Past Prompts

At some point we all “launched” and moved away from our parents’ homes and college dorms. You might have found your own apartment or moved in with friends or a lover. Where did you land? Was the place a hovel, a house share, or something in between? Think back … to remember what was fantastic or funny or awful. Share your story of your first apartment forward. Start Writing Read Stories

The Roman philosopher Seneca said "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." The re-launch of Retrospect mixes old memories with new beginnings, past stories with new possibilities. Think back ... When in your life did you begin anew? What ideas do you have for new beginnings in the future? Share your starting over stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Travel, they say, is broadening— and not just for the waistline. Think back ... to a key travel experience in your life. A semester abroad? Bumming around Europe after college? A trek through Nepal? Or a journey within your own mind? How did it affect you? Did it change your life? Share your travel stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Overeager dogs. Aloof cats. Talkative birds. Serene fish. Or something more exotic, perhaps? Think back ... Pets have a special status as members of our family. Which pets were your favorites? What do you remember about them? Are you a dog person or cat person? Share your pet stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Many children have special relationships with one or more grandparents—and vice versa. Think back ... to your own grandparents; what made them special? What would you like others to know about them? What's it like to have your own grandchildren? How would you like them to think of you? You must have a hundred stories about grandparenting. Share them forward! Start Writing Read Stories