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Abstract

edium.com/vague-ideas-are-my-goals-fe4ca5d3af11"> <div> <div> <h2>Vague Ideas are My Goals</h2> <div><h3>An essay on aging and goal-making</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*ZOaT-DuwjrojMCcP)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="3c59"><a href="undefined">Nikki</a> wrote about a gift she dreamed of receiving as a child, <a href="https://readmedium.com/i-always-wanted-a-pony-when-i-was-little-56686a52caec">“I Always Wanted a Pony When I was Little.” </a>Loved this piece connecting the dreams of childhood to adulthood. I’m working on my dream gift as well, inspired by Nikki’s article.</p><div id="730a" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/i-always-wanted-a-pony-when-i-was-little-56686a52caec"> <div> <div> <h2>I Always Wanted A Pony When I Was Little</h2> <div><h3>It’s funny how dreams like this can suddenly come true</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*W3V5HXskoYFks0ir)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="4bc8"><a href="undefined">Yean Foong (M.Ed.)</a> wrote in response to the<a href="https://readmedium.com/sparks-6-getting-cozy-around-the-campfire-8b975c8a07f5"> fall writing prompt</a>, <a href="https://readmedium.com/what-do-i-like-about-fall-e7bdb8b66472">“What Do I like About Fall?”</a> A wonderfully different perspective on the meaning of fall. Thank you Yean!</p><div id="02f5" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/what-do-i-like-about-fall-e7bdb8b66472"> <div> <div> <h2>What Do I Like About Fall?</h2> <div><h3>I am letting my imagination run wild</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*_VqwJ5See4bECrqr)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h1 id="142d">Welcome New Flint & Steel Writers!</h1><figure id="fae7"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*JQWDfCfMkwrvuw3BWcTKxw.jpeg"><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@sixteenmilesout?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Sixteen Miles Out</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/welcome?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p id="5895">A big welcome to. . . <a href="undefined">Dennett</a>, <a href="undefined">Diana Lotti</a>, <a href="undefined">Ronald C. Flores-Gunkle</a></p><p id="c499">If you would like to be a writer for <a href="https://medium.com/flint-and-steel">Flint & Steel</a>, please comment on this article and I’ll get you added. Also, make sure to read over the <a href="https://readmedium.com/welcome-to-the-flint-steel-publication-f7722efd9b15">submission guidelines.</a></p><h1 id="c9fe">Calls for Submissions</h1><p id="5474">I welcome writers to share their <a href="https://readmedium.com/freewriting-exercise-your-uniqueness-earliest-memory-a-superpower-335706bf4cbb">freewriting exercises</a>, <a href="https://readmedium.com/how-to-create-a-writing-ritual-using-the-five-senses-c3fc20398b67">writing prompts</a>, and <a href="https://readmedium.com/flash-writing-contest-alert-fd5652d3e49a">writing contest alerts</a> here at Flint and Steel. You can write short-form or long-form posts.</p><p id="a00f">You can find submission guidelines on our <a href="https://readmedium.com/welcome-to-the-flint-steel-publication-f7722efd9b15">Be a Writer page.</a></p><div id="f61d" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/welcome-to-the-flint-steel-publication-f7722efd9b15"> <div> <div> <h2>Welcome to the Flint & Steel Publication</h2> <div><h3>Submission guidelines</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*ddOhtR_FJtMmMk6WjnMr4Q.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="c3b2">Contest Alert</h2><p id="492c">For flash fiction writers, check out the latest writing contest at Scribbler!</p><div id="986d" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/spooktacular-october-flash-fiction-contest-alert-3bcd6e5a84f9"> <div> <div> <h2>Spooktacular October Flash Fiction Contest Alert</h2> <div><h3>Time is ticking</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*tjMkCebJnrClcYj19wIJ-Q.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h1 id="226f">Around Medium: Calls for Submissions, Writing Prompts, and Challenges</h1><p id="f4f8">Check out <a href="https://elliejacobson.medium.com/sparks-7-the-days-of-the-year-cde13cbed3ee">last week’s newsletter </a>for more October writing prompts and challenges.</p><div id="b4ec" class="link-block"> <a href="https://elliejacobson.medium.com/sparks-7-the-days-of-the-year-cde13cbed3ee"> <div> <div> <h2>Sparks №7 — The Days of the Year</h2> <div><h3>Weekly writing inspiration from Flint & Steel</h3></div> <div><p>elliejacobson.medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*hZmMNlXv7YXtqT64G9zJ2Q.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="3a0d">Tips</h2><p id="9434">As always, review each publication’s guidelines for their prompts. Many prompts do not have a set deadline.</p><p id="da64">Make sure when you are responding to a prompt, you credit where your inspiration came from, like a link to the prompt article.</p><p id="44b9">Many of these prompts could fall under nonfiction, poetry and fiction so don’t limit yourself. There is no right or wrong. Use these prompts as a springboard to your writing.</p><p id="bfba"><a href="undefined">Diana C.</a>, with Know Thyself, Heal Thyself, shared <a href="https://readmedium.com/spooktober-week-2-e2e57465c812">week two</a> of spooktober prompts. Remember there is no deadline for these prompts!</p><div id="a679" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/spooktober-week-2-e2e57465c812"> <div> <div> <h2>Spooktober: Week 2</h2> <div><h3>Witches, love potions & cozy breakfasts</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*wfV8s-Fo04izoxwcZGMiOw.png)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="9632"><a href="https://medium.com/creators-hub">Creator’s Hub</a> posted <a href="https://readmedium.com/re-visions-write-here-16-26531cd87e18">week 16 of their writing prompts</a>: write a classified ad, write a voice-over, and write a letter.</p><div id="6ba5" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/re-visions-write-here-16-26531cd87e18"> <div> <div> <h2>Re-Visions | Write Here 16

