Writing Workshop: Word of the Day (Start Here)
Discover hidden stories inside single words through 10-minute micro prose prompts. Join my 3-week writing workshops on Substack.
What: 3-week micro prose workshop
When: August 11-August 31 , 2025
Where: Here on Substack!
Who: Paid subscribers receive instant access when the workshop begins
This WW Session Focus: "Word of the Day"
For the next three weeks beginning August 11, 2025, we’re exploring how words can take us to unexpected places through timed 10-minute writing prompts.
Words are springboards for memory and imagination. We’ll play with their sounds, their definitions, their textures on the tongue. A word like “threshold” could take you to a first day of school or a last goodbye. “Serendpity” might unlock the story of how your parents met. “Murmur” could lead to secrets shared under blankets or the sound of your mother praying. Even a word like “perpendicular” might surprise you—taking you to that math class where you fell in love, or the moment you realized your life had taken a sharp right turn. Join us as we use words as launching pads for stories ready to be discovered.
How the Writing Workshops Work
The Process
Paid subscribers receive a link in the Micro Monday newsletter to the Writing Workshop section
Each week includes 7 writing prompts. Aim to complete at least 2 prompts a week.
10-minute writing sessions for each story (no more, no less—learn why here)
Finish your sentence when the timer goes off, then add a title and count the words
Track your work using the Table of Contents template for customized for the current session’s focus (available in the first weekly assignment post)
Update your Writer-ish binder by adding the cover page for the current session at the front of the binder or behind a tab (available in the first weekly assignment post)
Share your title and word count (or your full micro essay) in the comments section
Workshop Philosophy
These sessions are generative. The focus is on creating new work and establishing a consistent writing practice. Revision isn’t expected at this stage.
If you have to choose between writing a new assignment or revising an old one, always choose to write something new first. In addition to learning how to write micro, it’s my hope you’ll be building a body of work during our time together.
Testimonials
“Darien makes each class instructive, engaging, and different.”
“As a former teacher I understand what a great teacher is. Darien fits all the boxes. She is erudite, giving, caring and beyond supportive. I consider her one of the best and I hold three MFA degrees!”
“Darien was extremely knowledgeable. She delivered the information in a straightforward and engaging manner that made the material extremely accessible. I can’t recommend her enough!”
“To anyone out there thinking about it, just subscribe! Darien’s posts and live sessions are very inspiring. Worth the small investment and she is a very generous teacher.”
Find Your Micro Prose Buddy!
Looking for an accountability partner for this workshop? Put out a call in our Writer-ish chat which is access-only to paid subscribers. Here’s how it works:
Communication: Agree in advance to share your pieces via the Substack chat (I don’t recommend sharing email unless you already know them).
Accountability: Agree on check-in frequency (daily, every few days, weekly) and limit it to the three weeks for the workshop only
Feedback approach: Try the “2 + 1” method—share 2 things you love about a piece, 1 thing you’d like to know more about
Work sharing: Decide how many pieces you’ll share with each other (3, 5, or 7 pieces total). Remember: less is always easier to start with.
Support style: Are you cheerleaders, gentle nudgers, or detailed readers?
Having a micro buddy makes the journey more fun and helps you stay consistent. Plus, it’s amazing how much you learn about your own work when you read someone else’s. Just remember that everything is in progress and you are not trying to fix each other’s work, but celebrate what really sings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the workshops happen?
Each workshop session runs for three weeks, but you can join anytime. Instructions arrive in your weekly Micro Monday newsletter.
I’m joining late. Should I wait?
Jump in at anytime, even if there’s only one day left! Don’t worry about catching up—start from where you join and move forward. Every opportunity to write helps move you closer to a consistent writing practice.
How much does it cost?
Writing workshops are free for paid subscribers.
Why should I try this workshop?
Learning how to write short prose will help you discover your stories while building a consistent writing practice. The 10-minute constraint gets you writing without the pressure of perfection, and focusing on prompts grounded in everyday inspiration often unlocks unexpected memories and insights. Plus, you’ll have 6-21 finished pieces by the end—now that’s real creative momentum.
Am I supposed to only write up to 300 words?
Not for the first draft. If you stay in the 10-minute constraint, you’ll end up with 75-500 words. The more you do this, you’ll find yourself right around the 300 mark with your drafts—it just happens!
Revision is where you’ll adhere to the 300 words, once you know what you have and what it is you’re trying to say.
What if I don’t know what I’m trying to say or don’t know where I’m going with what I wrote?
If you feel like there’s something there but you don’t know what it is, I recommend my revision course below—it’ll help you find it. Otherwise, title the piece, count up the words, and add it to your TOC … then put it aside. Don’t stress and don’t overthink. It might make sense as you continue to write new pieces, so you can come back to it later.
Trust what shows up on the page, even if you don’t yet know what it means.
Am I expected to revise or polish the pieces?
The workshop sessions are generative, meaning the primary goal is to create new work and establish a simple writing practice—revision isn’t expected at this stage though you will receive tips each week on refining your work if you have time. If you want to learn more about revising micro prose (and my process for upleveling your work in only two revision passes in 20 minutes), check out my 90-minute micro prose revision course and use code SASW20 for 20% off.
What do I do with the pieces after I’m done?
After each workshop, we take a short 2-3 week break before launching the next session. You can use this time to revise your work and submit any polished pieces to literary journals. If you want to learn more about submitting micro prose, check out my 90-minute micro prose submission course and use code SASW20 for 20% off.
Will there be feedback?
Feedback isn’t part of the workshop, though you’re welcome to share your work in comments and/or to find a micro buddy to offer accountability and sharing. I’ll provide guidelines for positive feedback in Week 1, but there are no requirements.
What about privacy concerns?
Sharing your work in the comments is completely optional. If you do share, please be respectful of others’ creative work. What’s shared in our community stays in our community—don’t repost anyone else’s writing elsewhere without permission no matter how much you love or appreciate it.
What’s your teaching approach?
My approach is fun, curious, and enthusiastic about sharing the joys of micro prose and the writing life. I aim to create a generous, open-hearted space where like-minded writers can explore their stories without judgment. My teaching centers on personal discovery (both on and off the page) while learning to trust your own creative voice.
What’s the community vibe?
Writer-ish is a safe, supportive space. Critical comments, dismissive behavior, or any form of harassment will not be tolerated. We’re here to encourage each other’s creative exploration, not tear it down. Bad actors will be removed from the community.
When does the next session begin?
The next 3-week workshop session runs September 22-October 6, 2025. Each session has a different theme and focus.
Ready to discover what stories are waiting for you? Paid subscribers have instant access to all writing workshops. You can manage your subscription here.
New to Writer-ish? Subscribe today and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary, one 10-minute micro prose essay at a time.
Gift a subscription to a friend and write micro together! It always helps to have a micro buddy.
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I loved Paint Chips to Prose - so excited for this!!
Excited about this!