A prompt & a pearl: Week 6
A writing prompt and bit of writing advice/insight once a week in 2024
The Prompt
Friendships are vital but we don’t often talk about how to cope or move on when they end. There’s an expectation that friendships should be easy for adults, but we all know that isn’t true. Friendship breakups are often harder than the romantic kind. And often they happen at the hardest times in your life, like after the death of a loved one…
Write about a friendship breakup you had as an adult. Show the relationship in scenes and anecdotes. What happened that the relationship ended? How did you cope? How didn’t you cope? Own your role in the demise of the friendship. This isn’t about vilifying or victimizing anyone. What would you say to this person now? How have (or haven’t) you grieved the loss? Consider other friendship breakups you’ve had over the years. Do you see a pattern arise? If yes, what does it say/mean about you and the people you tend to befriend?
The Pearl
These lessons have been extremely hard for me to accept, but here we are: Not every writer is your friend. Not every writing community is for you. Your mentors might disappoint you.
You will outgrow people and communities.
This doesn’t make you or them bad. It just happens.
Focus on you, your writing, a community that you want to ride for, who will also ride for you, that reciprocates the love & support you give them.
And keep writing. Keep writing. Keep writing.
My friend had a meltdown on the holidays. I held space for her. Now I haven’t heard from her. I did reach out... I think she’s ashamed. I’m not going to chase people. I give a try, then lean out, and move forward in my own life. But mentally there’s a part that remembers and wonders... Maybe I’ll journal about it. Good advice ❤️🩹