Still Waters

Settle down with a notebook and pen — yes, the old-fashioned kind that you hold in your hand! — and freewrite in response to any of the prompts below. Gaze deep into the reflection pool of your own hopes, fears, and fantasies about what it means to be a writer rooted in community. You may be surprised at what bubbles up!

Take time to honestly examine your relationship with community in your writing life. What role do other people currently play in your writing process? When do you feel most supported and understood as a writer, and when do you feel most isolated?

Consider what kind of writing community would genuinely serve your work and well-being. Do you need encouragement, accountability, intellectual exchange, practical feedback, or simply the comfort of shared experience? What have been your most positive experiences with other writers, and what made those relationships meaningful?

Reflect on any barriers—internal or external—that might be preventing you from building the writing relationships you desire. What would need to shift for you to feel more connected to other writers and more confident in seeking the community you need?

Journal about your experiences with giving and receiving help in your writing life. When have you felt most comfortable asking for assistance, and when has it felt most difficult? What makes the difference between supportive feedback and criticism that feels destructive?

Think about your own approach to supporting other writers. What comes naturally to you in terms of encouragement, practical help, or intellectual engagement? How do you balance your own writing needs with your desire to be helpful to others in your community?

Consider this question: What would it look like to approach both giving and receiving writing support as opportunities for mutual growth rather than one-way exchanges?

Reflect on your relationship with online spaces and digital community in your writing life. Which online interactions energize your writing and which deplete it? How do you navigate the balance between connection and distraction in digital spaces?

Think about how your online presence reflects your identity as a writer and scholar. What aspects of your writing journey do you feel comfortable sharing publicly, and what do you prefer to keep private? How do you maintain authenticity while being mindful of professional considerations?

Consider your boundaries around digital engagement. What would healthy participation in online writing communities look like for you? How might you structure your online interactions to support rather than undermine your writing goals?

We’d love to hear how these writing prompts landed with you and whether they stirred any revelations. Please email us at writespace@helensword.com to share your thoughts.