The Write Spot: Jumpstart

Jumpstart Writing Workshops: A place to explore experiences through writing freely. This type of writing can lead to short stories, memoir, poetry, songs, and plays.

Please scroll down for more information on the freewrite style of writing.

All workshops are on the Zoom platform.

Marlene is a magician for encouraging writing. Choose a prompt. Write. Poof! It's a story! — CM Riddle

We welcome and encourage anyone who wants to write in a freestyle of writing.

What can I expect if I attend?

We use a variety of prompts to inspire writing. The prompt could be a word, a phrase, or a poem, to ignite your imagination.

When writing in this style you are free to write whatever you want: truth, fiction, memoir.

We write for 15-20 minutes on each prompt. Examples of prompts: The Write Spot Blog

Jumpstart meets on the Zoom platform.

Contact Marlene if you want to be on the waiting list to join a Jumpstart workshop.

Mondays

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Pacific Time

This group is currently closed to new members.

Email Marlene if you want to be on the waiting list.

Tuesdays

9:30 am to 11:30 am Pacific Time

This group is currently closed to new members.

Email Marlene if you want to be on the waiting list.

How much is it?

Jumpstart is $60 for a month of 4 meetings.

Minimum age to attend: 18 years.

What a gift to discover that I have my own voice. What a surprise to discover the richness of sharing it in a community. ~Pam

Who runs the workshops?

Meet our encouraging facilitators.

Pro_Deluxe Photography by Jeff Cullen

Marlene Cullen facilitates Monday and Tuesday Groups during the even months.

Susan Bono facilitates Monday Groups during the odd months.

Lakin Kahn facilitates Tuesday Groups during the odd months.

Jumpstart inspired me to keep writing and made me feel I had some talent I could develop. ~Sharon

What else do I need to know before attending Jumpstart?

Bring a notebook, a fast-moving pen, and be ready to write.
All writing and conversations in Jumpstart are confidential.

Making The Most Of Your Jumpstart Experience

First Part of Jumpstart: Writing

Relax into your chair. Escort your inner critic out the door.
There is no such thing as "perfect writing" in Jumpstart. It’s all good.
This is the place to feel free to write whatever is on your mind.
Be open to whatever comes up . . . write from an instinctual level.
Your writing doesn’t have to make sense. Don’t worry about how it will sound.
Keep your pen moving.
See your story and tell it.

If you run out of ideas, or don’t want to write on the prompt, you can respond to:

I remember. . .
I don’t remember. . .
What I really want to say . . .

Second Part of Jumpstart: Reading and Responding

Read one freewrite aloud, which enriches your writing experience.
How to respond: Mention what resonates, what is strong and memorable about the writing.
There is no judging, no critiquing, no questions asked for clarification. With this type of freewriting,
we are writing for ourselves, not for an audience nor for the entertainment of others.

Still have questions?

We’d love to answer them.

Email: Marlene Cullen
Email: Susan Bono

Email: Lakin Khan

Lighting the path for reflection
The Write Spot Blog

Jumpstart