Whats The Focus?
This resource is mainly used to help LGBTQ members struggling in life find a connection with creative writing as an outlet. Whether it be disapproving parents, thoughts about your identity, or any issue you may be uncertain about this resource can help clear your mind. This resource focuses on giving writing prompts, helpful guilds and tips, and books to perhaps read to gain inspiration. Writing and creating a world where you're in charge and anything can be possible is a great way to learn about yourself, your needs, or your ideals.
The wiring prompts sections of the resource and is used as an idea starter. It is used as a way for people, LGBTQ members or anyone else, to get to thinking about who they are and to reflect on themselves through the characters they create. These prompts are backed up by guilds and tips on how to proceed with your writing, helping you think about different aspects of the story and of yourself. Each prompt and guild or tip is used in a way to explore a side of yourself you never saw before.
The book suggestions are there for you to search up and read if they look interesting to you. They have interesting themes and fun narratives. I suggest you look at them if you need inspiration for a story.
In a article writin by Jeannie K. Write, she reviews a study. In it a woman seeks help from therapy and joins a six session program. The sessions made her write stories which as she got more into them, brought about many emotions and reflections, helping her understand herself better
Your job in this resource is to naturally have fun, and just write what's on your mind. Things that stress you, bothering you, anything. Even better is to be able to put it into something creative like a story.
Write about a character who has been hiding an important part of their identity from the people around them. What are they afraid might happen if others find out? What would it feel like for them to finally be accepted?
Imagine a world where your character never had to hide who they are. How would their life be different? What choices would they make that they couldn't make before?
Your character writes a letter to someone who doesn't understand them. What do they want this person to know about their feelings, identity, or experiences?
Your character meets someone who immediately understands them and supports them. How does this interaction change their perspective on themselves?
Write a story about a character slowly discovering who they really are. What moments helped them realize the truth about themselves?
You don't need to write a full story right away. Start with a paragraph or just a few sentences. The important part is beginning.
Don't worry about grammar or whether the story is "good." Let your ideas flow first, you can always edit later!
Sometimes it is easier to understand your own emotions by giving them to a character. Let your characters experience things that reflect your own thoughts or struggles.
When writing, think about:
What does my character want?
What are they afraid of?
What do they need to learn about themselves?
Writing a little bit at a time can help you become more comfortable expressing yourself creatively.
Book Suggestions
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda - Becky Albertalli
A story about a teenager navigating identity, friendship, and coming out.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe - Benjamin Alire Sáenz
A story about coming of age and friendship, identity, and understanding oneself.
Felix Ever After - Kacen Callender
A story about a transgender teen exploring identity and self-love.
The House in the Cerulean Sea - TJ Klune
A fantasy story about belonging, acceptance, and your chosen family.
REFERENCES
Wright, J. K. (2005). Writing therapy in brief workplace counselling. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 5(2), 111–119. https://doi-org.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/10.1080/17441690500211114