Options

</h2> <div><h3>Writing prompts for seeing things in a whole new way</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*1eRdXPvD1o7Uxrl2yhz5Ww.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="f215"><a href="undefined">Ravyne Hawke</a>, with <a href="https://medium.com/promptly-written">Promptly Written</a>, shared the <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-daily-special-oct-12th-a2179af8c3de">daily poetry and fiction prompts.</a> I love the “promise” prompt, that is a great starter when freewriting. See where it takes you!</p><div id="8386" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-daily-special-oct-12th-a2179af8c3de"> <div> <div> <h2>The Daily Special — Oct 12th</h2> <div><h3>Poetry and Fiction prompts</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*zr-sgUZalnrPsNdV)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="edb5"><a href="undefined">Squeeze the Avocado</a> asked at <a href="https://medium.com/counterarts">Counter Arts</a>, <a href="https://readmedium.com/ill-hold-you-tight-351d893ddce2">“What is your favorite emotion.”</a> Love this! I’m working on a draft right now.</p><div id="665f" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/ill-hold-you-tight-351d893ddce2"> <div> <div> <h2>I’ll Hold You Tight</h2> <div><h3>A Counter-Arts emotional writing prompt</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*L_cmC8zs5TXntRb6)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="107e"><a href="undefined">Amanda Laughtland</a> shared some excellent <a href="https://readmedium.com/eight-halloween-journaling-prompts-551627769831">Halloween journaling prompts,</a> which you could use as a springboard for a Medium article or use for your fiction writing.</p><div id="a088" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/eight-halloween-journaling-prompts-551627769831"> <div> <div> <h2>Eight Halloween Journaling Prompts</h2> <div><h3>Fun ideas for writing about the spooky season.</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/0*VnE3Hb5vGjDjzOgc)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="8487"><a href="undefined">Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她)</a>, with <a href="https://medium.com/the-brain-is-a-noodle">The Brain is a Noodle</a>, wants you to share about an <a href="https://readmedium.com/an-old-wound-6b6104571b54">old memory that now tastes differently.</a> Love this prompt, a different perspective on an old wound.</p><div id="bc5a" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/an-old-wound-6b6104571b54"> <div> <div> <h2>An Old Wound</h2> <div><h3>a poem, dramatically</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*qoLl3t2lf9gQDf9e1nNqDA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="d2db"><a href="undefined">Trista Signe Ainsworth</a>, with<a href="https://medium.com/thank-you-notes"> Thank You Notes</a>, wants you to s<b>hare an essay, article, or poem <a href="https://trista-signe-ainsworth.medium.com/?p=c853cbcb1470">about your </a></b><a href="https://trista-signe-ainsworth.medium.com/?p=c853cbcb1470">creative process</a>. How do you find your creative joy? An excellent prompt for any creative.</p><div id="c8ca" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/creativity-for-writers-c853cbcb1470"> <div> <div> <h2>Creativity For Writers</h2> <div><h3>How to share your creative joy</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*j9F7KGiiOIpo0o8nD7D35w.png)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h1 id="049e">Subscribe to the Sparks Newsletter</h1><p id="3aa1">If you would like to subscribe to the Sparks newsletter, <a href="https://medium.com/flint-and-steel/newsletters/sparks">visit the newsletter page.</a> You can also find past newsletters for more writing inspiration.</p><p id="118d">— <a href="https://medium.com/@elliejacobson">Ellie Jacobson</a>, editor</p><div id="028d" class="link-block"> <a href="https://medium.com/flint-and-steel"> <div> <div> <h2>Flint and Steel</h2> <div><h3>Writing Prompts to Spark Your Creativity</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*i4reK9bZK_DH6XYjFi1sEQ.png)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h1 id="abd7">Attention Medium publication editors</h1><p id="f7cb"><b>Have a writing prompt, challenge, or a call for submission you want included in an upcoming Sparks Newsletter?</b> Feel free to leave a comment in the Latest Newsletter (link found on main page at <a href="https://medium.com/flint-and-steel">Fleet & Steel</a>), email me at [email protected] or tag me in your prompt article and I’ll include the info in the next newsletter. Newsletters go out on Monday or Tuesdays.</p><p id="cc52">Please include a link to the article that summarizes the prompt/challenge/call for submission and if there is a deadline. I will link to the article and to your publication in the newsletter. I also <a href="https://twitter.com/ellietjacobson">tweet the newsletter</a> throughout the week for added exposure.</p><h1 id="5f39">Thank you to all the Flint & Steel writers</h1><p id="ef65"><a href="undefined">Sahil Patel</a>, <a href="undefined">Shirley Jones Luke</a>, <a href="undefined">Samantha Jensen, MA, MAEd</a>, <a href="undefined">Trista Signe Ainsworth</a>, <a href="undefined">MIGHTY MISCELLANY</a>, <a href="undefined">L Burton</a>, <a href="undefined">Heathere CW</a>, <a href="undefined">Kaori Mitsui</a>, <a href="undefined">Penelope Mayfield</a>, <a href="undefined">Pierce McIntyre</a>, <a href="undefined">Pene Hodge</a>, <a href="undefined">Yean Foong (M.Ed.)</a>, <a href="undefined">Elin Melaas</a>, <a href="undefined">Sarah Minnis</a>, <a href="undefined">Mindy Morgan Avitia</a>, <a href="undefined">JM Heatherly</a>, <a href="undefined">Nikki</a>, <a href="undefined">Andria Kennedy</a>, <a href="undefined">pockett dessert</a></p><figure id="59db"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*d-XELOU3b4GakbYVQhFqtw.jpeg"><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@teacora?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">TeaCora Rooibos</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/tea?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="baf3">I run on morning coffee and afternoon tea, care to buy me one?</h2><p id="2fde" type="7">— Ellie, editor Flint & Steel</p></article></body>

