The Banquet of Fall

a writing prompt for you + Advent & Grief Writing Workshops

Welcome to Writing in Company. A special welcome to new subscribers who have joined me from the Outlook webinar, or from writing together in Burlington! Each week I share some words and a writing prompt, meant to be jumping-off points for you to write about what matters. Use the prompts however you like—to journal, to draft thoughts for your own writing project, as meditation or prayer ideas, or for another creative endeavor. You can always look back through the archive for more ideas. If you want to skip my wordy words, scroll directly to the heading “a writing prompt” below. Grab your pen and paper, and let your words loose on the page.

This week I’m across the ocean visiting sisters, and am so thankful, both for them and for all of you. I first shared this prompt idea two years ago, when my list of subscribers was much smaller. (The stats tell me it got six views then.) I’m re-sharing it now as an invitation for you to write about this season, wherever you are. If you are in the midst of Thanksgiving prep, give yourself the gift of a little time to sit, write, and pay attention to what matters.

Where I live in North Carolina, fall has unfolded again like a stroll down a Thanksgiving buffet table. From September's appetizers at the highest peaks to November's desserts in the valleys, over 120 species of deciduous trees offer a banquet of beauty. To a kid from flat hot Florida, the visual feast is stunning. Here’s a recent Fall Color Report from the mountains of North Carolina, including some gorgeous photos from the Biltmore Estate, for whom our daughter works. Read more about fall in the mountains of NC, including theories about why leaves change colors.

Even with the time change and early dark, this is my favorite time of year. Some of the delight is from inside activities—roasting squash, planning pies, and wearing my fuzzy socks. But outside is where the magic happens—noticing daily changes in the neighborhood trees, crunching through leaves in the sunshine, seeing the color make its way along the roadside. It's a cycle of life and death and regeneration that is older than any of us.

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature, the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

a writing prompt

Make a list of Fall. What are the sights, smells, tastes, and memories of the season for you?

Start with your senses. Write down the specific details or events that evoke fall, either indoors or outdoors, and see what ends up on your page.

Then choose one item on your list and write more about it. Keep your pen moving, and see what turns up on the page.

an alternate idea

Instead of a list, you might try a mind map. Start with a blank sheet of paper, and write FALL in the middle of it.

Then draw a line and add another word, idea, or image that comes to mind about fall.

Draw more lines and words, connecting them as your mind unfolds your thoughts.

Then, choose something on your map and write more about it.

Words of Hope: an Advent Grief Writing Workshop

I've got two Writing in Company workshops about grief and the Christian liturgical season of Advent, registering now. Join me on Zoom to use writing as a way to carry grief during this season of anticipation and waiting. We'll use prompts from poetry, scripture, images, and objects, exploring our memories, and our imaginations as we prepare for Christmas. No writing experience is needed, and all are welcome.  

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Photo by Bruce Wilson on Unsplash