WRITERS

Four Reasons to Try Writing Prompts and Challenges

 

When I don’t know what to write, writing prompts and challenges are my go-to writer’s block busters. The one I’ve tackled most recently is the Sweet Seven presented by author Hannah Deurloo, and if you like writing for children, give her challenge a shot! Here’s what I love about them:

 

1. Writing Prompts are Short

Like a handful of blueberries (as opposed to a meal), writing prompts are low commitment and energy-packed. They don’t take long to write, and that’s a big deal. When I feel stuck, I want to get moving again fast. A prompt can get me from A to B in a paragraph. Boom.

 

2. You’ve Got Room to Grow

Whether the challenge is a paragraph, page, flash fiction, or short story, you can always make it longer if you want to. I love the creative freedom this brings. I once did a 24-hour challenge with a friend, and the story that came from it was cooler than I anticipated. Maybe one day it will be a novel, but for today, it’s something started with room to grow.

 

3. Hello, Focus

If a river is blocked, the water disperses. The same kind of thing happens (at least to me) with writer’s block. Instead of cutting a clear path, my thoughts can begin to go all over the place. A prompt gives me a problem to solve. Navigating the waters becomes the focus again, and I’m back on course.

 

4. Gain a New Perspective

Writers can be great builders, but when we always use the same materials, the work gets mundane. If you use a book, an online challenge, or even make up your own writing prompt with a friend, it forces you to try something out of your box. And that, my friends, helps to get those inventive wheels turning again.

 

You can do it! What challenge will you conquer today?

 

Until next time,

Invent your story

WRITERS

I Met My Target Audience This Week

The coolest thing happened this week. I got a comment. It wasn’t a, “Hey, I like what you’re doing!” kind of comment – although I appreciate all feedback. It was a, “I get criticized for my out-of-the-box thinking, and your words really encouraged me…” kind of comment.

Not a public comment. Not a “two thumbs up” from a well-known critic that’s going to make my career. It wasn’t a call from an agent. It was a person who was facing a challenge, and my words encouraged them.

Wow.

You know what, writers? It’s worth it. For that alone, it’s worth it. Yes, writing takes hours, days, weeks, and years. Yes, you may never make a dime from it. It may take a very, very long time (if you’re like me) and you are going to face a zillion challenges in every form imaginable.

For that one person, it’s worth it.

People say to write for yourself, and I don’t argue that. Putting those thoughts, words, and ideas onto paper is fulfilling, and if you’re only writing for others, you may lose yourself in the process. Write like you. Write for you. Just write. It’s good.

But with billions of people on the planet, there’s a good chance someone out there will benefit from what you have to say. From honesty. From your brand of crazy – because we all have our own brand of crazy.

My goal, this week, is to let one of the people who’ve encouraged me know that they’ve made a difference in my life. I’m part of someone’s “target audience” too – and I’m easily part of the “audience” of the person whose comment had an impact on me. Friends, we need each other, and that is a gift.

Until next time,

Invent your story

If you’re looking for more encouragement, check out Chocolates and Writing Advice. Happy Friday!

ARTISTS

Spice Up Your Cereal Boxes with Sharpie Art

I can’t take credit for the cool faces on all of these boxes. I have an artist in my home who learned this technique from a buddy. Since my son took it up, our home has exploded with fun faces that bust up the doldrums of household routines. 

Just for giggles, here’s my how-to tutorial for Cereal Box Sharpie Art:

1.) Choose a cereal (or other) box.

2.) Grab a sharpie.

3.) Get creative.

How long has it been since you’ve given yourself complete creative freedom? When was the last time you recklessly abandoned the rules and thought, “What else could this be?” The ingenuity of this art form is its out-of-the-box thinking. Sorry guys, it just had to be punned.

Just in case you think I’m off my rocker, I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m not a super-great artist. I love art, and I marvel at the classic, great artists who’ve earned every bit of their fame. But I am not, and will never be, one of those men or women.

I’m more of an “art-inspires-me-so-I-create” kind of artist. A lot of my work is just odd. I like it that way. But why in the world do I put it online for you to see and try for yourself?

Here’s the thing: I don’t care what category your profession falls under – healthcare, hospitality, computer software development, or waste management – every job needs innovative thinking. Are faces on cereal boxes innovative? Maybe, but they definitely shake things up, and they’re reminders.

 

Reminders that things can change.

 

So, if you’re stuck in any way, shape, or form in life, grab a sharpie and a box. Change it up! Remind yourself that even good things can be a little brighter when you add your creative thinking to them.

Until next time,

Invent your story

 

 

WRITERS

Some Stretching Thoughts for Struggling Writers

How long has it been since your last adventure? I’m not talking about reading a book or using your imagination today. I mean the lapse of time since you last slipped on the shoes you don’t usually wear, walked to a place you don’t usually go, and tried something you’ve never tried before.

Writers are stereotyped for a reason. We can get really stuck in our heads. I don’t think we avoid adventures on purpose – I think sometimes we forget we’re not having them because we imagine a new escapade every day.

Experts say reading and writing each day will improve your skills, and it’s true. But if you’re reading, writing, and looking at your work with disgust every day, then doing the work isn’t your problem.

The problem could be you need to live a little bit.

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.  – Henry David Thoreau

This is one of Thoreau’s most famous quotes. The beautiful thing is he wasn’t just making up pretty words: he lived it. He went into the woods and deliberately lived. Your adventure doesn’t have to be as intense as Henry’s, but be deliberate.

Awhile ago, I had some free time that I could have spent writing, but I went downtown Grand Rapids instead. I put away my old sneakers for fancier shoes (that gave me blisters to remember them by) and strolled along the sunny streets. The city was full of history, busyness, mystery, and untold stories. I may or may not have forgotten where I parked at one point.

From the monument celebrating Rosa Parks to the curious Bull’s Head overhang, Grand Rapids was a beautiful place to deliberately live for an afternoon. When you step outside today, take in the air, the rain, and the mayhem. Let yourself be inspired.

Until next time,

Invent your story

WRITERS

3 Steps to Freedom for the Creative Writer

What do you see when you look at a blank page? Do you see opposition or opportunity? Today I am going to share about a writing technique/concept. I learned this from a professor in college, and it’s something I still practice today.

First, hunt for a blank piece of paper.

It must be free from all other things: no lines, no headers, and no artwork. If you like to write on colored paper, you absolutely can – I would just say be mindful of the color. In fact, if you write a novel by hand and complete your entire rough draft on pink paper, I think that alone is interesting enough for me to want to look at the book.

Second, shut down your computer.

Your blank page cannot be on your computer screen. This must be a real-time, real-life, legit piece of paper. Size doesn’t matter. Well, depending on how many words you want to put on it, you might need more pages. But you want to have a piece of paper you can lift up, fold, smell, rip, and take with you wherever you go. Now, you’re ready to write.

Third, consider the opportunity.

Many writers avoid blank pages because we fear writer’s block. But when a child looks at a blank piece of paper, something is sparked within them. Excitement. Opportunity. They’re not constantly being autocorrected or forced into perfect spacing. They are free to press on a pen, crayon, or marker, and put into words the wonder that is inside their minds. If words don’t do it justice, a sketch here or there will fill in the gaps. It’s a beautiful, personal, and smart way to craft creative work.

There is a time and a place for the computer, typewriter, or whatever tool you want to use. They help to make your work accessible, readable, and grammatically correct. But I challenge you to a blank piece of paper today: an open world waiting for you to invent it.