Precipitation [Part Two]

May 24, 2014  Prompt #24     Twenty-four hours later and, again, it’s raining. Good reason to expand on yesterday’s prompt. If you haven’t read it already, do that first, then try these variations.     Further Writing Apply personification (the assignment of human attributes to objects, abstract notions, or, in this case, weather) to aContinue reading “Precipitation [Part Two]”

Precipitation

May 23, 2014  Prompt #23 Last night, I saw Venus in Fur at Denver’s Curious Theater. As an accompaniment to the show’s vigorous, changeable dialogue, the production included a thunderstorm. As I write this, back in Boulder, we’re having real live downpour, complete with rumbling thunder and flashbulb-style lightning.  All this to say: Rain isContinue reading “Precipitation”

I Don’t Remember

May 20, 2014  Prompt #20 Today’s prompt turns yesterday’s “I Remember” exercise on its head.  “I Don’t Remember” motivates you to write about loss,  failure of memory, and what we repress. Use it to remember, connect, and observe.  When I’ve taught this exercise in my workshops, there’s often a lightheartedness about what our mind choosesContinue reading “I Don’t Remember”

I Remember

May 20, 2014  Prompt #19 Introduction Joe Brainard’s classic “I Remember” writing prompt has been taught in class rooms for more than 15 years. You can read more about Joe’s life and work and the history of the “I Remember” exercise here.  Below is a variation that has been a big hit in my writingContinue reading “I Remember”

Junk Drawer

May 19, 2014  Prompt #18 Instructions Locate an object in your home that is generally considered ordinary, outdated, or unnecessary. Don’t spend too much time thinking about what to choose.  One option: If you have a junk drawer in your home or accumulated odds and ends at the bottom of a bag, close your eyes,Continue reading “Junk Drawer”

Sensory Weekend: Rolling Up Your Sleeves

May 18, 2014  Prompt #17   Today features a short prompt: less background, no further writing or writing group variations. Enjoy getting your hands dirty.     Instructions Describe an action below. Include at least four different senses.  Write for 15 minutes. Digging a hole. Shucking six ears of corn. Plastering cracks in a wall.Continue reading “Sensory Weekend: Rolling Up Your Sleeves”

Sensory Weekend: Smokin’

May 17, 2014  Prompt #16       Today and tomorrow feature short prompts: less background, no writing group variations. Have a good weekend!   Surgeon General’s Warning If you are not a smoker, don’t light up to complete this exercise. Work from memory or sit near smokers and take notes. Instructions Write for 10Continue reading “Sensory Weekend: Smokin’”

Sensory Week: Taste

May 16, 2014  Prompt #15 To wrap up Sensory Week, it’s our long-awaited taste prompt. To enrich this exercise, I’ve included other senses as well.  Tuck a napkin under your chin and let’s get started.   Instructions Choose a fruit that you enjoy (or dislike) for this exercise. Other foods can work too; you mayContinue reading “Sensory Week: Taste”