Write Your Own Joy – Paperback Ed.

I’m delighted to share that Write Your Own Joy: 31 Poetry Prompts is now available in paperback format. My wonderful illustrator, Farida Zaman, created a beautiful cover for the edition, which even features a nod to my trusted fountain pen that I use to write my own first drafts of poems.

The book is set up as a 31-day poetry writing challenge, but you are, of course, welcome to dip into the prompts in any way you choose. Each prompt features 3 “ways to play” ideas to further spark inspiration or challenge you to write in a different style or from a new Point of View. There are reflection questions for your journal at the end of each week.

Here’s a sneak peek of the Day 1 prompt:

Day 1

Write a poem about the process of making a favourite drink (any kind of drink that brings you a sense of relaxation, warmth, or comfort – tea, coffee, smoothie, even pouring water).

Ways to Play:

• Brainstorm some words that come to mind when thinking about the process. Choose one or more you like, then try to find other words with similar sounds (the words could rhyme or they could have a similar vowel or consonant sound).
• Write a list poem or recipe poem with steps showing how to make the drink.
• Focus on just one sense in the process and capture that in words. For example, the sounds a coffee machine makes.

If you need some quiet time to write, download a free door sign below:

And here’s a certificate of completion for when you finish the challenge:

Happy Poetry Writing xo