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| March Writing Challenge 2015 |
I like observing people. For example, if I am sitting at a meeting or just having a cup of coffee at the local cafe, I will often imagine what the people around me are thinking. I wonder what their life is like? Ones that are so intensely typing on their computer? Are they working in their next bestseller? Or what about the faculty members who cannot leave their phones in their pocket even for a few minutes? Are you really getting a text every few seconds? What could be the story there?
What about the person by the window who is quietly sipping a cup of coffee? What has happened in her life? What about the couple who come to the coffee shop with their devices? They each seem lost in their own typing. I don't think they even talk to each other after deciding what to order. What is their story?
What about the student that comes to school on a Monday morning and says, "I couldn't do my homework. My parents were fighting. They almost got divorced. I got really cared." How do I respond to her story? Do I know even a fraction of the stories that my students bring with them to school every day? Am I curious enough to want to find out?
I have realized that my ideas really come from practicing writing. Sometimes I start with an idea, but an other idea comes along and just takes over. I have so many draft posts where I have collected ideas. Ideas from other blogs that I have read, what I saw on twitter, pictures or graphics that have caught my eye, or conversations that I heard (or overheard). There are ideas on my phone. Pictures on my phone. Recorded messages that remind me to check something when the time is appropriate. There are thought that I want to turn into writing ideas. There are dreams that I could write about (be brave you know).
There are quotes--so many of them--about writing. I collect them. They encourage me. Inspire me. Push me forward. Challenge me. Keep me going when I want to give up. Quotes can bring out the creative side of me. They give color to my ideas.
At times, format that I am secure and feel comfortable with, is the one that I go with. I can do that. I can do that. But what about trying something new? That is scary! What if I get the format of the poem wrong? What if my lines do not rhyme like the expert bloggers who write poems all the time? What about my words? What if they are not as descriptive as the blogger's whose post is right before or after me?
I think I need to be brave (more about that on Thursday)! I can try something new! What will it be? A poem, a list or a story? I don;t know yet, but I will promise to try something new this month. Isn't that what exercising my writing muscles is all about? Stretching to reach a little higher.....
I usually post first, then read other posts and comment. I'm so glad I read your post first this morning. It's exactly what I needed to motivate me today.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying new things this year. I've tried poetry, creative nonfiction, picture book writing, changing the way I write in my blog. It IS scary, but it also helps me see a different side of me. I look forward to seeing what you'll try. I, too, leave my ideas all over the place like familiar socks. I think that's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteYou are very observant...that's exactly what a writer needs to be. I love your various ways of collecting ideas! I wish I could do that as well as you.
ReplyDeleteOpen eyes, practicing and risk-taking sound simple but aren't. I like how you combined your thoughts and quotes. Your idea collecting tool-box is impressive.
ReplyDeleteYou must have a lot of material at your fingertips by jotting down ideas, quotes, observances. Taking a new direction is scary, but you seem ready. This kind of reminds me of my post for tomorrow...the Whale's message to us about following our paths. It sounds to me like you are following yours, and it is packed with excitement. Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThe part of trying something new really spoke to me. I read poems people post here and think, "There is no way I can write something like that," so I shy away from new things. This month, is about expanding our writing horizons. Maybe I will try something before the 31st.
ReplyDeleteI love the part about beginning to write then something else all together takes hold. I think I have an idea of what I want to do and where I am going with it but as I begin writing something else unfolds...It has been fun to look back and what I have created without a real plan.
ReplyDeleteI always tell myself to remember my spur of the moment writing ideas (I tend to get them in the shower, while driving, or during a quick break between teaching classes)...and I always forget to jot them down. Congrats for doing such a great job noticing AND remembering to keep track of your ideas.
ReplyDelete-Amanda at http://teachingwanderlust.com/2015/03/18/food-drive-sol18/
This is so nicely crafted with ideas and quotes. This is such a safe community I do not fear trying something out, especially in March. I just tell myself it does not have to be the best, just something that communicates something. Writing is powerful. I was thinking of you last Saturday when I devoured Dee Henderson's book, "Full Disclosure" on your recommendation. Right up my alley and now a new author to pleasure read. Thanks! Keep writing!
ReplyDeleteJaana, you can do it! I think it's rather fun to try something, then see what the feedback is. Write from the heart and not just your head.
ReplyDeleteI also love collecting quotes - I started collecting about 45 years ago. They have helped shape me into who I am.
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