Getting stirred up and excited about language is all it takes to write. A fun exciting way to ignite your spark of creativity is to think about things that you really shouldn't ever do. So, let's start a NEVER EVER list!
I'll go first!
1. Never ever stand up fast if you've put tons of bath oil in the bathtub.
2. Never ever stick your tongue on a frozen metal post.
Your turn! Have fun. Get creative! One thought will lead to another...I promise!
Teachers: Kids absolutely love this activity. I should dig out some of the lists I have from past school visits and share them with you. They are hysterical! You can make the activity even better for your students if you join in the fun and go first!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Talk to Me!
Tweedles paid me a terrific complement last week. She said, "I think you write from your heart, cause I can feel stuff you say."
Wow. As a writer, I can't think of anything I'd rather hear than that someone can feel what I say.
This blog has become a source of inspiration to me because of all of you. Things that you write from your hearts jogs my memory and makes me think of things long forgotten.
Each and every writing exercise that we do together has special meaning. If I knew you had the time for a long read, I would copy every comment that was left last week and let you have the same goosebumps that I did. Since it's the weekend and I know everyone is busy, I'll let you read any comments you want at your leisure.
Anulal said, "The best writing happens when our heart starts giving instructions to our hand, with the hidden doors of memories opened. Many of the recent literature lacks this and only became an act or trick, which can be performed through knowing the jargons of the theories and language."
Another wow. That was so well said. I honestly believe when we just frolic with language, exciting and meaningful writing follows whenever we want. Writing that talks to someone rather than at them is what true communication is all about.
Trust me when I say that I can hear all of you talk to me! Thank you so much.
Wow. As a writer, I can't think of anything I'd rather hear than that someone can feel what I say.
This blog has become a source of inspiration to me because of all of you. Things that you write from your hearts jogs my memory and makes me think of things long forgotten.
Each and every writing exercise that we do together has special meaning. If I knew you had the time for a long read, I would copy every comment that was left last week and let you have the same goosebumps that I did. Since it's the weekend and I know everyone is busy, I'll let you read any comments you want at your leisure.
Anulal said, "The best writing happens when our heart starts giving instructions to our hand, with the hidden doors of memories opened. Many of the recent literature lacks this and only became an act or trick, which can be performed through knowing the jargons of the theories and language."
Another wow. That was so well said. I honestly believe when we just frolic with language, exciting and meaningful writing follows whenever we want. Writing that talks to someone rather than at them is what true communication is all about.
Trust me when I say that I can hear all of you talk to me! Thank you so much.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Close Your Eyes and Paint With Your Words
Have you ever had a day...or even a moment...when you had no worries or cares? Life was good. Nothing was wrong. Everything was right. In that carefree moment can you remember how you felt?
Some of you might say you felt as free as a bird. Others might say something entirely different.
It's all relative to what's in your heart and mind. When I close my eyes and think of one of my most carefree moments, I'm reminded of a day in January, long ago. I was riding my horse, Piper. We walked though the woods and into an open meadow. A herd of deer nibbled on the last of the frozen grass that was beneath a blanket of snow. As large snowflakes continued to fall, Piper and I became one with the herd. The silence was beautiful. In that moment, I felt as though time stood still and the whole world was at peace.
I could go on and on with that story, but I'll stop. It's your turn. Can you think of a special moment when everything seemed right? Please paint a picture with your words to describe the moment and how you felt.
Think about a moment when your life was terrific and finish this sentence: I felt as free as ____________.
Some of you might say you felt as free as a bird. Others might say something entirely different.
It's all relative to what's in your heart and mind. When I close my eyes and think of one of my most carefree moments, I'm reminded of a day in January, long ago. I was riding my horse, Piper. We walked though the woods and into an open meadow. A herd of deer nibbled on the last of the frozen grass that was beneath a blanket of snow. As large snowflakes continued to fall, Piper and I became one with the herd. The silence was beautiful. In that moment, I felt as though time stood still and the whole world was at peace.
I could go on and on with that story, but I'll stop. It's your turn. Can you think of a special moment when everything seemed right? Please paint a picture with your words to describe the moment and how you felt.
OR
Think about a moment when your life was terrific and finish this sentence: I felt as free as ____________.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Best Writing Comes from Our Hearts and Memories!
