To those of you picking up this book, I would like to preface by saying that this is not your usual collection of prose and poetry. Rather, it is a reach out to all who share my love of the written word and respect for the art of expression.

I am presenting this as a look at free style writing, with a gradual turn to structured writing and poetic expression. I put this order together for a Creative Writers Workshop group that I currently work with in my community. You will find this to be a series of challenges, posed with the hope of honing our writing skills, or perhaps even prompting the courage to aspiring writers to put a pen to paper.

Each challenge is intended to reach into our mind and our heart and draw out something different. I have provided each challenge with at least one example. These examples may be humorous or serious; some providing lookbacks on our past or comments on the present.

My intention is to illustrate the power of words, and help you discover that the power lies within each one of us. Our words can convey a broad range of emotions. They are reactions to our life’s blessings and its challenges. They can find humor when sorely needed, share passion, and express grief. All are inspiring. All are healing.

I hope you will enjoy this work and that it may move you; if you have not been already, to also seek a path toward sharing your thoughts and expressing yourself through the written word.