Member Event: Join Promptmistress Extraordinaire Hilary Steinitz for a member Writing Prompt Night. Before you say "I don't like writing prompts," listen to member Charlie Katz who attended the October Prompt Night:

• WriterHouse Member Prompt Night is a challenge for those who "don't like prompts," including me. At the last prompt night Christy Strick started by sending my internal editor Zargons out for drinks. At the end of the evening I had a great start on story unlike any that I've been writing. Then I checked all my current stories and found that half the really good ideas have come from the handful of prompts I've reluctantly done. So just show up, and the odds are that you'll leave with the start of something good. I still don't like prompts, but it's a fun time, and getting rid of the Zargons ("Wouldn't 'cross-trainer' be better than 'running shoe'? Just think about it.") is inspiring. Bring your writing equipment. Coffee and tea will be provided.

Don't know what a writing prompt is? It's a word, phrase, photo, sound, premise, or any sort of suggestion for something to write about. Their purpose is to give you a launching pad for an exercise in creativity. The Promptmistress will issue the prompt along with a specified time for writing. Afterward, writers may share their brainstorms if they choose. It's a lot of fun and great practice. And, as Charlie has, you might end up with a start on a new story or two by the end of the evening.