41+ Share Your Experience Templates for Writing Communities

Looking to spark deeper connections in your writing community? Experience Share templates encourage members to tell their stories, reflect, and bond over shared experiences. Use these prompts to get authentic conversations started and inspire meaningful participation.

Writing 41 Templates

πŸ“… Schedule a Week of Posts in 5 Minutes

Plan your content calendar and auto-post to Skool, Circle, or Mighty Networks

Try Free for 14 Days β†’

Why This Works

Experience Share posts tap into the universal power of storytelling. When members recount personal moments, they invite empathy and understanding, bridging gaps between diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of belonging. This reflective approach helps writers connect on a human level, moving beyond surface-level interaction.

By providing a guiding question or theme, Experience Share prompts lower the barrier to participation. They make it easy for everyone to contribute, regardless of writing skill or experience. These posts also reinforce the value of each member's unique journey, encouraging ongoing engagement and loyalty.

41 Ready-to-Use Templates

1

Share a writing moment that surprised you. What happened and what did you learn?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I once wrote a poem that moved my friend to tears. I learned my words can have real impact."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #reflection #learning #personal
2

What was the first story or poem you ever wrote? Tell us about it.

πŸ’‘ Example: "My first story was about a dragon who loved cupcakes. I wrote it in third grade."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #nostalgia #beginnings
3

Describe a time when writing helped you process a difficult emotion.

πŸ’‘ Example: "Writing a journal entry after my loss helped me grieve and find peace."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #emotions #wellbeing
4

Have you ever written something that completely changed your perspective? Share the story.

πŸ’‘ Example: "Writing an essay on climate change made me realize how urgent the issue is."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Top #transformation #insight
5

Tell us about a writing challenge you overcame. How did you do it?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I struggled with writer's block for weeks but set small goals to get back on track."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #challenge #motivation
6

What inspires you to write when you feel stuck?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I go for a walk and listen to music to reset my mind."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #inspiration #motivation
7

Share a time when feedback on your writing made a difference.

πŸ’‘ Example: "A friend's suggestion to change my ending made my story much stronger."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #feedback #growth
8

What writing project are you most proud of and why?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Finishing my first novel was a dream come true."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #pride #achievement
9

Describe a routine that helps you get into a writing flow.

πŸ’‘ Example: "I light a candle and write first thing in the morning."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #routine #habits
10

Have you ever tried a new genre? What was the experience like?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Trying sci-fi was hard but it stretched my imagination."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #genre #exploration
11

Share a memorable line or passage you have written. What makes it special?

πŸ’‘ Example: "My poem's last line, 'the moon listens,' always feels magical to me."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #sharing #favorites
12

Tell us about a setting or character inspired by your real life.

πŸ’‘ Example: "My grandmother inspired the wise old woman in my fantasy story."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #characters #settings
13

Describe the first time someone read your writing. How did it feel?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I was so nervous but thrilled when my teacher praised my poem."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #firsts #reader
14

What writing advice has stuck with you the most?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Show, don't tell, has changed the way I write."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #advice #wisdom
15

Share a moment when you felt truly connected to your story.

πŸ’‘ Example: "When my main character finally found peace, I felt it too."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #connection #storytelling
16

Have you ever written during a big life event? How did it affect your work?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Writing during lockdown helped me process my emotions."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #life events #impact
17

Describe a favorite place you like to write and why it works for you.

πŸ’‘ Example: "A quiet cafe helps me focus and feel inspired."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #places #environment
18

What is the most unexpected thing writing has taught you?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Writing has taught me to be patient with myself."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #lessons #growth
19

Have you ever written something just for yourself? What was it?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I keep a journal where I write letters to my future self."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #personal #private
20

Tell us about a time you almost gave up on a writing piece. What kept you going?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I wanted to quit my novel, but support from friends pushed me to finish."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #perseverance #motivation
21

Describe a writing ritual or superstition you have.

πŸ’‘ Example: "I always use the same mug for coffee when I write."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #rituals #habits
22

Share a time when reading someone else's work inspired your own writing.

πŸ’‘ Example: "Reading Maya Angelou inspired my latest poem."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #inspiration #reading
23

What is the funniest or most embarrassing writing moment you have had?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I once submitted a draft with all my editing notes still in it."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #humor #vulnerability
24

Describe a piece of writing you wish you could revisit or rewrite.

πŸ’‘ Example: "I would love to rewrite my college essay now that I have more experience."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #revision #growth
25

Have you ever written collaboratively? What was the experience like?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Co-writing a story with a friend taught me a lot about compromise."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #collaboration #teamwork
26

Share a metaphor or image from your writing that you love.

πŸ’‘ Example: "I once wrote, 'her smile was a sunrise after a long night.'"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #imagery #creativity
27

Tell us about a time you received unexpected praise for your writing.

