Your Writing Mentor

Mary Knippel

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] March Madness…

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 March Madness…

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 – March Madness... 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: jamienease.com

Honor National Craft Month and get crafty..

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Gratitude journal by mary.e.knippelHere’s an idea to encourage writing without actually doing any writing…Intrigued? Sometimes you have to keep your hands busy so that your head will stop spinning those “what if” scenarios and your heart can catch up with what you are really feeling. You know what I’m talking about. Sometimes you just need to have a task to do that involves a practical result, a dash of intuition and generous dose of creativity. In other words…here’s a perfect mixture of play with purpose when want a little down time (you can do this in a half hour to an hour) without guilt or drama.

I’m sharing this in honor of National Craft Month. Its a simple and useful craft – collage a cover on a small journal. No special equipment or tools necessary. You have everything you need without fussing with exotic supplies or detailed instructions:

  • start with a notebook (any size will do…you probably have one hanging around in your desk drawer)
  • collect bits of interesting paper (junk mail, magazines, gift wrap, copy a favorite picture – add a bit of whimsy with a rubber stamp if you have some hanging around your desk drawer)
  • tear pictures from the magazines, line up the gift wrap in a design, use the junk mail to create a short poem or slogan
  • arrange the bits of paper to be pleasing to your eye
  • attach the paper to the notebook cover with a glue stick and your creation is complete
  • Bonus:  Combine the embellished journal in a pretty gift pouch along with a small pen and you have a thoughtful token ready for any number of occasions.

If you only knew…

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How do you respond to compliments? Does attention make you uncomfortable? Are you always the one distributing the refreshments rather than joining in the conversation? Do you shy away from sharing your talents or offering your ideas? Why is it O.K. to be building others up, yet never being on the receiving end of well wishes, honors, and acts of kindness?

If you only knew…

Yes, it is O.K. to be on the receiving end of compliments! No, I’m not reading your mind. It’s happened to us all.  The details and specifics are unique to you, but I guarantee there was a time when you did want to be noticed; relished being noticed in fact, and sought recognition!

I remember being in the elementary school Christmas pageant and couldn’t wait to be fitted for my costume. It didn’t matter that I had not a single line. I was playing the mother of the central character; I knew I had a vital role. My brother liked to tease me that I was one chosen to play the mother of Baby Jesus because my name was Mary. I didn’t care what he said. I reveled in being part of the small cast of characters on stage instead of being among the other 90% of the school relegated to the chorus. Has that ever happened to you where your accomplishment or achievement felt diminished because of comments from others?  

If you only knew…

Whether you are eight, 28, or 58, those feelings of lack of self-worth are genuine. We all want to know that we matter. We want to know that our contributions to the world are recognized, such as the loving gestures we do for our family and friends, the conscientious manner we execute our job, or the compassionate way we engage with others.

Sometimes that acknowledgment is bittersweet as I learned when my family asked me to write and deliver the eulogy for my older brother, Allen (aka the teaser and the “angel” in the picture above).  “At a funeral,” according to comedian Jerry Seinfeld, “the average person would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.” My brother would have been the first to agree with those words. I not only had the chance to say good-bye to him in a very special way, but it was also the first time my family really took notice of my writing. I wrote his eulogy from my unique perspective as the second sibling of the six of us. I shared a funny story about him falling asleep on a roof depicting his quirky sense of humor and distinctive style. A very fitting sendoff with laughter through tears. 

If you only knew…

Now you know a story of mine and my life journey. I’m suggesting you reach into your memory and think about a piece of your history that reflects your life journey. What’s the first scene that flashes in your mind right now? Where are you? How old are you? Who is with you? This is an invitation to answer the question I started our conversation with:  If you only knew…

I’m curious, please drop over to my Facebook page and share your results to the phrase.

 

 

 

 

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] My health is my wealth…

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 My health is my wealth…

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 health is my wealth... 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: jamienease.com

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. Started on that blog, report, article, e-mail response, letter to your colleague, or an overdue thank you note. We share the stress of nurturing our writing to find 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 be 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 how you capture your writing ideas.  Hop over to my Facebook page and share your writing ideas!

Photo credit:  Dreamstime.com