The Place For My Writers Notes

original posting 13 June 2009

Writers' Digest, August 2006, pages 30, 32 and 33, have an article by Joe Ortiz with some discussion of creativity followed by six -- a half-dozen! -- exercises. The title of the article is, "Supercharge Your Creativity."

From painting: Monet and the Stick

Claude Monet attached a brush to a long stick to avoid using comfortable, well-rehearsed methods. By breaking up his habits, and deliberately trying out new mechanics, he let himself play, experiencing impulse and expression.

Your task: "This game combines Monet's device with a Zen practice called 'walking meditation.' Take a passage you're having trouble with from your current project. Grab your notebook and a pen and take a walk. Let your mind bounce between your passage and the scenery around you. When a thought strikes, stop wherever you are and write one sentence. Then walk around again and repeat the process, allowing your mind to run free. When something pops into your head, stop again and write the next sentence. Continue walking and writing until the paragraph is completed. Take just five minutes."

Don't just sit there, get up and write!

Dancing in the light...