family and friends. Pass on your 14 statements.

3. If you are now fully engaged in this topic, take your five favorite statements and write a few paragraphs about each. Why is the statement important to you? What life experience stands behind this statement. What do you hope someone reading your statement will get out of it?

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Writing and Healing: 5 Outstanding – and Surprising – Self-Help Books for Memoir Writers

by Pamela JaneMay 6, 2014
Writing and Healing: 5 Outstanding – and Surprising – Self-Help Books  for Memoir Writers

Pamela Jane Bell offers 5 books to get your writing and keep you writing your memoir. Her choices just may surprise you.

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Memoir Writers – Hold it Close, Toss it Away: Writing Your Heart Out

by Pamela JaneMarch 4, 2014
Memoir Writers – Hold it Close, Toss it Away: Writing Your Heart Out

Life, death, and writing. Yes, Pamela Jane Bell, our insightful guest blogger, returns with a thought provoking discussion of thoughts about death and about writing.

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Writing and Healing: How to Write a Memoir According to Shakespeare (and Four Other Famous Artists)

by Pamela JaneJanuary 14, 2014
Writing and Healing: How to Write a Memoir According to Shakespeare (and Four Other Famous Artists)

Pamela Jane Bell, WomensMemoirs.com guest blogger, took a look at advice from five authors and reveals what they say that will help you with your memoir writing. A must-read article.

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Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There! 3 Tips for Letting Time Work for Your Memoir

by Pamela JaneOctober 8, 2013
Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There! 3 Tips for Letting Time Work for Your Memoir

Pamela Jane Bell returns with three more great writing tips — this set focused on how you can let the passage of time help you with your writing. Finally, tips on the advantages of not writing.

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Writing and Healing: The 15-Minute Princess: Two Top Writing Tips

by Pamela JaneAugust 6, 2013
Writing and Healing:  The 15-Minute Princess: Two Top Writing Tips

Like Pamela Bell’s writing tips? This blog post on writing is great and just may give you a new perspective.

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Memoir Writer Asks: Where Do Socks Go?

by Matilda ButlerJanuary 16, 2013
Memoir Writer Asks: Where Do Socks Go?

Women’s Memoirs welcomes memoir author Susie Spangler. Be sure to read her exploration of life’s small mysteries and then try the writing prompt.

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