Notes from the Inkpot
Writing, teaching, creating - one ink-stained idea at a time.
The Silent Directive: A Creative Writing Box Inspired by a World Without Sound
What if silence wasn’t a choice, but the law? In our latest writing boxThe Silent Directive, citizens live under a regime where sound itself is treason. Broadcasts, memos, detention registers, and propaganda leaflets reveal a world where silence is loyalty, silence is safety, and silence is survival. Unlike my other writing boxes, this one doesn’t whisper secrets — it issues orders in plain sight.
30 Daily Writing Prompts for September: The Architect of Fate
September’s daily writing prompts come wrapped in gold thread and shadow. The Architect of Fate is a month-long journey into stories where destiny isn’t fixed—it’s forged. Across thirty prompts, you’ll explore mythic landscapes, surreal machines, whispered bargains, and impossible choices. Each day offers a spark for your creativity, whether you’re a teacher in search of classroom starters, a student finding your voice, or a writer chasing your next great idea. From villages that vanish before dawn to dreamwalkers trapped between worlds, these prompts are designed to challenge, inspire, and unsettle—in the best possible way.
70 Mystery Writing Prompts for Teens: Ideas, Openings, and Visual Starters for the English Classroom
From eerie settings to twisty plot hooks, these 70 mystery writing prompts are built to spark curiosity and sharpen storytelling. Whether you're planning a full unit or just want a way to get students writing again, you'll find character ideas, opening lines, titles, and atmospheric visuals ready to use in the classroom.
70 Fantasy Writing Prompts for Teens
Let students build magical worlds and unforgettable characters with these 70 fantasy writing prompts for teens. From enchanted forests and forgotten prophecies to mysterious maps and celestial mirrors, this collection includes story starters, titles, character ideas, setting inspiration, and stunning visual prompts to spark imagination in any classroom.
Save Hours Planning Creative Writing Units with Daily Prompts
Tired of reinventing the wheel for every creative writing lesson? Daily prompts offer a flexible, low-prep way to boost engagement, sharpen skills, and save you hours of planning. Here's how to build an entire unit around them, and where to grab your first month of prompts for free.
The Ashridge Collection: A Free Creative Writing Resource for Curious Students and Tired Teachers
Tired of worksheets? The Ashridge Collection is a free printable creative writing mystery designed for curious classrooms. Built from letters, diary entries, and eerie school documents, it invites students to step into a story, and shape it themselves.
10 Creative Writing Challenges to Stretch Your Imagination
Looking for ways to spark fresh ideas? These 10 creative writing challenges are perfect for classrooms, workshops, or solo writing sessions. From genre mashups to story reversals, each quick challenge helps stretch imagination, build skills, and unlock unexpected stories.
Download a Free Daily Writing Prompt for Your Students (Plus 31 Bonus Prompts Inside)
Download a free daily writing prompt to spark creativity in your classroom - plus get 31 bonus prompts when you join the waitlist for my upcoming Daily Writing Prompt Membership. Low-prep, high-impact ideas to keep students engaged and excited to write!
Imposter Syndrome Is Lying to You: How to Own Your Voice in Teaching and Creativity
We don’t talk about it often, but imposter syndrome is everywhere in teaching - even among the most experienced educators. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care. And that’s a powerful place to start. In this post, I’m sharing my own experience with doubt, growth, and why your voice matters more than you think.