Using the 2026 July Writing Prompts to Break That Writer's Block
So, I haven't ran a linkup party in ages. I haven't written a new post on the blog for a while as well, as I wanted to focus on drafting my memoir. However, believe it or not, despite having an outline and the time to work on it for the past couple of months, I've barely gotten past chapter one.
I feel like I need to do some freeform writing, as I've been mainly working on medical research articles the past couple years, both for this website, and for clients. That, or formal copywriting for websites, and optimising them for SEO. I feel like my brain is 'stuck' with only formal instead of creative writing now, and I'd like to break that writer's block.
So will you help me out by joining me in kicking off the monthly linkups again? I consolidated all my previous entries on my “Diary Entries” page, but now, I'd like to re-open this to the chronic illness and disabled community again on a monthly basis (or as close to monthly as I can). Let's do this together!
*Disclaimer: This post/linkup is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my/our personal experiences as patient(s). I/We are not doctors, and nothing in this post or its associated links should be substituted for medical advice. Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding any new treatment protocols. This post/linkup may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our Privacy Policy page for more information. Thank you!
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What the 2026 July Writing Prompts are About, and How to Participate
The writing prompts are a monthly get-together for anyone with a chronic illness, mental illness or disability. An opportunity to share, to listen, and to learn from one another through shared writing prompts.
I also think it’s a great way to provide insight into life with chronic pain and disabilities, from many different points of view. You can choose to write about your latest experiences with chronic illness and/or disability, or even turn it into an evergreen blog post.
All you have to do is write a post using at least three of the writing prompts listed below, and publish it on your blog, or to a free writing platform such as Medium or SubStack (don't forget to set the post for public viewing!). Then click on the blue ‘Add Link’ button in the widget below to add your blog post to this page. Voilà, you’re now part of the linkup party!
Simple Rules for the 2026 July Writing Prompts
- Only submit one link per website/blog.
- If you choose to participate, do comment on at least two other blog posts in this linkup by the end of the month. Return to check at a later date if there aren't enough entries yet. Helping to spread the word on your social media is always appreciated, but not required.
- Linkups start on the first of every month. There will be five different writing prompts. It will close at the end of each month before midnight. All timings listed are in Singapore time (+8 GMT).
- Pick at least three of the writing prompts to write about. Five is best, of course!
- Insert a link to this post when you submit your blog entry for auto verification.
- Failure to follow these rules might get you blacklisted from future writing prompt linkups. Let's keep it fair for all 🙂
July 2026 Awareness Dates
Here are a few health events happening this month, should you be at a loss for words, and needed something to stir those creative or advocacy juices! Also, Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian friends and readers 🙂
- Chronic Disease Awareness Day (10 July). Honestly, this irks me a little — why does chronic disease awareness only get one miserable day?! Anyway, I digress. Here are a few ways to show support and get involved.
- World Brain Day (22 July). According to the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), "more than 3.4 billion people currently live with neurological conditions, making brain disorders the leading cause of disability worldwide". World Brain Day aims to bridge the gaps in healthcare in relation to neurological health, and advocates for positive change. Get the campaign resources on the WFN website here.
- World Sjögren's Day (23 July). The Sjögren's Foundation website provides resources and suggests various ways you can participate, to help raise awareness for Sjögren's disease.
- World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning is one of the leading causes of death for young children, and approximately 236,000 people drown every year 🙁
- World Hepatitis Day (28 July). According to the World Hepatitis Day website, hepatitis is treatable, yet "viral hepatitis is the world's deadliest communicable disease", with 287 million people infected without even realising it. It is also the leading cause of liver cancer. Get multi-language resources on their website and help to raise awareness.
The following awareness campaigns span the entire month:
- Cord Blood Awareness Month. You've probably heard that 'cord blood saves lives'. This event helps to raise awareness amongst healthcare professionals and educate the public on the benefits of preserving stem cells found in cord blood and cord tissue of newborns.
- Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. Approximately 1 in 250 children live with juvenile arthritis (JA), which can take an enormous toll on such young individuals. Juvenile Spondyloarthritis (JSpA) month overlaps with it — help to raise awareness about these debilitating diseases that affect children.
- National Haemochromatosis Awareness Month. Did you know — "hemochromatosis kills more Americans than breast cancer and AIDS combined" (Iron Disorders Institute)? Learn more about this metabolic disorder that leads to iron overload in the body.
- Sarcoma & Bone Cancer Awareness Month. According to American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), "Sarcomas are a rare group of cancers in which malignant cells form in the bones or soft tissues of the body", which can affect both the young and old alike. Learn more about the various types of sarcomas here, and help to raise awareness.
- UV Awareness Month. This campaign by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) aims to raise awareness of the dangers of UV-exposure, which is the "root cause of most skin cancers".
And Now... Presenting to You the 2026 July Writing Prompts!
1. Updating
The July 2026 writing prompts would probably make for a great way for all of us to catch-up and update each other on what we've been up to in all areas of life. (And probably to b*tch about new chronic illness problems, heh.) Alternatively, you could be updating your doctor or loved one about an issue, updating a project or website, updating certain details or data — the list goes on!
2. Recommitting
Has the trail for a commitment of yours gone cold, yet you'd like to see it revived? What would you like to recommit yourself to this July, or for the long-term? It could be related to work, school, relationships (familial/platonic/romantic/etc), a self-care routine, a diet or exercise plan, or anything else that you might find meaningful or helpful.
3. Bracing
Is there an event that you're bracing for this month, such as a surgery, medical test results, or a difficult chat that's way past due? Alternatively, you might be experiencing invigorating weather, or adding tangible support to something that you're physically building.
4. Documenting
Do you document or track anything for chronic illness management, such as your diet, sleep or heart rate? I think many people with chronic illness are fantastic project managers of their lives. Apart from that, you could also be documenting in the form of a journal or film (short or long-form), or documenting languages, data, notes, and many other types of observances — either formally or informally.
5. Pampering
Are you pampering anyone in particular this July? Perhaps a loved one's birthday is coming up, or perhaps it's time for a small holiday, staycation, or 'me-time'. You could also be spoiling yourself in many different ways (both healthy and unhealthy 😛), or pampering someone else (pets and plants included!).
Join Us in the 2026 Writing Prompts Here
Do you have thoughts to any of the writing prompts above? I truly hope to hear from you, and am eager to read what you have to say!
You can read past linkup entries here for inspiration or ideas on how or what to write about. Feel free to write in whatever style or form suits you, however. These writing prompts are meant to be a relaxing and cathartic community activity, after all. Happy writing and sharing!
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