We’ve talked before about the importance of writing practice and as I ease my way into a new project, I’m reminded again just how important it is to keep my imagination in shape. Even a few minutes of free writing a day can keep our minds in a posture that is ready to receive and create new ideas. Practice keeps us thinking like writers.
The trick to any writing exercise, is to simply get going. There is something magical about those first thoughts you have when sitting down to write. In her book, Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg talks a lot about first thoughts. Here’s one of my favorite quotes:
With Goldberg’s thoughts in mind, let’s practice writing a bit, okay? And today we’re going to kick off our exercise session by simply, and quickly, answering a single question.
Here’s how it will work:
I’m going to ask you a question you may or may not have an answer to. It doesn’t matter either way. You’re a storyteller. Make something up and leave your answer in the comments section.
And then just keep writing.
For a total of three minutes (set a timer, friends!), I want you to continue writing. Don’t stop. Just let your fingers run with whatever narrative your mind is wanting to tell.
When three minutes are up, you’re welcome to check for typos, but don’t stop to edit your writing as you go. And don’t worry if it makes little sense when you read it back to yourself. We’re just practicing here: the art of writing down our first thoughts. It’s supposed to be messy.
Also, please be a team player and delete anything that might be inappropriate for younger readers. We like to keep it fairly clean around here.
Be sure to come back throughout the weekend to encourage your friends as they practice. Remember, we’re all learning the craft of writing. Not one of us are experts. Anytime you bravely share your work, we’re grateful.
Okay! Everybody ready? Here’s that question:
Are you going to the football game on Friday?
And, remember! When you participate in our writing exercises you can enter to win an opportunity to ask Jill, Steph and me a question for one of our upcoming writing panels. Once you leave your response to the writing prompt in the comments section, use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Next week, Rafflecopter will select one winner and we’ll contact you for your question via email. Happy writing, friends!