Thank you all so much for leaving your happy words, thoughts, and phrases. You made my 100th post so much fun. In fact, you inspired a new activity!
I was just thinking that all too often we see what's wrong with life. We forget about what's right and good. All of our happy thoughts made me focus on one particular memory that made me think of the simple pleasure of seeing joy and love.
One of the greatest places in the world to see love is at the airport. Have you ever taken the time to watch the faces of people as they recognize someone they love (and have missed) file through busy airport turnstiles? Tears of joy and smiles of delight are often smothered by bear hugs that last long enough to cause carry-on suitcases to fall on the worn carpet floor. For at least one special moment, love and hope abound. Cynics who think that the world is filled with bitterness and anger should spend a day observing reunions at the airport.
The best writing comes from our hearts and memories. So, with that in mind,
this writing activity should be easy for you! Just finish the following sentence (pick one or do both).
One of the greatest places to see love is ______________________.
One of the greatest places to see joy is _______________________.
Before you start writing stop for a minute. Close your eyes and really recall the memory. How did it smell? How did it sound? How did it make you feel? Let your mind's eye write on for as long as you want! Show me happiness! I can't wait to read what comes from your hearts.
Teachers: Start this exercise orally with your kids. Remember, creative talking stimulates creative writing. Convince your kids that what they have to say is important by listening to them and joining in the oral experience!
I was just thinking that all too often we see what's wrong with life. We forget about what's right and good. All of our happy thoughts made me focus on one particular memory that made me think of the simple pleasure of seeing joy and love.
One of the greatest places in the world to see love is at the airport. Have you ever taken the time to watch the faces of people as they recognize someone they love (and have missed) file through busy airport turnstiles? Tears of joy and smiles of delight are often smothered by bear hugs that last long enough to cause carry-on suitcases to fall on the worn carpet floor. For at least one special moment, love and hope abound. Cynics who think that the world is filled with bitterness and anger should spend a day observing reunions at the airport.
The best writing comes from our hearts and memories. So, with that in mind,
this writing activity should be easy for you! Just finish the following sentence (pick one or do both).
One of the greatest places to see love is ______________________.
One of the greatest places to see joy is _______________________.
Before you start writing stop for a minute. Close your eyes and really recall the memory. How did it smell? How did it sound? How did it make you feel? Let your mind's eye write on for as long as you want! Show me happiness! I can't wait to read what comes from your hearts.
Teachers: Start this exercise orally with your kids. Remember, creative talking stimulates creative writing. Convince your kids that what they have to say is important by listening to them and joining in the oral experience!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
I'm In Shock - This is Post Number 100!
I was getting ready to post something entirely different when I noticed that is my 100th post! My goodness! I've been having so much fun writing with you. I had no idea.
So, in honor of the number 100, we have to do something special. Hmmm...I wonder....can we make a list of 100 happy words by Saturday? That's a real challenge but since we just wrote about things we hate, happy should be easier. Let's give it a shot! Play away. Come back often. Bring your friends and your friends' friends. Bring your kids and your grandkids too.
And of course, allow your dogs and cats to have a voice. Let's celebrate with 100 words that make us happy. Revel in joy. Wallow in happiness. Get happy! Be happy!
Let's go! Make sure to number your happy word or phrase so we can keep count. I'm excited, are you?
So, in honor of the number 100, we have to do something special. Hmmm...I wonder....can we make a list of 100 happy words by Saturday? That's a real challenge but since we just wrote about things we hate, happy should be easier. Let's give it a shot! Play away. Come back often. Bring your friends and your friends' friends. Bring your kids and your grandkids too.
And of course, allow your dogs and cats to have a voice. Let's celebrate with 100 words that make us happy. Revel in joy. Wallow in happiness. Get happy! Be happy!
Let's go! Make sure to number your happy word or phrase so we can keep count. I'm excited, are you?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Don't You Just Hate It When....
Some of the best writing we produce comes from strong feelings that we have. The feelings can come from our past experiences or our everyday lives. Talking and writing about how we feel helps us to savor memories and recognize our emotions.
I know that what I am working on is really going to be good if I'm crying or laughing as I write. It doesn't matter if you're a child or an adult, you have strong feelings about something. Let me help you figure out what they are!