Writing prompts

Sparks №8 — A Scary Edition

Weekly writing inspiration from Flint & Steel

In last week’s newsletter, I mentioned the Days of the Year website, which is a fun tool for your content writing.

Today is “Face Your Fears” day which made me think of horror films and books. So my question (aka prompt) to you is:

What film or book scared you the most as a child? Or now?

It doesn’t even have to be a horror film or book. I say that because the first film that scared me was Bambi (when the mom deer was killed). And my husband said The Wizard of Oz as he was scared of the flying monkeys. If you’re writing fiction, answer the prompt as one of your characters. I welcome you to share your response here on Flint & Steel.

Also, I want to invite everyone to a Twitter Social Hour that will be held every Wednesday over in Twitter land.

Twitter Social Hour: #cuppachat

Join the first Daily Cuppa Chat on Wednesday at 2 pm CST

medium.com

@2021 Ellie Jacobson

Wanna connect on Twitter and Instagram? Well then what are you waiting for? Follow me and I’ll follow ya back!

Your Articles

Each time I see a submission, I get excited to read your words, so I thank you all who have submitted over the last few weeks. I really appreciate it!

Andria Kennedy shared her “Geekster’s Paradise” which is a creative haven. And I love Tonks! Thank you Andria for sharing your creative space!

Living in a Geekster’s Paradise

My workspace doesn’t contain clean, aesthetic lines. But it IS conducive to creativity. And if you’re a geek? It’s…

medium.com

Trista Signe Ainsworth answered the “gift” prompt sharing, “My Special Gift.” Her special gift is with her words and you will find more inspiration in her article. Thank you Trista!

My Special Gift

How to touch hearts with words

medium.com

Pene Hodge also wrote to the “gift” freewriting prompt with “Give the Gift of Confidence and Acceptance.”

Give the Gift of Confidence and Acceptance

The Gift I Would Give if Money was Not a Factor

medium.com

Kaori Mitsui continued her lighthouse-inspired story with “Time Travel to an Island?!

Time Travel to an Island?!

From the lighthouse

medium.com

Dennett shared her writing spaces and rituals in “Rituals in Place.” Thank you Dennett for sharing your writing spaces and rituals; I’m always inspired by the spaces writers find their own inspiration.

Rituals in Place

Welcoming spaces

medium.com

And “Vague Ideas are My Goals” in response to the accountability challenge. Not everyone is motivated by setting goals. This article spoke to me because frankly sometimes I push against my own goals in a need to let go and just do what calls to me that day.

