Your Writing Mentor

Mary Knippel

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] I wonder..

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https://yourwritingmentor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_9242_5x7PSGG_2017_06_26MaryKnippel.jpgI wonder...

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 – I wonder... 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] This is me..

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https://yourwritingmentor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_9242_5x7PSGG_2017_06_26MaryKnippel.jpgThis is me...

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 – This is me... 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

Foolproof Writing Ideas…

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life writing with Writer UnleashedWhether you are a seasoned writer, or new to the world of words, we all dread getting started. Getting started on that blog, report, article, e-mail response, letter to your colleague, or an overdue thank you note. We share the stress of finding exactly the right words, organized in precisely the right sequence to convey the thought we want to express. The motivation to write is different for everyone, but for simplicity sake, I will give you three options:

  • start at the end
  • start in the middle
  • start at the beginning

What? This isn’t making any sense. How can you start in the middle? 

Start at the beginning…

Starting at the beginning is scary because it is a blank sheet of paper or an empty computer screen. In that case, the only thing to do is begin. Julie Andrews sang, “When you read you begin with A, B, C. When you sing you begin with do re mi.,” in the Sound of Music. Well, put your pen to paper, or fingers on the keyboard and begin…start already!

You will be out of the freeze frame of inaction and actually writing. Give yourself permission to have a lousy first draft. Set the timer for five minutes and let the words tumble out. Make a list of words or phrases associated with your topic. Remember, if you edit as you write, it will take a very long time to complete anything. Jump in and do it!

Start in the middle…

Pretend you have already written the entire piece and talk about the heart of the matter. Explain your viewpoint with every detail you can possibly include in the argument. Perhaps you tell a story to illustrate your point, or include a favorite quote. Allow your readers to accompany you in your thought process and learn how you came to your conclusion.

Start at the end…

When you write your conclusion first, you know how to create your supporting statements. Yes, this is backwards. Think of it as knowing your destination before you start out on the journey. You have already determined where you want your readers to end up, now you simply present a logical map for them to follow.

I always begin by writing in my journal to get ideas about my theme, quotes I may include, and what my first sentence should include. Once I know that first line, I’ve got a tone and a direction for the entire piece. But, that’s just me.

Regardless of the method to your writing system, whatever gets you writing is the best darn system on the planet.

Now. Go write…

By the way, we’re celebrating International Idea Month…when you have a great idea…write it down! Let’s hear about your writing system.

Photo credit:  Dreamstime.com

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] I have a great idea..

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https://yourwritingmentor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_9242_5x7PSGG_2017_06_26MaryKnippel.jpgI have a great idea...

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 – I have a great idea... 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

It is time to write your hurt story

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I recently had a fabulous coaching session with an amazing new client. What she shared with me and what I want to share with you are perhaps universal fears when you think about sitting down to write…

  • you don’t know enough
  • you won’t know what to say when you do decide to write
  • your flaws will be exposed when you share…discrediting your message

The good news is you can put those fears to rest…

You have the stuff when you tap into your head and your heart to connect with your readers because…

→You know plenty! The fact that you are concerned that you have enough to say speaks to your passion to share information of value…to educate, inform, uplift and transform…you want to make a difference in the lives of your audience. 

→You will know what to say when you decide to write. Think about a shy child who is excited to share a discovery of an amazing thing…it could be a mud puddle to splash in, or a giant cloud shaped like an elephant…she’s so fascinated by the news she wants to share that she forgets she’s the child who is afraid to speak in public.

Your passion is just like that little one’s enthusiasm, and you can’t wait to share something amazing with your audience. 

→Your message has a better chance to be heard because you expose your own flaws… in your admission of feelings of vulnerability…insecurity…shortcomings allow your audience to establish a connection…to feel what you feel…identify with you…and dare I say to see a reflection of them.

Your flaws make you human. Your audience wants to build a relationship with another human being in this world of amazing technology there continues to be a great need for old-fashioned human contact.

Writing has been a way for me to connect my head and my heart and sharing my truth ever since I started confiding in my journal as a pre-teen. And when the inner critic chatter starts in…just remember we are in excellent company…

“Each time I write a book, every time I face that yellow pad, the challenge is so great. I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody and they’re going to find me out.” Maya Angelou

The words on the page open doors and reveal paths to travel beyond your dreams into worlds of wonder.

Now that we’ve talked about the fears of what to say, who will listen, and sharing your truth…what will you share?

Photo credit:  Dreamstime.com