HAPI Guide HAPIguide FALL 2017 | Page 16

HEALTH
SAMPLE WRITING PROMPTS
FOR FINDING A STORY YOU
MAY NEED TO TELL
Here is a list of prompts that might help you tap
into a story you need to tell. Begin by freewriting,
and see how one unfolds. If the writing takes off,
continue with this prompt. If it stalls, choose an-
other. If the writing is too painful, stop.
• I knew I was faced with a challenge when . . .
• I knew it was over when . . .
• The secret I harbor is . . .
• The scars I carry are . . .
• I face the unknown because . . .
• I believe I have turned it around by . . .
• My hopes are . . .
Later come back and review this writing. At this
time ask yourself: What have I learned? Is this a
story I need to explore in more depth? Decide on
your next step.
Based on the book The Story You Need to Tell. Copyright © 2017 by Sandra Marinella. Reprinted with
permission from New World Library. www.NewWorldLibrary.com.
Sandra Marinella, MA, MEd, is an award-winning writing teacher and the author
of The Story You Need to Tell. She has taught thousands of students and fellow
educators and presented hundreds of workshops to veterans, teachers, writ-
ers, and cancer patients about the power of our personal stories and writing to
heal, grow, and transform our lives. Sandra founded the Story You Need to Tell
Project which provides workshops on the power of transformational storytell-
ing and personal writing to increase well-being. Profits from her book support
cancer research and provide educational scholarships to veterans and writers.
She lives in Chandler, Arizona. Discover more at www.storyyoutell.com.
16 | HAPI Guide