In this exercise, you begin with an ordinary thought and see how many pieces you can break it into. Write down a thought. Any old thought. About the past, present, or future. About wisdom or bad advice. About nuclear physics or sculpture. Any thought that crosses your mind. No pressure to be profound. Choose a word from that thought and construct a new thought that … [Read more...] about Combinations
Imagination
Questions Upon Questions
Fill a page today with questions that you don't know the answer to. The first question can be about anything at all. For the second question, pluck a word from the first question and include it in the second question somehow. Include a word from the second question in the third one, and continue like that all the way down the page. Jog your mind with question words … [Read more...] about Questions Upon Questions
Where’s the Fire?
Does a fire burn inside you? What burns a bridge? Does every fire destroy something? Write about fire today. Real fires that turn things to smoke and soot. Metaphorical fires that issue warnings or bring change. Fill a page with ideas or memories about fire. Illustrate your work and give it a title. Write the date and a signature on it--but don't burn it … [Read more...] about Where’s the Fire?
A Story of a Shoe (or Two)
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)
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