OctPoWriMo Day 6

 

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Photo by MDragonwillow

This one is a little late. I had to watch some Youtube videos to get out of my own way around this prompt. Surrender is an issue for me and in particular surrendering guilt. Guilt is a black stain, it chokes the life out of you. You have to let it go to be able to get out of your own way. Do what you need to do to break through it and let it fly. What I'm going to post below, from Youtube, isn't the sort of thing I would normally post but listening to their stories, watching them get out of their own way and keep pushing until they fly, is inspiring. I was sobbing through a lot of it. I hope you watch it.

Poetry Prompt

What guilt are you choking on? Write like your life depends on it, put it all down on the paper, or laptop, but if on the laptop, print it out afterwards and then take it somewhere you can safely burn it and watch your guilt fly away with the smoke. It isn't worth holding on to no matter what it is. If you have to make amends, make amends, if you can't see yourself able  to do it in person, or can't for some reason, take it to a higher plane, say what needs to be said and let it go.

Word Prompts

Surrender

Guilt

Fly

Choking

Burn it 

Let it go

These people all had huge hurdles to overcome and I hope you let them inspire you to not hold on to what is holding you back. 

And for you to dance it out...

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Much Love to You,

Morgan Dragonwillow

Read, Dance, Write, Repeat.

Where I'll be writing poetry: A Writer's Universe

OctPoWriMo Day 5

 

Art work by MDragonwillow

This young woman talks about What Does it Mean to be Yourself and I have to say that I was in tears by the end. Yes she is young, but she is sharing a fundamental reality that we all struggle with. In writing they are always talking about finding your voice and a huge part of that is knowing who you are and being yourself on the page. I know this video is a little long, but trust me when I say, it is worth it.

Poetry Prompt

Be yourself. That is one of the most difficult discoveries we go through in life. Who are you? What are your fears? What are you stopping yourself from doing because you don't believe you are good enough? Write down, I am enough, and then keep writing and see what lands on the page.

Word Prompts

Enough

Who I am

I am enough

If I didn't doubt myself...

Poetry Type - Palindrome

Music to inspire and dance to.

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Much Love to You,

Morgan Dragonwillow

Read, Dance, Write, Repeat.

Where I'll be writing poetry: A Writer's Universe

OctPoWriMo Day 3

 

Public Domain Pictures

This prompt had me diving deep to see what really wanted to be said about Spirals of creation. When we tap into the stream of creation, we flow through the shadow world, our ups and our downs, ins and outs and we often have to struggle through our self sabotage to get to the other side. Spirals of creation, what do you go through, physically, mentally, emotionally, to come to the page and let your words flow?

Poetry Prompt

Spirals of creations - write for ten minutes diving into where you are at, what shadows are you dealing with, what has you spinning and spiraling? Get it all down. Choose a phrase or a few words and then create a poem from that.

Word Prompts

Spiraling

Shadows

Spinning

Flowing

Letting go

Poetry Type - Loop poetry felt like a good one for this.

Music and Movement

This song helped me find where this prompt wanted to go. I hope you will listen to the words and see if you can relate, dance and move it out of your body and then come to the page.

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Much Love to You,

Morgan Dragonwillow

Read, Dance, Write, Repeat.

Where I'll be writing poetry: A Writer's Universe

OctPoWriMo Day 20

 

I'm a huge fan of participating in different writing events when I can. In addition to OctPoWriMo, one of my favorites is the Weekend Coffee Share. The idea is that you have a virtual coffee date with your readers and share your imagined conversation. I post these every few months and love the responses. It's led me to the work of some incredibly creative people and is a great way to feel connected to the writing community. What does being a part of this community mean to you?

Suggested Word Prompts:

support

shared interests

introduction

exchange

inspiration

Suggested Poetry Form

Free choice - there are so many directions this can take!  Shadow Poetry is a good resource if you're looking for new forms to try.

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer, recruiter, and  former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in four self-published volumes. Michele was invited to read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire.  In addition, she published a young adult fantasy novel, Tales from Blarnach: The Chosen One. She continues to hone her craft simply to breathe life into the stories living in the corners of her mind. Please visit her blog, Writing and Reflections to see more of her work.

OctPoWriMo Day 19

Not all poetry wants to be storytelling. And not all storytelling wants to be poetry. But great storytellers and great poets share something in common: They had something to say, and did.  — Sarah Kay 

Image by Lolame from Pixabay 

I love the storytelling aspect of poetry. Weaving words together for greatest impact and in a way that makes the reader see the familiar in a different light makes the time spent agonizing over each tiny detail worth it. What does storytelling mean to you?

