Write Things: Five Writers, One Prompt + A Writers Camp Scholarship

I released a new episode of The Write Things Podcast this week, and it features five writers from The Write Things Community responding to the same prompt: A Turnaround.

I always love seeing what happens when different writers begin in exactly the same place, because they never end up in the same place. In this episode, Aileen House shares Helen & Devin, Leonie Lazarus takes us onto the Pacific Crest Trail, Denis Fortier shares an excerpt from Steel Gang vs. Mother Nature, Catherine Smallwood shares Turning, and Marcie Harrison tells a story about putting her mindfulness practices to use in the real world.

Five writers started with the same prompt and created five completely different pieces. But it’s not just the stories that are different. The voices are different, too.

And I don’t just mean the voices you’ll literally hear when you listen to the episode. Each writer uses words differently. They notice different things and choose different details. Their sentences move differently. They bring their own experiences, humour, emotions, curiosities, imaginations, and ways of seeing the world to the page.

Even if two writers somehow told the exact same story, they wouldn’t really tell the same story, because they aren’t the same person.

I think that’s something worth remembering when we worry about whether our ideas are original enough, whether someone else has already written something similar, or whether anyone really needs another story about whatever it is we’re writing about.

Original, authentic writing is always interesting because there has never been another you writing it.

Nobody else has had exactly your experiences or sees the world exactly as you do. Nobody else has your particular collection of memories, observations, beliefs, questions, fears, sense of humour, and imagination. All of that finds its way into your writing, whether you’re consciously putting it there or not.

So trust your voice. Trust the story you’re interested in telling and the way you see it. Get it onto the page and, when you’re ready, get it out into the world for someone else to experience.

The world needs your stories.

If you’d like to hear five writers doing exactly that, you can listen to the newest episode of The Write Things Podcast here:

🎧 Listen to Episode 8: A Turnaround

https://www.ihelpyouwritethings.com/podcasts/write-things-podcast/episodes/2149254963

Want some support writing yours?

Today, I’m opening applications for two full scholarships to my November Writers Camp, each valued at $249.

I know there are a lot of writers out there who have stories they want to tell but could use some help making writing part of their lives. Maybe you’ve been carrying around an idea for years, you’ve started something but haven’t been able to keep going, or you used to write and want to find your way back to it. Maybe you’re already writing but would love some dedicated time, thoughtful feedback, and a supportive group of writers to help you keep going.

That’s exactly what Writers Camp is designed to provide.

Over four weeks, you’ll write alongside a small group of personal and fiction writers, explore new possibilities for your stories, strengthen your writing, and receive thoughtful feedback designed to help you understand how your words are being experienced by a reader.

I’d like to give two writers the opportunity to experience the entire thing completely free.

Applications are open today through October 8, and I’m accepting a maximum of 50 applications. This isn’t a random draw. I’ll personally read each application and select two writers I genuinely feel I can help through the Writers Camp experience.

If you’ve been wanting to start writing, get back to your writing, or simply give your writing a little more space in your life, I’d love for you to apply.

Apply for a November Writers Camp Scholarship →

https://www.ihelpyouwritethings.com/writers-camp-scholarship

And please feel free to share the application with someone else. If there’s a writer in your life who keeps talking about wanting to write, has a story they’ve been carrying around, or could use a little support getting back to the page, send them the link.

There’s a little extra incentive for you to do that, too: if someone you refer is selected for one of the scholarships, you’ll receive a free seat in Writers Camp as well. You might even end up coming to Writers Camp together.

Applications close at 11:55 p.m. on October 8, or when I’ve received 50 applications.

I’m excited to read them.

Trevor

P.S. I’m also taking part in the free, online Write Anyway Summit, October 5–8! I’ll be in conversation about Perfectionism and Resistance: How to Use Them to Your Advantage—two things I know can show up the moment we sit down to write.

Get your free ticket here: https://trevormartens--pagesandplatforms.thrivecart.com/wa26/

I’ve also contributed my Finish Your Manuscript Course for writers who choose the summit’s All-Access Pass—a $199 value. I hope you’ll join us!