Notes from the Inkpot

Writing, teaching, creating - one ink-stained idea at a time.

Placeholder image with the text 'Start here.' in large black font on a white background.
A stack of five closed books on a wooden table, with an open book nearby, and a blurred plant in the background, captioned 'The Literature Library'.
Open notebook with a fountain pen resting on lined pages, on a wooden table. Text overlay reads 'Creative Writing Prompts'.
A nearly blank white background with no visible objects or details.
70 Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts for Teens: Story Starters, Characters, Settings & Visual Ideas
For Writers, Writing Prompts, Creative Writing Ink & Insights . For Writers, Writing Prompts, Creative Writing Ink & Insights .

70 Valentine’s Day Writing Prompts for Teens: Story Starters, Characters, Settings & Visual Ideas

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance. These 70 teen-friendly writing prompts explore friendships, awkward crushes, heartbreak, comedy, identity, and the messy reality of February 14th. With plot hooks, character ideas, titles, openings, closings, settings, and picture prompts, this post is perfect for classrooms, clubs, and young writers craving fresh ideas beyond clichés.

Read More
The Silent Directive: A Creative Writing Box Inspired by a World Without Sound
For Writers, For Teachers, Creative Writing Boxes Ink & Insights . For Writers, For Teachers, Creative Writing Boxes Ink & Insights .

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.

Read More
The Ashridge Collection: A Free Creative Writing Resource for Curious Students and Tired Teachers
For Teachers, Creative Writing, Creative Writing Boxes, Teaching Resources Ink & Insights . For Teachers, Creative Writing, Creative Writing Boxes, Teaching Resources Ink & Insights .

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.

Read More
Imposter Syndrome Is Lying to You: How to Own Your Voice in Teaching and Creativity
For Teachers, Behind the Business Ink & Insights . For Teachers, Behind the Business Ink & Insights .

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.

Read More