This morning I noticed a prompt over at Ethical ELA where the invitation was to write a cherita. I story poem told in 6 lines and three stanzas. A beginning of a single line, a middle of two lines, and the ending of three lines. And this is also the 4th day of the Write Where We Stand #writeout challenge. The challenge asked how going outside inspires the writer within.

I’m always looking for new ways to approach my writing, so the challenge of the cherita was a welcome way to think about the value of outdoors to my writing process.

Step outside and feel nature course through your veins.

Senses ignite and ideas sprout. Slugs slide, waves wander, trees trumpet, offering invitations your pencil can’t resist.

Lift those magic wands—indoors or out—conjuring words. Words that dance and leap and twirl with the music of wind and water and land. Let them bring us to your place so we can love it like you do.

#writeout #writewherewestand #cherita #smallpoems

And who can resist all the things I see at the beach…including this low flying plane.

What stories do we need to hear about your place? How does going outside help us better understand the place you love and live?