Your Writing Mentor

Mary Knippel

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] My wildest dreams…

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My wildest dream…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – My wildest dreams... or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Photo credit:  SherieCohenPhotography

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] The truth is…

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The truth is…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – The truth is... or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Photo credit:  SherieCohenPhotography

What about the story you are not telling…

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It’s Effective Communications Month and I’m just wondering about the story you are not telling. You know what I’m talking about. You have a longing to open up about a situation or a cause that is close to your heart, yet you hesitate. Do you feel that you are at the end of your rope trying to figure out sharing your story? I understand and know exactly how you feel because I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to wonder if I’ll be judged because I decide that the time has come for me to take a stand and speak up. I know that vulnerable feeling of waiting for the repercussions after my story is told and out there for the world to accept, digest, reject and dissect.

It’s scary to put yourself out there. But you don’t have to feel like you are dangling out there all alone. I know I’m not really doing it alone.  

I have been honing my skills for years; sharing my stories and supporting my clients in sharing their stories. I have the support of my own inner wisdom along with the expert guidance of coaches, colleagues and, of course, my clients, who are my greatest teachers. 

Isn’t it about time to share the story you are not telling?

Curious about how you get started?

I’ve got a suggestion for you. I’ve created the Wonder Writing Series of one-day workshops to ease you into the writing process with creative projects to engage your imagination.

Grab your seat for the next workshop or sign up for the entire series. We’ll have something different to explore every time, and ever time will be an opportunity to unleash the writer in you! 

 

Photo credit:  Dreamstime.com

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] Summer plans…

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Summer plans…

Friday five-minute writing prompt

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use their computer. If that is your preferred method to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – Summer plans... or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Photo credit:  SherieCohenPhotography

Your Personal Memorial Day…

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George Prescott in Army uniformMemorial Day is the day we remember and honor all the men and women who died serving our country.

Growing up I heard it referred to as “Decoration Day” because that was the day we visited the cemetery with flowers and flags for the graves of our loved ones. Daddy, (George Prescott pictured above) and his Army buddies marched in formation and fired off a 21-gun salute. The high school bugler performed a hesitant and solitary solo positioned behind a distant headstone.

We remembered everyone who had fought for us…loved us…wanted the best for us…our family and friends who were our angels…whether it was with a potted plant from the Schmitz Nursery, with a bunch of lilacs from the bushes in the front yard, or dandelions picked from the side of the road.

Today, I’m suggesting that you choose a significant event in your life, a turning point, to remember as your Personal Memorial Day. Wander down memory lane for a half hour or an hour if you can. Be sure to have your journal handy to capture what comes up as you travel that road back to the old you… someone you used to be.

 

s.p.u.n.k with Writer Unleashed

 

 Mary at 21
  • What does she know now that she didn’t know then?
  • What is the decision she made at that turning point that has impacted the woman she is today?
  • Where is that woman headed now? How has she influenced others by the decision she made on her Personal Memorial Day?   

Don’t be surprised if you have more than one Personal Memorial Day. I have several…the two times I received form letters about abnormal mammograms, moving across country twice because of my husband’s employers suddenly closing their doors, the loss of my father and then my brother. But I also have had amazingly wonderful Personal Memorial Days…our wonderful daughter, meeting many fabulous friends and stepping into leadership as a writer, as a speaker and as a coach helping other women Live a Life Unleashed.

Hop over to my Facebook page and share with me all the details of your Personal Memorial Day. I’m waiting to hear…