Finish this sentence:
I just hate it when ________________.
I'll go first. I just hate it when I'm in the car with someone who yells at other drivers!
Imagine the story that could come from that sentence. If you want to know the truth, I'd like to hit the yelling driver over the head and ask, "Have you ever made a mistake?" I could go on and on. I'll stop!
If you're a teacher, start this exercise orally with any emotion you like. Make your way around the classroom allowing each child to quickly finish the sentence or pass. Writing isn't taught by telling someone to write, it's demonstrated by respectfully and playfully sharing ideas. As a teacher, make sure you join in...in fact, you go first!
If you're a writer/blogger, before you finish this sentence you might want to braindrop. Write the word, "hate" at the top of a paper. As fast as you can, write every thought, word, or phrase that falls out of your mind and reminds you of something that you really don't like! This could be more fun than you've had for awhile. Just think about it, you have a good reason to write about what YOU REALLY REALLY HATE! Don't you just love it?!
I know that what I am working on is really going to be good if I'm crying or laughing as I write. It doesn't matter if you're a child or an adult, you have strong feelings about something. Let me help you figure out what they are!
Finish this sentence:
I just hate it when ________________.
I'll go first. I just hate it when I'm in the car with someone who yells at other drivers!
Imagine the story that could come from that sentence. If you want to know the truth, I'd like to hit the yelling driver over the head and ask, "Have you ever made a mistake?" I could go on and on. I'll stop!
If you're a teacher, start this exercise orally with any emotion you like. Make your way around the classroom allowing each child to quickly finish the sentence or pass. Writing isn't taught by telling someone to write, it's demonstrated by respectfully and playfully sharing ideas. As a teacher, make sure you join in...in fact, you go first!
If you're a writer/blogger, before you finish this sentence you might want to braindrop. Write the word, "hate" at the top of a paper. As fast as you can, write every thought, word, or phrase that falls out of your mind and reminds you of something that you really don't like! This could be more fun than you've had for awhile. Just think about it, you have a good reason to write about what YOU REALLY REALLY HATE! Don't you just love it?!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
I Can't Think or.... PLAYTIME AGAIN!!!
I just returned home from a wonderful weekend with two of my lifelong friends, Joan and Linda. You'd think my brain would be filled with ideas. It's not. So when I have a hard time concentrating on one idea, I just let my pencil or computer keys write about anything and everything.
This time I want you to help me! Please go to the comment section. Check the comment directly before where you will leave your comment and write the first thing that comes to your mind ...for example, if the comment you see is dog, your word might be cat. Words, sentences, or phrases are fine. Remember nothing you write is wrong. Everything you write is right!
I'll start us at the comment section. You'll see. Go play!
Teachers, this is a great way to break the ice the first few weeks of school. Your kids will look forward to this activity. Why? Because it's pure, simple, and spontaneous!
Writers, this activity will snap you out of writer's block. Later, you might want to chose one of these ideas and really use it to write something specific. Oh! By the way, if you want to have some more creative fun, head over to Sasha's blog for an ongoing story!
Okay. I'm ready. Go look at the comments!
This time I want you to help me! Please go to the comment section. Check the comment directly before where you will leave your comment and write the first thing that comes to your mind ...for example, if the comment you see is dog, your word might be cat. Words, sentences, or phrases are fine. Remember nothing you write is wrong. Everything you write is right!
I'll start us at the comment section. You'll see. Go play!
Teachers, this is a great way to break the ice the first few weeks of school. Your kids will look forward to this activity. Why? Because it's pure, simple, and spontaneous!
Writers, this activity will snap you out of writer's block. Later, you might want to chose one of these ideas and really use it to write something specific. Oh! By the way, if you want to have some more creative fun, head over to Sasha's blog for an ongoing story!
Okay. I'm ready. Go look at the comments!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Playtime! Paint a Picture With Your Words
Once again, reading something that Tweedles wrote gave me an idea. That's what writers do...we inspire each other. Tweedles started a story with: The raging sea was roaring like a lion. What a picture that painted for me!
Tweedles could have just said: the sea was rough or the waves were big. She would have told me something. I might have yawned and read on. Instead, Tweedles showed me. She used her words as though they were art on a canvas. Her words excited me and made me want to read more.