Suggested Word Prompts:

storyteller/storytelling

unlock

rise

magic

slip

Suggested Poetry Forms:

Terzanelle or Song

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer, recruiter, and  former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in four self-published volumes. Michele was invited to read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire.  In addition, she published a young adult fantasy novel, Tales from Blarnach: The Chosen One. She continues to hone her craft simply to breathe life into the stories living in the corners of her mind. Please visit her blog, Reading, Writing, and Reflections to see more of her work.

OctPoWriMo Day 18

I come from a huge family and something I look forward to is our frequent gatherings. I missed them terribly when we weren't able to get together for holidays or even casual Tuesday night dinners during this past year. It's been a blessing to spend time together again and to make new memories. Food has always been a central theme for us. For us, food is love. 

Thinking about an empty pot as an invitation, describe what it means to break bread with loved ones.

Suggested Word Prompts:

tradition

flavors

appreciate

strength

time

Suggested Poetry Forms:

Double Exposure or Chant

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer, recruiter, and  former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in four self-published volumes. Michele was invited to read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire.  In addition, she published a young adult fantasy novel, Tales from Blarnach: The Chosen One. She continues to hone her craft simply to breathe life into the stories living in the corners of her mind. Please visit her blog, Reading, Writing, and Reflections to see more of her work.

OctPoWriMo Day 17

My husband and I traveled to Maine this summer to celebrate our anniversary. We spent our time exploring the scenery and took the opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other. What is your favorite way to celebrate a milestone? Are you looking for grand adventures or do you prefer to keep things low-key? 

Suggested Word Prompts:

memories

milestone

adventure

escapade

celebrate

moment in time

Suggested Poetry Forms:

Momento or Shape Poetry

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer, recruiter, and  former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in four self-published volumes. Michele was invited to read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire.  In addition, she published a young adult fantasy novel, Tales from Blarnach: The Chosen One. She continues to hone her craft simply to breathe life into the stories living in the corners of her mind. Please visit her blog, Reading, Writing, and Reflections to see more of her work.

OctPoWriMo Day 9

 We've made it to Day 9 and it's the weekend! I'm going to spend my time reading a good book and hanging out with my dog. What do you do to relax and recharge?

Word Prompts:

refresh

connect

play

quiet

untroubled

Poetry Forms:

The Bop or Loop

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer, recruiter, and  former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in four self-published volumes. Michele was invited to read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire.  In addition, she published a young adult fantasy novel, Tales from Blarnach: The Chosen One. She continues to hone her craft simply to breathe life into the stories living in the corners of her mind. Please visit her blog, Reading, Writing, and Reflections to see more of her work.

OctPoWriMo Day 8

 Welcome to day 8! Today's prompt is After the Storm. Write about what the world is like after a storm has subsided. There are so many directions this can take. Will you use it as a metaphor or will you describe an actual storm? Maybe both?

Word prompts: 

rainbow

refreshing

silver-lining

reward

gift

Poetry Forms:

Tanka or Free Verse

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer, recruiter, and  former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in four self-published volumes. Michele was invited to read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire.  In addition, she published a young adult fantasy novel, Tales from Blarnach: The Chosen One. She continues to hone her craft simply to breathe life into the stories living in the corners of her mind. Please visit her blog, Reading, Writing, and Reflections to see more of her work.

OctPoWriMo Day 7

 Many people talk about finding the perfect balance -- whether it's between work and life, wants and needs, light and shadow, giving and taking... the list goes on and on. Where is that sweet spot? How do you decide what's best for you?

Word prompts:

content

scales

options

balance

power

Poetry Forms:

The Balance or Mirrored Refrain

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer, recruiter, and  former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in four self-published volumes. Michele was invited to read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire.  In addition, she published a young adult fantasy novel, Tales from Blarnach: The Chosen One. She continues to hone her craft simply to breathe life into the stories living in the corners of her mind. Please visit her blog, Reading, Writing, and Reflections to see more of her work.

OctPoWriMo Day 6

 Are you someone who likes to plan? I love to make lists and organize things in my daily life. Although I don't have as much free time as I would like, I do enjoy playing cards or Chess when the opportunity arises. Strategizing is somehow more satisfying than whether I win or lose. I think it forces me to be present in the moment and adjust as necessary to reach my goal. For today's prompt, let's consider what we do to achieve our dreams.

photo: Mark Vecchitto

Word Prompts:

intention

design

purpose

believe

dream

Poetry Forms:

Villanelle or Elfje

OctPoWriMo Day 5

 Happy Tuesday! It's already Day 5 of OctPoWriMo. How are you feeling?  Remember - this is your journey. Follow your path wherever it may lead. 

Word Prompts:

path

steps

nature

meander

introspective

Poetry Form:

Prose Poem

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer, recruiter, and  former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in four self-published volumes. Michele was invited to read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire.  In addition, she published a young adult fantasy novel, Tales from Blarnach: The Chosen One. She continues to hone her craft simply to breathe life into the stories living in the corners of her mind. Please visit her blog, Reading, Writing, and Reflections to see more of her work.

