Marlene Cullen
Creator of The Write Spot
The Write Spot Started In My Parlor
Hi, I’m Marlene. I’m delighted you are here. Let’s get started with how The Write Spot began.
About The Write Spot
My passion for writing—and for working with writers—sparked the creation of The Write Spot, a vibrant community for writers that includes Jumpstart Writing Workshops, Writers Forum, The Write Spot Blog, and seven Write Spot books.
At the heart of my work is a commitment to writing about difficult subjects without adding trauma. I believe writing can be honest, deep, and transformative—while still feeling safe and accessible.
How It Began
In 2002, I invited a few friends to gather in my parlor twice a month to write together. We used a method called freewriting, a practice that changed my life. We called our group Wild Mindz, inspired by Natalie Goldberg’s teachings. We wrote, we read what we wrote out loud. We became writers. It was magical.
The Power of Freewriting
Freewriting gives permission to write without rules or judgment, opening the door to deeper, more authentic writing. It’s a wonderfully wild kind of writing where anything goes—messy, surprising, and alive.
From Parlor to Community
After a few months, the Wild Mindz members encouraged me to offer this experience to the public, and Jumpstart Writing Workshops was born.The magic continues in Jumpstart Writing.
Jumpstart sparked The Write Spot Blog and Writers Forum.
The Write Spot Blog
The Write Spot Blog is your creative playground—your online writing support group and your place to experiment, explore, and grow as a writer.
A Note About Freewrites
You are free to write whatever you want. Let your thoughts spill onto the page without censoring yourself. Click on Prompts for ideas and inspiration to get your freewrites flowing.
An Invitation
It’s a joy to share this liberating practice with you. Welcome to The Write Spot—a place where your voice matters and your writing is free to unfold.
Marlene: Writer
A Lifelong Love of Writing
My enthusiasm for writing began when I was four years old, scribbling large loops across big sheets of paper, pretending to write. At nine years, I jotted notes in a small spiral-bound notebook, recording the activities of family members, pretending to be a journalist.
I still scribble—now in larger notebooks, spiral-bound still my favorite choice of notebook.
While freewriting, I love discovering fictional characters as they unfurl from my imagination.
Writing, Research, and Sharing
My writing has been published in several anthologies, won a few writing contests, and received some honorable mentions.
I can happily research for hours, uncovering information about writing, writers, and publishing.
Posting my discoveries with The Write Spot Blog readers is part of the joy of producing the blog. I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned to support and encourage your writing journey.
What began as a child’s love of scribbling has grown into a shared creative space—one where writers gather, explore, and grow together at The Write Spot.
Ready to write?
Choose a prompt. Set a time for 15-20 minutes and Just Write!