Her words inspired the following writing exercise! Chose one or two of the following words to describe by painting a picture:
sea
clouds
sky
mountains
dog
husband
wife
boyfriend
girlfriend
best friend
brother
sister
I'll go first.
The sea rolled in like a bowling ball thrown in the gutter.
or: The sea washed away like water down the drain.
My sister curled up on the couch like a tired kitten.
or: My sister squirmed on the couch while she twisted her curly hair around her finger.
Your turn! Show us with your words. Paint a vivid picture!
Use your senses help you. Let's your mind's eye go crazy. Think outside the box! Have fun. Take chances. Let yourself go! If you want to describe another word that's fine. Put it in all caps so we'll notice your word right away.
Teachers, do this exercise with your kids orally first. Remember, creative talking leads to exciting writing!
Come back as often as you think of ideas. I'll leave this post up through the weekend. Let's inspire each other!
Tweedles could have just said: the sea was rough or the waves were big. She would have told me something. I might have yawned and read on. Instead, Tweedles showed me. She used her words as though they were art on a canvas. Her words excited me and made me want to read more.
Her words inspired the following writing exercise! Chose one or two of the following words to describe by painting a picture:
sea
clouds
sky
mountains
dog
husband
wife
boyfriend
girlfriend
best friend
brother
sister
I'll go first.
The sea rolled in like a bowling ball thrown in the gutter.
or: The sea washed away like water down the drain.
My sister curled up on the couch like a tired kitten.
or: My sister squirmed on the couch while she twisted her curly hair around her finger.
Your turn! Show us with your words. Paint a vivid picture!
Use your senses help you. Let's your mind's eye go crazy. Think outside the box! Have fun. Take chances. Let yourself go! If you want to describe another word that's fine. Put it in all caps so we'll notice your word right away.
Teachers, do this exercise with your kids orally first. Remember, creative talking leads to exciting writing!
Come back as often as you think of ideas. I'll leave this post up through the weekend. Let's inspire each other!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Playtime! Good News - Bad News
No matter how young or old we are, word play should never end. I do the same writing exercises with aspiring authors that I do with 1st grade children. It's true!
Creative talking is the starting point for creative writing.
Life experiences ignite ideas. We've all had a good news experience that had a consequence. A great way to write a story is just by reaching back into our memory. If you've been writing with me for awhile, braindrop!
Think of this as another list. We'll call it our Good News Bad News list. I'll go first:
The good news is that I killed a horsefly that was biting the heck out of Tango yesterday.
The bad news is that I got blood all over my hand and new riding shirt.
Your turn! Let's play! Get creative and have fun! I know all you animal lovers out there will have tons of ideas. Bring them on!!!
Creative talking is the starting point for creative writing.
Life experiences ignite ideas. We've all had a good news experience that had a consequence. A great way to write a story is just by reaching back into our memory. If you've been writing with me for awhile, braindrop!
Think of this as another list. We'll call it our Good News Bad News list. I'll go first:
The good news is that I killed a horsefly that was biting the heck out of Tango yesterday.
The bad news is that I got blood all over my hand and new riding shirt.
Your turn! Let's play! Get creative and have fun! I know all you animal lovers out there will have tons of ideas. Bring them on!!!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Let's Play! Re-Write an Old Saying
I'm going to list some old proverbs for you. Let's have some more fun by getting really creative. Help me think WAY outside the box by making changes to some of the old proverbs on the list!
Remember, nothing you can write is wrong here. Anything you write is right!
Of course the first proverbs that are going to be on the list are ones that have to do with horses, so you'll have to forgive me. I'll think of as many as I can. If you can think of more, please add to the list.
1. Don't put the cart before the horse.
2. Don't change horses mid stream.
3. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink
4. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
5. A penny saved is a penny earned.
6. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
7. Children have more need of models than of critics.
8. Children should be seen and not heard.
9. A dog is a man's best friend.
Okay. That's my list. Chose as many proverbs as you want to re-write. I'll go first.
Number 4. A Bird in the hand should be back in the tree.
Number 3. You can lead a horse to water but you probably shouldn't drink with him!
Your turn! Pick a couple old proverbs and change them up! You'll probably be more creative than me!!!
