Writer-ish with Darien Gee

Writer-ish with Darien Gee

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Writer-ish with Darien Gee
Writer-ish with Darien Gee
Writing Workshop: Word of the Day (Week 2)
Substack Writing Workshops

Writing Workshop: Word of the Day (Week 2)

Words that make your mouth do somersaults

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Darien Gee
Aug 18, 2025
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Writer-ish with Darien Gee
Writer-ish with Darien Gee
Writing Workshop: Word of the Day (Week 2)
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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.

Writing Workshop: Word of the Day (Start Here)

Writing Workshop: Word of the Day (Start Here)

Darien Gee
·
Aug 1
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Writing Workshop: Word of the Day (Week 1)

Writing Workshop: Word of the Day (Week 1)

Darien Gee
·
Aug 11
Read full story

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!👇🏼

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