Your Writing Mentor

Mary Knippel

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] Finding my creative spark …

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Finding my creative spark…

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 – Finding my creative spark... 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

A wheels story…

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Wheeling forward with Mary E. Knippel, Author

What do the words “wheeling forward” mean to you?

Carefree times with the wind blowing your hair in all directions as you speed down a paved path towards a favorite picnic destination?

Or, careening down uncharted trails in search of a soft place to land?

July is Women’s Motorcycle Month. Many years ago I was invited to go on a double date with a new friend and her boyfriend. “We’ll go motorcycle riding at sunset,” she said. “It will be so much fun!” I agreed to the date, but didn’t reveal to her two critical details:  1)  I’d never actually ridden on a motorcycle, and 2) a more significant fact for me…this would be my first date.

I was so excited about a real date. I was also nervous about the motorcycle part. I’ve grown up around motorcycles, so I hatched a plan to gain some time in the saddle before the date and gain some confidence as a knowledgeable rider.

George H. Prescott, WWII

My father was part of the Army’s 4th Cavalry during WWII. No, he didn’t ride a horse…he rode a Harley. He passed that love of two-wheeled speed to my brothers. They shared ownership of a Honda. I had no idea how big the “bike” was in my future for the date, but I was determined to do some field research before I took to the open road. I innocently asked my brother if I could sit on his motorcycle. Instead, I got a motorcycle driving lesson, with disastrous results. I crashed into a tree, bashed in the headlight, and had to have 13 stitches to close up the gap in my knee. 

Your story of “wheeling forward” may involve your own version of stitches…representing a hard lesson learned. The message I’d like you to take away from this glimpse into my history is that we must be willing to say “yes” to things outside our comfort zone in order to experience life…the sweet and the not so sweet. 

By the way, I did go on the date, although not on a motorcycle for quite some time. I guess it turned out okay…we’ve been married forty-five years.

Please share your “wheeling forward” story with me on my Facebook page  I’d love to hear from you.

photo credit:  Dreamstime.com

Write Fast Tips from the Writer Unleashed [timer]

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Write Fast with the Writer Unleashed!

Hi! I’m so glad you could join me today as I share with you a strategy to Unleash the Writer in You! I understand the little voice that sits down with you when you want to write.The voice may say: “Who do you think you are?” “How does your story matter?” “Where is the connection between your story and the world?”Here’s a strategy for all you reluctant writers out there in answer to those questions that stop you from writing.My tip to WRITE FAST is set a timer for 5 minutes…use your phone, a timer, or the clock on the microwave…just don’t keep looking at your watch. The idea is to keep you hand moving across the page and not think about the time or what you are going to write next. Listen to what your subconscious has to tell you. Take dictation from your soul by asking the question “What does my heart want me to know right nowOnly you have the answer to that question. For more writing tips, please go to http://yourwriringmentor.com to join my mailing list.Happy Writing!

Posted by Mary E. Knippel, Author on Wednesday, July 18, 2018

 

Hi! I’m so glad you could join me today as I share with you a strategy to Unleash the Writer in You!

I understand the little voice that sits down with you when you want to write.

The voice may say:

“Who do you think you are?”

“How does your story matter?”

“Where is the connection between your story and the world?”

Here’s a strategy for all you reluctant writers out there in answer to those questions that stop you from writing.

My tip to WRITE FAST is set a timer for 5 minutes…use your phone, a timer, or the clock on the microwave…just don’t keep looking at your watch. The idea is to keep your hand moving across the page and not think about the time or what you are going to write next. Listen to what your subconscious has to tell you. Take dictation from your soul by asking the question “What does my heart want me to know right now.”

Only you have the answer to that question.

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to spell something. Don’t question whether you need to have a comma there. Don’t spend time wondering if you used the right word. Keep your hand moving across the page. Capture your thoughts as they appear across the screen of your mind. Listen to the whispers of your soul. Now is the time to be a witness to the dreams that have been waiting for you to be open to what they have been wanting to tell you. Perhaps they have been whispering to you for years. Perhaps they have recently surfaced in your waking state and you have been puzzled about what this could all mean. Your answer is as close as the ends of your fingertips grasping that pen as the words form on the page!

For more writing tips, please go to http://yourwriringmentor.com to join my mailing list.

Happy Writing!

 

 

You are a Summer Star!

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Don’t you just love getting lost in the glossy pages of a magazine? I know I sure do. I look forward to spending quality time with my tea and the latest copy of my favorite publication. And, yes, in this digital age I realize that paper has transitioned on to the computer screen. The intention and the concept are still very much the same…give the reader something beautiful to look at along with something substantial for the mind, with an additional generous dose of food for the spirit.

Well, I’ve got a treat for you! A free gift!

I’m so excited to be a columnist for this quarterly venture. My column is entitled “Live a Life Unleashed.” Just the way my blogs are infused with messages to bring you inspiration, along with a bit of education, and empower you to tap into your creativity, my articles in the magazine are meant to do exactly that as well. I’m part of a number of talented women who are lending their expertise to this quarterly venture, the brainchild of my dear friend, mentor, and colleague, Rebecca Hall Gruyter. Originally, Rebecca had planned to create a simple booklet to promote the talented women who present the many programs on radio and television across RHG Media. Then she has decided to celebrate the 3-month anniversary of launching her television network by creating a more enhanced version to shine the spotlight on the many amazing programs and offer in-depth articles of inspiration and empowerment.

And because you are reading this right now, I have a gift for you…a free subscription to this refreshing quarterly publication filled with stories of inspiration and ways to tap into your best life.

Grab your free subscription today! 

Hapy Reading! Happy Writing!

 

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] Seeking summer magic …

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Seeking Summer Magic…

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 – Seeking summer magic... 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