May 14, 2014 Prompt #13 As a visual person, descriptions of what things look like fill my writing. How do I use this “visual default” in the larger service of my writing? How can give “fresh eyes” to my visual description? I created today’s prompt with such challenges in mind. Instructions Choose a familiar, perhapsContinue reading “Sensory Week: Sight”
Tag Archives: Ellen Orleans
Sensory Week: Touch
May 13, 2014 Prompt #12 Our sense of touch is so important that when we want to establish if something is real, we reach out and try to touch it. What does touch tell us? Hot. Cold. Hard. Soft. Wet. Dry. Smooth. Sharp. Rough. Ridged. Sticky. As writers, where do we go from there?Continue reading “Sensory Week: Touch”
Sensory Week: Sound
May 12, 2014 Prompt #11 Welcome to Sensory Week here at The Writeous Sisters. Each day, Monday through Friday, will focus on a different sense. Today: Hearing. Instructions Start with a selection without words, such as a piano concerto, jazz, Big Band, or other instrumental work. Play your selection and write down whatever words, phrases,Continue reading “Sensory Week: Sound”
Creating Atmosphere
May 10, 2014 Prompt #9 Here’s one of my favorite kids/science nerd jokes: Q. Why did the restaurant on the moon go out of business? A. Because it had no atmosphere! Like a good restaurant, good writing needs atmosphere, which I loosely define as the mood, tone, or feel of the piece. What contributes toContinue reading “Creating Atmosphere”
Paint Chip Poetry
May 9, 2014 Prompt #8 Preparation For today’s prompt, we’ll use the paint chips mentioned in the May 4th blog entry. If you haven’t already procured paint chips, try this prompt once you’ve gotten them or cut up three of more squares of different colors from magazines or catalogs.While paint chip hunting, try toContinue reading “Paint Chip Poetry”
Two Truths and a Lie
May 8, 2014 Prompt #7 Creative Falsehoods and Other Ways to Stretch Your Imagination Perhaps you’ve played “Two Truths and A Lie” as an ice breaker in school, at work, or with friends. This prompt expands on this “get-to-know-you” game. Instructions On a blank piece of paper, write three sentences about yourself, your family orContinue reading “Two Truths and a Lie”
Keeping A Writer’s Notebook
May 7, 2014 Prompt #6 Today’s prompt takes a different slant, one in which you create your own list of writing springboards inspired by daily life. Getting Started Find or buy a notebook small enough to carry with you in a bag, briefcase, or even a coat pocket. As you go through your day, payContinue reading “Keeping A Writer’s Notebook”
Imagined History of a Lost Object
May 6, 2014 Prompt #5 Before Getting Started: Pen or Keyboard? Before I launch today’s prompt, I want to talk about writing vs. typing. Through out this blog, you’ll see instructions such as “Write the phrase on a fresh piece of paper” Which raises a question my students frequently ask: “Is it better to writeContinue reading “Imagined History of a Lost Object”
Body Parts, Inc.
May 5, 2014 Prompt #4 Today’s Prompt: Embodied Here’s a simple but surprisingly powerful writing prompt. I first used it when I was leading writing workshops for GLBT high school students. Instructions Choose a body part from the word list below and match it with an adjective from the list below that. Feel free toContinue reading “Body Parts, Inc.”
Opening Lines
May 4, 2014 Prompt #3 Getting Started For many writers, staring at a blank page or empty screen is daunting. Some wonder, “What should I write about? What will people think of my story?” Others ask, “How do I begin? How do I shape that all-important first line?” My advice? 1. Turn off your innerContinue reading “Opening Lines”
Ellen Orleans 