OctPoWriMo Day 4

 Welcome to Day 4! It's the start of a new week in the new month. As we settle into Autumn, I find myself preparing for all the changes that brings - cooler weather, Fall activities, and the approaching holidays. It's my favorite time of year. What does the change of seasons mean to you? Depending on where you live, you might be pulling out the sweaters and the apple cider like I am or maybe you are about to move into Spring. Maybe you are somewhere that doesn't experience these differences. I find that even beyond weather patterns, my feelings and expectations adjust with every new month. What does this time of year mean to you?

Image by Prettysleepy from Pixabay 

Word prompts:

As time goes by

comfort in tradition

fresh starts

change of direction

cool nights

Poetry Form:

Pantoum

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer, recruiter, and  former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in four self-published volumes. Michele was invited to read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire.  In addition, she published a young adult fantasy novel, Tales from Blarnach: The Chosen One. She continues to hone her craft simply to breathe life into the stories living in the corners of her mind. Please visit her blog, Reading, Writing, and Reflections to see more of her work.

OctPoWriMo 2021 Begins!

 Welcome to OctPoWriMo 2021! This event has been going strong since 2012 and we're so pleased to be here for another year. While we're off to a bit of a late start, we will post prompts each day and invite you to participate. Whether you're a veteran or a newbie, all are welcome! Remember our prompts are suggestions. You don't have to use them if they don't speak to you. The goal is to write 31 poems in 31 days. That said, this post will include today's prompt as well as two catch-up ones. If you find time or feel extra inspired, you can post extra poems so you end up with 31 at the end of the month.

For today's prompt, I invite you to explore the idea of Contemplation. This past year has been one of change and adjustment. I found that with so much time spent away from family and friends and special events, there was an opportunity to reflect on things I might not have otherwise made time for. What types of things have been on your mind?

Word Prompts:

contemplation

reflect

consider

embrace

challenge

Poetry Type:

free verse

Day One Catch Up: Anticipate

Image by Siggy Nowak from Pixabay 

Word Prompts:

prepare

motivate/motivation

commit

excitement

resolve

Poetry Type:

Cascade

Day Two Catch Up: Explore

Word Prompts:

travel

consider

journey

expedition

wanderlust

Poetry Type:

Tanka or Decastich

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer, recruiter, and a former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in four self-published volumes. Michele was invited to read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire.  In addition, she published a young adult fantasy novel, Tales from Blarnach: The Chosen One. She continues to hone her craft simply to breathe life into the stories living in the corners of her mind. Please visit her blog, Reading, Writing, and Reflections to see more of her work.

OctPoWriMo Day 24

Welcome to Day 24! Today’s prompt is breathe. It comes at a perfect time for me. I’ve had nothing but computer issues lately, and for the first time since I started #OctPoWriMo I’ve missed several days of posting. I started getting stressed about it but finally decided that I have to keep moving forward. I’ll try to catch up and post the prompts I missed this weekend but if I don’t, I don’t. There are a lot of other things happening in my life at the moment that have made this month less than a happy one. I could wallow or I could let go and breathe. Letting go is the option I choose.

Have you noticed that when you are stressed, you tend to hold your breath? I once read that an antidote to this is to sing because you can’t do both at once. I am a terrible singer but do find it helps me relax. Music, in general, has this healing quality for me. Each time I write, I have headphones on and music filling my ears. It allows me to escape to another place. 

How do you deal with stress? Do you practice mindful breathing or meditation? Can you let go and see what happens?

Suggested form: Song 

Word prompts: 

surrender

empower

rest

song/music

breath/breathe

trust

wonder

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer and former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in three self-published volumes. Michele read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire. 

You can read more of her work on her blog -

Writing and Reflections

OctPoWriMo Day 22

Sometimes the only way to really experience something is to smash it apart and examine all the broken pieces. Sometimes perfection is not as truthful as imperfection. Sometimes it’s necessary to tear apart that which we hold dear to discover its true power. We’ve all had transitions in life, moving from one phase to another. These times can be filled with beauty and pain or both.

But what if it’s more than that? How many of us have felt broken - mentally, physically, spiritually? Our stories live in the journey back with all the broken pieces in tow. Share yours. Let’s inspire one another.

Tackle today’s prompt from any angle. What was broken and how did you deal with the aftermath? 

Word Prompts:

broken

whole

heavy

accepting darkness

embracing light

strength

Suggested Form:

Loop Poetry

Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you and if this is your first year or if you have been with us from the beginning.

Michele Vecchitto is a writer and former middle school teacher.  Her poetry has been published in literary journals and anthologies as well as in three self-published volumes. Michele read her poems at the Austin International Poetry Festival and was honored to be included in When Time and Space Conspire. 

You can read more of her work on her blog -

Writing and Reflections