In.

Two letters. Such a nothing word with so much significance.

I recently came across a writing prompt by author Ed Park called This Is How Memory Works.

Park describes a time when he felt depleted creatively, professionally, and personally. After writing two ambitious novels that hadn't found publishers, he wondered whether he had any words left.

Turns out he had one: In.

He began collecting fragments of memories, observations, and everyday moments, each beginning with that word. He didn't know what they would become. He simply kept writing.

I decided to give it a try.

In disbelief that a long-overdue payment finally arrived.

In flux between who I am and who I think I want to be.

In the quiet of midmorning, one of my favorite times to write.

In that same moment, remembering the book chapter I should probably be editing instead.

In remembering a boy I had a crush on when I was young. He was homeless and would sneak into our backyard to eat apples from our tree.

Apparently, I've always had a soft spot for rebels.

I didn't expect a two-letter word to take me from overdue payments to questions of identity to a boy eating apples in my backyard.

But that's what I love about writing.

We don't always need to know where we're going. And we certainly don't need to make meaning out of everything that appears.

Sometimes we simply need to notice.

And perhaps, in those seemingly disconnected fragments, we discover something about ourselves.

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📝 Your Writing Bravely™ Prompt

Set a timer for 10 minutes and begin with the word In.

Write one or two sentences about whatever comes to mind. A memory, an observation, a feeling, a place.

Then begin again.

In...

And again.

Don't worry about whether the sentences connect. Don't try to make them profound.

Just notice what appears.

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In the neighborhood? Come say hello!

Speaking of writing, I'll be participating in the Community Authors Showcase at Varina Area Library on Monday, November 9, at 7 PM.

I'll be sharing the story behind my book, Writing Through Grief and Loss: An IFS Journal for Healing, followed by a Q&A, book signing, and time to mingle.

I'd love to see some familiar faces, talk books, and connect with fellow readers and writers!

​Join me November 9 — RSVP here!​

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Want more writing prompts? Download a free sample of the Writing Through Grief and Loss Journal to get IFS journal prompts.

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With courage and ink,

Adina

Prompt inspiration: Ed Park, “This Is How Memory Works,” Prompt 398, featured in Suleika Jaouad's newsletter.

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