Vague Ideas are My Goals

An essay on aging and goal-making

medium.com

Nikki wrote about a gift she dreamed of receiving as a child, “I Always Wanted a Pony When I was Little.” Loved this piece connecting the dreams of childhood to adulthood. I’m working on my dream gift as well, inspired by Nikki’s article.

I Always Wanted A Pony When I Was Little

It’s funny how dreams like this can suddenly come true

medium.com

Yean Foong (M.Ed.) wrote in response to the fall writing prompt, “What Do I like About Fall?” A wonderfully different perspective on the meaning of fall. Thank you Yean!

What Do I Like About Fall?

I am letting my imagination run wild

medium.com

Welcome New Flint & Steel Writers!

A big welcome to. . . Dennett, Diana Lotti, Ronald C. Flores-Gunkle

If you would like to be a writer for Flint & Steel, please comment on this article and I’ll get you added. Also, make sure to read over the submission guidelines.

Calls for Submissions

I welcome writers to share their freewriting exercises, writing prompts, and writing contest alerts here at Flint and Steel. You can write short-form or long-form posts.

You can find submission guidelines on our Be a Writer page.

Welcome to the Flint & Steel Publication

Submission guidelines

medium.com

Contest Alert

For flash fiction writers, check out the latest writing contest at Scribbler!

Spooktacular October Flash Fiction Contest Alert

Time is ticking

medium.com

Around Medium: Calls for Submissions, Writing Prompts, and Challenges

Check out last week’s newsletter for more October writing prompts and challenges.

Sparks №7 — The Days of the Year

Weekly writing inspiration from Flint & Steel

elliejacobson.medium.com

Tips

As always, review each publication’s guidelines for their prompts. Many prompts do not have a set deadline.

Make sure when you are responding to a prompt, you credit where your inspiration came from, like a link to the prompt article.

Many of these prompts could fall under nonfiction, poetry and fiction so don’t limit yourself. There is no right or wrong. Use these prompts as a springboard to your writing.

Diana C., with Know Thyself, Heal Thyself, shared week two of spooktober prompts. Remember there is no deadline for these prompts!

Spooktober: Week 2

Witches, love potions & cozy breakfasts

medium.com

Creator’s Hub posted week 16 of their writing prompts: write a classified ad, write a voice-over, and write a letter.

Re-Visions | Write Here 16

Writing prompts for seeing things in a whole new way

medium.com

Ravyne Hawke, with Promptly Written, shared the daily poetry and fiction prompts. I love the “promise” prompt, that is a great starter when freewriting. See where it takes you!

The Daily Special — Oct 12th

Poetry and Fiction prompts

medium.com

Squeeze the Avocado asked at Counter Arts, “What is your favorite emotion.” Love this! I’m working on a draft right now.

I’ll Hold You Tight

A Counter-Arts emotional writing prompt

medium.com

Amanda Laughtland shared some excellent Halloween journaling prompts, which you could use as a springboard for a Medium article or use for your fiction writing.

Eight Halloween Journaling Prompts

Fun ideas for writing about the spooky season.

medium.com

Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她), with The Brain is a Noodle, wants you to share about an old memory that now tastes differently. Love this prompt, a different perspective on an old wound.

An Old Wound

a poem, dramatically

medium.com

Trista Signe Ainsworth, with Thank You Notes, wants you to share an essay, article, or poem about your creative process. How do you find your creative joy? An excellent prompt for any creative.

Creativity For Writers

How to share your creative joy

medium.com

Subscribe to the Sparks Newsletter

If you would like to subscribe to the Sparks newsletter, visit the newsletter page. You can also find past newsletters for more writing inspiration.

— Ellie Jacobson, editor

Flint and Steel

Writing Prompts to Spark Your Creativity

medium.com

Attention Medium publication editors

Have a writing prompt, challenge, or a call for submission you want included in an upcoming Sparks Newsletter? Feel free to leave a comment in the Latest Newsletter (link found on main page at Fleet & Steel), email me at [email protected] or tag me in your prompt article and I’ll include the info in the next newsletter. Newsletters go out on Monday or Tuesdays.

Please include a link to the article that summarizes the prompt/challenge/call for submission and if there is a deadline. I will link to the article and to your publication in the newsletter. I also tweet the newsletter throughout the week for added exposure.

Thank you to all the Flint & Steel writers

Sahil Patel, Shirley Jones Luke, Samantha Jensen, MA, MAEd, Trista Signe Ainsworth, MIGHTY MISCELLANY, L Burton, Heathere CW, Kaori Mitsui, Penelope Mayfield, Pierce McIntyre, Pene Hodge, Yean Foong (M.Ed.), Elin Melaas, Sarah Minnis, Mindy Morgan Avitia, JM Heatherly, Nikki, Andria Kennedy, pockett dessert

I run on morning coffee and afternoon tea, care to buy me one?

— Ellie, editor Flint & Steel