Grown-ups have to go to work no matter what mood they are in. Likewise, professional writers must write, no matter their current disposition.
Writing warm-up exercises are a great tool to assist in our endeavor to write every day. Writers should begin each day with a writing stretch, much like runners who must stretch their muscles before running.
Here are a few Seeds to get your creative juices flowing and to keep you writing this month :
BEGINNING BEANS : Explore and respond to the following In twenty-five words or less, by way of an answer or poem:
If you had magic beans, what would you wish them to grow into.
If you come up with something viable, turn it into a story or poem for adults or children.
MIXED BAG OF SEEDS :
Write a story, in any genre, which includes a witch and a raspberry.
PLOT POTIONS : Just add water and a little bit of creativity to the following and develop it into a story of at least 500 words.
Although she loves her daughter dearly, this woman must give her up in attempt to provide her with a better life.
Remember to answer the following questions to allow your plot to twist and turn as it grows into a beautiful flower.
Who does she leave the child to?
In what manner does she leave the child?
Why does she leave the child?
What becomes of the mother?
Who does the child become?
Does the mother try to get the child back?
RECYCLED PLOTS : Some of the best plots have been done, again and again and again. With this premise in mind, write a story about a boy who trades his family's last possession for something that appears to be useless. Take this seed and run with it!
WEE WORD OF THE MONTH : Write a children's story, fable, non-fiction article or poem using the following word :
Sandbox (Noun) :
1. A box or pit containing sand for children to play in.
2. A container on locomotives, etc. for holding sand and releasing it on slipper rails.
WORD OF THE MONTH : Editors often work on a six to eight month lead time. Therefore, you should work on at least a one year lead time, to allow yourself the opportunity to research and revise.
Create a non-fiction article, fiction story, children's story or fable, children's poem, limerick, poem, haiku, or excerpt from a novel that includes the following word :
Sandstorm (Noun):
A windstorm in whch large quantities of sand are blown about in the air. --Webster's New World Dictionary.
WORD WEAVING : Create a short short story, story excerpt or poem that includes the following words : Creativity, Nature, Gambling, Chances, Explore, Darker, Corner, Immediacy, Rampant, Concentration. Bonus Word : Boredom
You will be surprised how your mental cogs will begin to turn as you weave a story from one word and then another and another.
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I hope my magic beans are fostered and grow in your capable hands. Remember, all you have to add is a little water and creativity and you just might have a viable story.
Let me know how these work for you. I look forward to your feedback, comments and suggestions.
Yours in Writing,
Jaclyn and the Creative Beanstalk
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Request for Words for Next Month's Word Weaving Exercise :
I need words--that's right--Words...it can be a noun, verb, adjective, adverb.
Pick great words that are subtle, vibrant, long or short...just nothing too crazy, please.
The first eleven words forwarded to me via e-mail at LynnRemick@aol.com will be featured in the exercise.