πŸ’‘ Example: "A teacher submitted my story to a contest without telling me. I won second place."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #praise #recognition
28

What role does writing play in your daily life?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Writing daily helps me organize my thoughts."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #habits #daily
29

Describe a time when you felt stuck in your writing. How did you get unstuck?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I took a break and came back with fresh ideas."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #blocks #solutions
30

Have you ever written something in response to world events? What was it?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I wrote a poem about hope during the pandemic."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #current events #response
31

Share a time your writing connected you with someone new.

πŸ’‘ Example: "A reader reached out after my article and we became friends."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #connection #community
32

What is your favorite time of day to write? Why?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Late at night is when my creativity flows best."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #routine #preference
33

Tell us about a story or poem you almost didn't share but are glad you did.

πŸ’‘ Example: "I hesitated to post my poem online, but it received lots of encouragement."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #vulnerability #sharing
34

Describe a time when you learned something new about yourself through writing.

πŸ’‘ Example: "Writing about my childhood made me realize how resilient I am."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #self-discovery #reflection
35

Have you ever written in a journal or diary? How has it helped you?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Journaling helps me track my mood and set goals."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #journaling #wellbeing
36

Share an experience where your writing was misunderstood. What did you do?

πŸ’‘ Example: "A reader misinterpreted my story, so I clarified my intent in the comments."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #miscommunication #clarity
37

What is one writing habit you wish you could develop?

πŸ’‘ Example: "I wish I could write daily without distractions."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #habits #goals
38

Describe a time you used writing to help someone else.

πŸ’‘ Example: "I wrote a letter to a friend going through a hard time and it lifted her spirits."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #support #community
39

Have you ever published your writing? How did it feel?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Publishing my first poem was scary but so rewarding."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Top #publishing #achievement
40

Share a time when you finished a writing piece you thought you never would.

πŸ’‘ Example: "I finally finished my memoir after five years of drafts."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #accomplishment #perseverance
41

What is the biggest lesson writing has taught you about life?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Writing has taught me the value of listening to others' stories."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #life lessons #reflection

How to Use These Templates

To implement these templates, choose a prompt that fits your community's current mood or theme. Post it as a discussion or thread and encourage members to reply with their own stories. Rotate templates regularly to keep participation fresh. Pin or highlight especially engaging threads to showcase authentic voices and inspire others to join in.

Best Practices

  • Keep prompts open-ended to invite diverse stories.
  • Model participation by sharing your own experience first.
  • Acknowledge and respond to members who share.
  • Rotate themes to appeal to different interests and backgrounds.
  • Encourage respectful, supportive feedback in replies.

All Platforms Tips

For all platforms, focus on clear, concise prompts and encourage replies in the comment section or as replies to the thread. Use platform features like pinning, highlighting, or tagging to give visibility to especially moving or popular stories. Remind members of community guidelines and the value of respectful sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prompt members to share experiences with overcoming writer's block using these templates?

To encourage discussions around writer's block, select or modify templates that specifically ask about members' strategies, emotional hurdles, or breakthrough moments. For example, use prompts like 'Share a time you broke through writer's blockβ€”what sparked your creativity?' or 'Describe your go-to exercises for getting past writing slumps.' This targets a universal writing struggle and sparks relatable, actionable conversations.

What’s the best way to structure a Share Your Experience post about traditional vs. self-publishing journeys?

Use templates that ask for detailed comparisons, such as prompts like 'Share your biggest lesson from self-publishing vs. traditional publishing' or 'What surprised you most about your chosen publishing path?' Encourage members to mention challenges, timelines, royalties, or editorial control so responses are rich with practical insight for aspiring authors.

How do I tailor Share Your Experience prompts to encourage discussions around editing and revision processes?

Choose templates that focus on specific editing milestones or challenges, such as 'Share your biggest revision breakthrough' or 'Describe your process for receiving and implementing feedback from beta readers or editors.' This taps into a crucial phase of the writing process and invites members to swap actionable editing tips and experiences unique to writers.

Can these templates help facilitate genre-specific experience sharing, like world-building in fantasy versus pacing in thrillers?

Absolutely. Select templates that explicitly mention genre mechanics, such as 'Share your toughest world-building challenge and how you solved it (fantasy/sci-fi writers)' or 'Describe a trick you use to maintain suspense in thrillers.' This allows members to discuss the craft elements unique to their chosen genres and fosters targeted learning.

How can I encourage members to share their experiences with writing contests or residency applications?

Utilize templates that prompt for contest or residency stories, for example: 'What's the most valuable lesson you learned from submitting to a writing contest or residency?' or 'Share an unexpected outcome from a contest application.' This creates space for discussing submission prep, rejection, feedback, and growthβ€”all central to a writer’s professional development.

What strategies within these templates can promote open discussion of sensitive topics like imposter syndrome or negative reviews?

Incorporate empathetic prompts that normalize vulnerability, such as 'Share a time you faced imposter syndrome in your writing journey and how you managed it' or 'Describe how you processed negative feedback or reviews.' These encourage honest dialogue, mutual support, and the sharing of coping strategies, which helps foster a compassionate writing community.

πŸ“…
Schedule these posts to your community
Plan ahead & auto-post to Skool, Circle, or Mighty Networks
Try Free β†’
✓ Copied to clipboard!