Thursday, October 16, 2008

Creativity Boost

By Nichole Giles

As I mentioned last week, I’m without a computer or Internet access right now. But I could hardly stand the thought of leaving my readers without something to brighten their Thursday. (After all, I know there are thousands of you out there, crossing days off their calendars until the next Thursday comes along and they can read my beautiful words.)

But as I also mentioned, there are not enough minutes in a day. It’s times like this when I defer to author Monica Wood, and her book, “The Pocket Muse: Endless Inspiration.” She has some really fun, creative writing prompts, which come in handy on days when I don’t know how to start writing.

So, courtesy of Ms. Wood, here are three ideas to get your brain pumping:

1. Revisit a story you’ve told many times. Now, tell a different story, beginning with the thing that happened after the story’s end. (Page 105)
2. Write about something useless and beautiful. (Page 101)
3. Write about a found book that changes everything. (Page 196)

And just in case three isn’t enough:

4. Open an imaginary door. What do you see? (Page 6)

Have fun and feel free to comment here about your results. As soon as I can, I’ll respond. Have a great week!

3 comments:

Keith N Fisher said...

(After all, I know there are thousands of you out there, crossing days off their calendars until the next Thursday comes along and they can read my beautiful words.)

you hit the nail on the head. you are very talented. good luck with your time problems

Dan Olsen said...

I opened my imaginary door. I eagerly anticipated what might be on the other side. Perhaps a meadow with a tranquil stream running through it. Maybe a cabin on a mountaintop with picturesque views in every direction. The cabin would be empty except for a table, a typewriter, and a ream of paper.

As I tried to turn the door handle, I realized that it was locked. "Darn it," I groaned as I knew now that I had to see what was on the other side. I searched frantically high and low for the imaginary key to my imaginary door. After what seemed like an eternity I found it sitting on top of the oak mantle. They key was rusted, and I told myself that I needed to polish it up and use it a little more frequently.

I bounded back to the door and inserted the key. I smiled as it turned and I heard the clicking sound of the door unlocking.

Opening the door I saw...a brick wall behind it. "Oh yeah," I mused, "that's why I haven't used this key in ages.

Nichole Giles said...

Thanks Keith! You have so much faith in me.

Dan, great job! I hope that brick wall isn't a subconscious version of writer's block!

Nichole