To Prompt?

Our oft-poetic and always-thoughtful Pelican Pens scribe has forwarded some good questions to us, arising from last week’s discussion. 

Should we take a breather from being so prompt orientated?  Have we made it like a job? Or homework?  Should we do a combo of write and post a prompt?  Is it necessary to read aloud as the only reason for the class?  We could spend the time in general conversations of writing, publishing, and projects.

As an initial reaction, let me say that I enjoy the weekly prompts, as they prod me to write something I might otherwise never think of.  It’s certainly not a ‘job’ for me, but more a welcome challenge.  That said, each of us can readily find writing-prompts on our own to accomplish the same objective, without imposing the identical prompt on everyone.

But in a way, we already do both, do we not, because we are free to write and bring to the group anything we choose.  The choice is there.

Perhaps, rather than hearing everyone in attendance read aloud each week, we could listen to only five people (or whatever smaller number), on a rotating basis, so that over time, everyone would have the opportunity to read to the group.  Or maybe we should hear from only those people who like to read their stuff aloud, as opposed to obligating everyone to do so.

Following each reading, anyone who wishes could offer their appreciation of the piece, but also—constructively, of course—a suggestion as to how that particular piece might be improved upon, or enhanced, or expanded…whatever.

A smaller number of readers would allow us time at each meeting to discuss other subjects, such as those mentioned by our scribe—writing, publishing, projects—along with other possible topics like blogging, contest-writing, script-writing, expanding our membership, offering tutorials as part of the ‘PP university’ theme, and so forth.

For me, there are two major benefits to what we are doing right now.  First is the opportunity to meet regularly with like-minded afficionados of writing, all of whom are very nice people.  Second is the benefit I personally receive from hearing constructive criticism and appreciation for my creative efforts from my peers.  I would hate to lose either of those.

So…to prompt, or not to prompt?

_{© J. Bradley Burt 2023}