Past Prompts

Bad trip, or coping with COVID? This impromptu prompt gives Retrospecters the option of writing about a traumatic past vacation or the current COVID-19 pandemic. Your story might be one of a travel disaster or an up-to-the minute account of how your community and activities are being shut down. Think back … to past bad vacations or to past epidemics such as polio, AIDS, SARS. Or just talk about how you are dealing with the current crisis and its mandated staycation. Share your hellacious vacation or staycation stories forward.  Start Writing Read Stories

There's nothing quite like that feeling of belonging. Perhaps you joined a club, a troupe, or an organization, or embraced a faith, or maybe you discovered a hobby or interest. Think back . . . to a time when you found yourself part of a "we," when you connected with a group that made you feel like your best self. Share your finding your tribe stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Chances are you or someone in your family has been a caregiver, whether for grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren, or even close relatives or friends. You might have embraced this challenge or struggled with it—or maybe both at the same time. Think back … What was caregiving like in the past? How has your caregiving role evolved? Who will take care of you in the future? Share your caregiving stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

February 29th comes around once every four years, and there are many traditions associated with it. One tradition, going back to the 1700s, is that it was the day that women could propose marriage to men. With the evolution of gender roles in the late 20th century, women no longer had to wait until Leap Day to ask men on a date—or did they? Think back . . . women, did you ask men out when you were younger? Men, were you ever asked out, and if so, did it change the dynamic of the relationship? How have the old standards changed for your kids, if at all? Share your Leap Day stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Family myths abound in most families. There are stories passed down over generations, tales shared by grandparents, parents, and siblings. Some family myths don’t pass the truthiness test or have become exaggerated over time. Think back… What are some of the family myths you grew up with as a child that may or may not be true? Are there secrets lurking in your family tree? What stories have you perpetuated by sharing them with your children? Share your family myths stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories