the writing thing

For ages, women in my writing groups have been telling me that the only time they write is at my monthly workshops.  They asked me to email prompts and exercises to keep them going, and for a while I did that, but not everyone on the mailing list wanted to get them and it got annoying trying to keep track of who got the prompts/exercises and who didn't, and eventually I let the practice go. 

Then I started toying with the idea of offering something through the blog to encourage 'my writers' to keep up their practice in between, but I kept not doing it: there are so many places on the web to find writing prompts - and blogs with better known writers than I who offer up regular creative challenges - so I thought: they don't need me to do it.  Besides, I can get awfully sporadic anyway - what if I get in one of my insular moods and don't feel like posting?

Then in today's group I offered a prompt on "stuff you could write about," and the finished lists went on and on and on with all sorts of great possibilities.  But then I heard what I often hear: But I probably won't write any of these things without group. 

So while it's obvious that there's tons of stuff to write about, they often don't do it because they like/need the structure.  Or encouragement.  Or they want the group synergy.  (or some combo of the three) (not that i can relate or anything ...) ;) 

And since people have been expressing interest in an in-between prompt thing more often lately, today I decided: why the hell not?  (i like the dialog on ze blog, don't i?  might this not encourage some?)  (hm.)  And so ... to encourage 'my writers,' and to encourage me, and to encourage whoever happens to read this who feels like writing and wants a little kick-start, I introduce (for lack of a more creative title) The Writing Thing.  My intention is to do it fortnightly ... maybe turn it into a weekly Thing.  We'll see.

I'll offer up a prompt: a word or a phrase; a visual, suggested activity or meme ... something that gives you a springboard to play with and see where it takes you.  If you're a blogger and you want to link to your Thing, post it in the comments. If you don't blog but want to share what you do, shoot me an email; I'd love to see it (and maybe i'll do a "guest spot" response from time to time?).  If you just want to journal and keep it to yourself, have at it; or if you don't want to share the specifics of what you wrote, but you feel like commenting on how it goes, that's cool too.  (you know i like the dialog and feedback ...)  :)  (for those new to blog-land: to comment, go down to the bottom of the post, click on "comments" and put your thoughts there ...)

We'll see how it goes.  (infinite possibilities, don'tcha know.)

And on that note ... how 'bout we do something kinda obvious for our first go:

Write about infinity.

Comments

[Marilyn]

Looking forward to seeing where you go with this. I only ever write poetry anymore in response to prompts...and have written precious little of that lately. But good to know you're doing this.

[Kathy]

Hi Deb,

Thanks for the prompt. I wrote 2 pages, and I've been needing to write, especially since I missed the last Living Out Loud. Looking forward to what you have for us next.

[Will]

oh, a game. I'm in! Be back soon to report!

[wisewebwoman]

Hi Deb:
Thanks for visiting me. I had no idea you were a writer - as am I. Working on 3rd novel - alas none published yet but a book of my short stories has been accepted but I am not happy with what the editor wants - massive cuts. I am ignoring re-writes on those for now and concentrating on the novel.

Infinity.

I am the liver spots on my great-grandmother's hands.
I have the ocean eye of Master Joseph, the cabin boy.
I am the voice of Philip O'Sullivan who hid from the British and watched in horror as his clan was slaughtered.
The girl by my side is the great-grandmother of the boy who will have my blue eyes and my snorty laugh.

XO
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