✏️ How to DIY Your Own Personal Write-In (Inspired by Our Nature Walk & Write)
At 724 Press Collective, we’re all about creating spaces for writers to show up for themselves and their creativity — whether it’s in a bustling café, an open mic, or under the shade of Houston’s towering oaks. Recently, our community gathered for a Nature Walk & Write at Eleanor Tinsley Park, and it reminded us how restorative and inspiring it can be to carve out intentional time for writing.
The good news? You don’t need an official event to do this. You can create your own personal write-in anytime, anywhere. Here’s how to set yourself up for a meaningful solo writing session, inspired by the rhythms of our latest walk.
📖 Step 1: Pick Your Spot
The setting matters. Choose a space where you can settle in and feel connected to your environment.
Ideas:
A local park or trail (we loved Eleanor Tinsley Park for its quiet trails and skyline views)
Your favorite coffee shop
A sunny corner of your backyard
A cozy nook at home with a candle and your favorite playlist
Pro Tip: If you’re headed outside, check the weather and bring a lightweight blanket or portable chair for extra comfort.
✏️ Step 2: Set an Intention
Before you write a single word, ask yourself: What do I want from this session? Is it stress relief, creative practice, emotional processing, or experimenting with new ideas? Setting a purpose will help anchor your time.
Example from our Walk & Write:
We invited attendees to “let the natural world spark creativity on the page” and reflect on what they observed in their surroundings.
📓 Step 3: Bring the Essentials
Pack light but wisely. Here’s what we recommend:
A notebook or journal
A good pen (and maybe a backup)
Water and snacks if you’re outdoors
Headphones if you prefer writing with music
A timer if you want to structure your session with short writing sprints
🌿 Step 4: Warm Up with a Prompt
Ease into your writing with a simple prompt to get your thoughts moving. Here are a few we used at our Nature Walk & Write:
“I notice…” (List everything around you with your five senses.)
“The last time I felt this calm was…”
“The ground beneath me holds stories of…”
Choose one, set a timer for 5-10 minutes, and just go.
✨ Step 5: Give Yourself Permission
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s presence. Whether you write a single haiku, a page of fragmented thoughts, or start a new poem, it’s all valid. Honor the act of showing up for yourself on the page.
📝 Step 6: Close with a Reflection
When your session feels complete, take a few moments to reflect. What surprised you? What do you want to write about next time? Jot it down before you leave your space.
At our event: We gathered at the end to share a favorite line or thought from our writing. You can do this by reading your favorite sentence back to yourself or texting a writing friend.
🌸 Final Thoughts
You don’t have to wait for an official gathering to tap into the power of a write-in. Your words belong to you wherever you are. Whether it’s a Sunday morning park visit or a Tuesday night journaling session in your living room, claim that time for yourself.
If you’re local to Texas, keep an eye on our events page and @724presscollective — we’d love for you to join us next time.
And if you DIY your own write-in? Tag us! We want to see where your words take you.
