Fill a page with a story that includes at least one of the many shoes that have passed through your life or your imagination. Think about shoes that have purpose and shoes that send a message. Some shoes never get worn. Others you have (almost) forgotten. Some shoes create comfort and others cause pain. Some shoes--traveling shoes, crying shoes, big-girl shoes are … [Read more...] about A Story of a Shoe (or Two)
Imagination
Starting With a Tree
Consider trees. Their biology and mythology. Their leaves and needles, fruits and shade. Think about all the different things that can be made from trees. Begin to write with a tree in mind and see where it goes. You could make a list and comment on it, tell one or more stories from your life that include a tree, or record your ideas alphabetically. Read over your … [Read more...] about Starting With a Tree
What Would Rumpelstiltskin Do?
In the story of Rumpelstiltskin, a funny little man pops up to save the heroine who must spin a pile of straw into gold by morning. Write about a metaphorical pile of straw that you wish Rumpelstiltskin would spin into gold for you. Consider changes to your own life, even your past. Think about changes you could effect for others. Maybe you would like to change the … [Read more...] about What Would Rumpelstiltskin Do?
When the Pandemic is Over
It ain't over yet. But it isn't permanent, either. All deadly global pandemics end sooner or later. Write about what your life will be like when the pandemic ends for you. Consider rekindled possibilities and lingering losses. Think about skills and habits, relationships--new and old. Is there something you can't wait to forget? Fill up a page by taking an … [Read more...] about When the Pandemic is Over
From Squiggles to Faces
Begin by drawing a half-dozen or so random squiggles distributed more-or-less evenly around the page. Choose a squiggle and add a few more marks to it. Fiddle around with it until some kind of face emerges. When you notice the face, add to it. Turn all of the squiggles into some kind of face. Skip around. Add some words to go with each face. A caption, perhaps. Or a … [Read more...] about From Squiggles to Faces