Tampa Bay Area Writing Project
Nurturing a community of writers, young and old, novice and expert, students and teachers.
by Samantha Beattyinspired by Patricia Tuzzolino’s demo-lesson (and Chris Van Allsburg's Mysteries of Harris Burdick) Late one night, Clarissa got changed into her pajamas choosing a tank top as the summer heat was quite suffocating. She snuggled into her twin…
by Mari Aviles inspired by TBAWP 2020’s freewrite Success is achieving a goal you set, whether short or long term. Success is doing the thing you set your mind to even when it’s hard. Success comes with the whisper in your…
by Mike Sherryinspired by the Goat Rodeo Allstars COVID teaches me that I can grow passionfruit on my patioThat bluebirds will nest more than once if you give them a boxAnd that fresh-picked blueberries are even more deliciousWhen wrested from…
by Gabriela Salazar inspired by Samantha Beatty’s demo-lesson Blue is a Gemini Serenity and sadness Calm and chaotic Like the ocean, It’s paradise floating in crystal waters Then dark blue walls in a fearsome stormCyan, turquoise, baby blue, cerulean, sapphire, and navy Shades for every dispositionElectric blue…
by Mieke Valkinspired by Samantha Beatty’s demo-lesson It is time for the peonies in brown paper to appear. Each spring, the tight cotton balls of petals begin arriving, ready to slowly reveal their fresh faces to the world. Their petals stir and stretch,…
by Lisa Inserrainspired by Kara Funcheon's mini-lesson
by Katharine Werthwineinspired by Samantha Beatty’s demo-lesson Pink is made of jellybeans and strawberry ice creamOf sugar and spice, and everything niceOf jam-stains on aprons and sticky popsicles sticks Caught in the warm summer breezeOf steady hands with…
by Mieke Valkinspired by the Goat Rodeo Allstars TRAPPED. Safe, but TRAPPED. Safe, in the house, at work, away from people, but still TRAPPED. So I Midsummer Day dream from safety, aching to go, but knowing I must stay. It’s…
by Karen Holbrookinspired by Gabriela Salazar’s demo-lesson It was my first-year teaching, my heart was bursting with love for my kindergarten students. The year went by so quickly, in February we were preparing for some guest speakers from the Administration…
by Katharine Werthwineinspired by Joy Austin’s mini-lesson It is so bright here — the dominion of the sun. The light (it pulses) streaks across the sky, across the sea. (Sea sky and sky sea)I have climbed my way into a sea-hewed hollow. From…
