What is writing anyway? Words and letters in books, of course. Also clothing labels, license plates and menus. What about bar codes? Is the geologic record a form of writing? A bee dance? Write a page about writing by describing some different types of writing. You can describe where it is, what it looks like, who wrote it, who reads it, or how long it will last. Don't … [Read more...] about Where’s the Writing?
Writing
Writing for You
“Private pleasure is really just about your only guide for to how to write.” That sentence was penned by former U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan in Contemporary American Poetry: Behind the Scenes, an anthology of poets writing about writing poems. It’s spot on. Lots of people write. At different times, and with different motivations. So nobody can tell you how you ought to … [Read more...] about Writing for You
What Did You Expect?
Often the pain of an interaction or an event is compounded by the fact that we know it never should have happened. We endure what occurs. We try to heal. But underneath it all, some part of our idea of how the world works has been shattered. This is very difficult to analyze and repair. Today in your writing practice, write about being hurt. You can write about a single … [Read more...] about What Did You Expect?
Just the Junk
Do you have a spot where odd bits of stuff accumulate? A junk drawer? Or corner? Or basket? Or tabletop? Rummage around in your collection of so-called junk. Make a list of what's there. Then write about at least one thing that is on the list. You can find a longer version of these directions here. … [Read more...] about Just the Junk
Freewriting
Sometimes when you sit down to write, your mind is full of the things you could put down on the page. Then you pick up the pen and it all drains out. Nothing that you were thinking seems important anymore. Sometimes you know what you want to say, but the ideas roil so uncontrollably in your mind that it’s impossible to start. Then there are times when your mind feels … [Read more...] about Freewriting