Take a few moments today to step outside – even if it’s cold or rainy (it’s really warm in Montreal so this is pretty easy for me). Notice what’s going on around you, the sounds, scents, sensations. Scribble down the first words that come to mind but then push yourself a little harder – try and find new ways of describing what’s really around you. Those first words that popped into your head are useful, but there are layers to be uncovered in this experience. Dig deeply.
Posts tagged ‘technique’
July 26, 2010
Writing Days
Sometimes you get to a point in the story you’re working on and you can’t figure out where it’s going. The computer screen stays white and empty – all that blank page waiting to be filled (or setneces getting all tangled up on the page), your head full of ideas but the words not coming. The best advice for this, I think, is to stop and go and do something else. Martin Amis talked about this at the Dubai literature festival. He said when he was a younger writer he’d tackle problems at his computer for hours. Now when he gets to a tricky part, he stops and goes to do something else for a bit. He walks or changes rooms or SOMETHING. (I nap!) When he gets back his unconscious writing mind seems to have solved the problem.
July 7, 2010
Lost For Words?
Stuck for what to write? Wondering where to get a new idea? I was looking at this website earlier: http://languageisavirus.com/ and I wanted to pass it on to you. Sometimes just roaming around on the internet can be inspiring!
