Writing Workshop: Word of the Day (Week 2)
Words that make your mouth do somersaults
Create a compendium of stories
Welcome to the second week of exploring how words can take us to unexpected places!
If you’re just joining us, we’re using single words as springboards for memory and story through timed 10-minute writing prompts. Grab your downloads from Week 1, and just start wherever you are.
Last week we played with familiar words that surprised us. This week, we’re diving into words that feel alive in our mouths—borrowed beauties from other languages, forgotten English gems, words that sound like what they mean. Say “brouhaha” out loud. Feel how it tumbles and bounces? That’s what we’re after—words that want to play.
Before We Dive In
Look back at Week 1. Which word grabbed you by the collar and wouldn’t let go? Which one followed you around all week? Share in the comments the word that stuck with you and why. Sometimes the words that haunt us have more stories to tell.
Make sure you’ve set up your binder. For best results, use my Binder System to help you track your work. Visit Week 1 to get your downloads if you haven’t already.
Still looking for a micro prose buddy? We’re halfway through! Raise your hand in our chat if you’d like someone to share this word journey with for our final week.
A Note on Playing with Words
You don’t have to use the “real” definition. This week especially, with these playful, unusual words, I encourage you to:
Use what the word sounds like it should mean
Confuse it with another word entirely
Let your childhood brain define it
Make it mean the opposite
Turn nouns into verbs, verbs into feelings
Trust your mishearings and misrememberings
If “galumph” sounds like a dessert to you, write about that dessert. If “zaftig” reminds you of your aunt’s laugh, follow that sound. The dictionary is just one opinion.
Ready to add 14 new pieces of micro prose to your TOC in the next two weeks? Let’s go!👇🏼