Remember, nothing you can write is wrong here. Anything you write is right!
Of course the first proverbs that are going to be on the list are ones that have to do with horses, so you'll have to forgive me. I'll think of as many as I can. If you can think of more, please add to the list.
1. Don't put the cart before the horse.
2. Don't change horses mid stream.
3. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink
4. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
5. A penny saved is a penny earned.
6. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
7. Children have more need of models than of critics.
8. Children should be seen and not heard.
9. A dog is a man's best friend.
Okay. That's my list. Chose as many proverbs as you want to re-write. I'll go first.
Number 4. A Bird in the hand should be back in the tree.
Number 3. You can lead a horse to water but you probably shouldn't drink with him!
Your turn! Pick a couple old proverbs and change them up! You'll probably be more creative than me!!!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
How's It Feel?
I just got back from posting on my animal blog. I wrote about a rainy day at the farm where I board my horse, Tango. Writing that post made me think about how the day felt. It was raining and the air was full of moisture. Honestly, it felt as though I could drink the air.
Sometimes the rain was hard. Sometimes it was soft. Do you feel a writing experience coming on? Hold onto your hats because I sure do!
Here are two questions for you to answer:
1. How does hard rain feel?
2. How does soft rain feel?
Here are my answers:
1. Hard rain feels like nails jabbing through my skin.
2. Soft rain feels like water from a slow sprinkler on a hot summer day.
Your turn! I'll post the questions again in the comment section. As usual, come back as often as ideas pop into your mind. Our list of descriptions can only get better!
Sometimes the rain was hard. Sometimes it was soft. Do you feel a writing experience coming on? Hold onto your hats because I sure do!
Here are two questions for you to answer:
1. How does hard rain feel?
2. How does soft rain feel?
Here are my answers:
1. Hard rain feels like nails jabbing through my skin.
2. Soft rain feels like water from a slow sprinkler on a hot summer day.
Your turn! I'll post the questions again in the comment section. As usual, come back as often as ideas pop into your mind. Our list of descriptions can only get better!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Are You Ready for More?
I could play with words all night, but I really shouldn't. This one will be quick and easy. Ask anyone you know to join us. There are no age limits here. We can keep wallowing in the love of language and the joy of writing till the cows come home! Anyone know when that will be?
Here you go! Finish this sentence:
It was as dark as ____________.
Here's my answer: It was as dark as chocolate.
Your turn! Have fun! We're going to have a list of descriptions that we can refer back to over and over again. Just think, when you get ready to write your novel (or your next blog post) you'll have all kinds of descriptions flowing through your mind and onto your paper or computer screen! You'll be painting pictures with your words.
Here you go! Finish this sentence:
It was as dark as ____________.
Here's my answer: It was as dark as chocolate.
Your turn! Have fun! We're going to have a list of descriptions that we can refer back to over and over again. Just think, when you get ready to write your novel (or your next blog post) you'll have all kinds of descriptions flowing through your mind and onto your paper or computer screen! You'll be painting pictures with your words.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
New Word Game...Thanks to Tweedles!
If you're new to my blog and don't know who Tweedles is, please check out the comments to the last post and then go visit her blog. She's fun and creative!
Tweedles game me an idea for our next word game. All I want you to do is answer two questions.
1. What can a gentle breeze blow?
2. What can a strong wind blow?
Here are my answers:
1. tissue
2. a filled-to-the-brim flower pot C R A S H !
Everyone can play this fun word game. Usually the easiest answers are the ones that come to your mind first. It will help to look at the other comments, because they'll stir up more memories than you can imagine.
Your turn! What can a gentle breeze blow? What can a strong wind blow? Think fast!
As usual, feel free to come back again. Bring your kids!
Tweedles game me an idea for our next word game. All I want you to do is answer two questions.
1. What can a gentle breeze blow?
2. What can a strong wind blow?
Here are my answers:
1. tissue
2. a filled-to-the-brim flower pot C R A S H !
Everyone can play this fun word game. Usually the easiest answers are the ones that come to your mind first. It will help to look at the other comments, because they'll stir up more memories than you can imagine.
Your turn! What can a gentle breeze blow? What can a strong wind blow? Think fast!
As usual, feel free to come back again. Bring your kids!
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