Just quickly - Create would like to apologise for the little holiday it took during the month of June. WOWs are back to their usual weekly regularity and the competition continues. So get writing ... chop chop.

One of the hardest things about writing is actually sitting down and doing it. What do you write about? How long should it be? I can't think of anything to write ... I have writer's block ... I think I will just go and make myself a cup of tea before I start ...

The best way to get the creativity happening is to just sit down and write. Don't delete it as you go, don't write two sentences, think 'I hate it' and scrap the idea. Just write.

A really effective way to get the ball rolling is to write in response to a trigger word/phrase/image. Weekly, the Creative team will post something in this discussion box that we want you to write a creative piece in response to. It can be as long as you like, or as short as you like, about anything you want it to be - but it has to mention/refer to/be in response to your trigger.

Give yourself a time limit and aim for 700 words (if it's short fiction, no limit for poetry). Setting these limits gives you some structure and a healthy amount of pressure.

So, without further ado, the trigger word for this week is ...

LEATHER

Get writing and submit your responses. To read the work of other writers, and subject your scribblings to their critique and feedback is one of the best ways you can grow as a writer.

Any questions/ideas re our weekly word, please email create@vibewire.net