Writing Exercises

Have you tried any writing exercises to spark some creativity?

Recently, my local writers group met for a writing exercise called Hide & SEEk. We gathered at a coffee shop and drew slips of paper from a bag. On each piece of paper was written the name of a nearby location, such as an ice cream store, cafe or a park-style bench. We dispersed and walked to the various places where we were to observe and write. We “hid” in plain sight and watched people walking or cycling by, catching bits of conversations. The purpose of this exercise was to come up with ideas for characters we might want to write about. We could also draw scenes of what we saw around us. After a set amount of time (about  45 minutes) we walked back to the coffee shop and discussed what we observed and the ideas we had generated.

Members found it successful to varying degrees. I did not have a lot of luck, as the place where I went was having an open mic night and there was more music than talking! One group member, at another location, struck up a conversation with a gentleman who was nearby.

If you decide to try a similar exercise, I suggest going to a safe public place, where you will not disturb others. Buy yourself an ice cream, cup of coffee or ice tea and blend in with the crowd. Spend some time watching the local scene as you dream up new characters. Then write that next book or short story!

Debbie A. Byrne has a B.S. in Mass Communication with a minor in History. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and is currently working on her first children’s book.

How to Select a Writing Journal

 A friend of mine was shopping for a journal. She was debating whether to purchase a school themed notebook or a pretty journal.  My recommendation for writers is to buy both. 

Each August, with the back to school sales, I buy about 20 spiral notebooks.  They are not attractive and are very inexpensive.  They’re great if you do any sort of writing exercises, (e.g.  Julia Cameron’s morning pages).  The cheap price and disposable feel gives me permission to write crap. Fortunately, my inner critic doesn't seem to mind if I write crap in a spiral notebook.   I can write garbage, filled with spelling errors and bad grammar...but it doesn't matter because I write.  Besides, I know that most of what is in these notebooks will never to be seen by anyone but me without major revisions.

I also have some beautiful journals.  Usually, these are on my nightstand.  My special journals give me a completely different feel when I pick them up.  It’s an instant message that something important is about to be written.   I have a floral covered cloth “gratitude” journal.   Its purpose is to remind me of the blessings in my life.  

What does your writing journal look like?  

Is it an old spiral notebook                            or                 is it a beautiful bound book?

                   

It's likely that what it looks like reflects how you approach your writing and what's written inside. 

Happy Writing,

Mary Jo