When writers go to work
some prompts for finding purpose in turbulent times
January 2025 ~ This is precisely the time for writers, artists, teachers, and activists to step forward and act with intention. Toni Morrison’s powerful words resonate:
"There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal."
(From 2004, following the presidential re-election of George W. Bush.)
These words are a call to action. They offer clarity and resolve. In moments of political and cultural upheaval, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or tempted to withdraw. Yet, our roles as creators and connectors are indispensable. Through language, imagination, and community, we create bridges and carve out spaces for healing and transformation.
The work we do
As writers, scholars, teachers, and activists, we hold unique positions within institutions and communities. We design syllabi, write essays, launch projects, and lead discussions that ripple outward.
However, the institutions we inhabit can sometimes feel misaligned with the values we hold dear. Why? Bureaucratic inertia, systemic inequities, and competing priorities can obstruct meaningful change.
Artist Andrea Fraser reminds us:
“We are the institution. It’s a question of what kind of institution we are, what kind of values we institutionalize, what forms of practice we reward.”
This perspective challenges us to reflect: How can we embody our values in the work we do? Whether in a classroom, on a page, or in a community meeting, every action holds the potential to foster equity, compassion, and justice.
Chaos as catalyst
Morrison’s wisdom reframes chaos: not as a source of despair but as fertile ground for discovery and growth. She writes:
“Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge—even wisdom. Like art.”
In this, she invites us to see turmoil as a teacher.
When fear and division dominate the landscape, our creative work becomes an act of defiance—a way of making meaning and asserting hope. The challenge, then, is not merely to endure chaos but to harness it as a force for insight and transformation.
Prompts for the year ahead
To ground your creative practice and spark ideas, consider these prompts designed to deepen your work and align it with your values:
Reimagine the institution: Reflect on a system or institution you engage with regularly. How might you reshape its practices to align more closely with equity and justice?
Create with purpose: Identify a project—a lesson plan, essay, or community initiative—you’ve been wanting to pursue. Write about why it matters to you and the people it will impact.
Design for rest: In turbulent times, rest is a radical act. Create a list of rituals that sustain your creativity and resilience. What do you need to nurture your practice?
Build bridges: Think of a group or individual you’ve been meaning to collaborate with. Draft an email or message to initiate the connection.
Map your impact: Reflect on how your work contributes to healing and transformation. Who benefits? What change do you envision? Expand on what “healing” looks like in your specific context.
As we step into the year ahead, let’s approach our work with intention and care. There’s no need to have all the answers or to strive for perfection. Instead, we can focus on what feels true and meaningful—work that nurtures connection, healing, and growth.