Blog Archives

On the Road

8/31/2015

Who is coming up the road?

Create a scene that answers this question using the photograph as your inspiration.

(click for a closer look)

A couple renovating an old house discovers a secret passage.

Describe this discovery. Your narrative should address the following: In what room did they find it? How did they discover it? What does it look like? Where does it lead to? What do they do?

The answers to these questions should be woven seamlessly into the narrative. You may use any perspective you wish for this entry.

An “Udderly" Bizarre Event

8/27/2015

A man in Tokyo looks out of his window to see a cow walking down the street.

For roughly half of your entry, describe his reaction to this image.

For the other half, describe how the situation is playing out on the street (interactions with vehicles, pedestrians, shops, etc.)

Idea Bank #1

8/26/2015

Compile a list of eight experiences (events) and eight individuals (characters) from your own life that you can draw from in future writing (a total of 16 items).

Each item should include a short explanation of why you believe this to be a good source of inspiration.

For events, write a brief summary of what happened.

For characters, write a brief description of the individual and his/her role.

Extraordinary ordinary Objects

8/25/2015

Some writers find inspiration in the most ordinary objects and places. Think of Stephen King’s source for “The Mangler”. Consider some other titles--The Indian in the Cupboard, The Girl in the Fireplace, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, etc.

Pick any household item, piece of furniture, or other home fixture. For the purposes of your journal, it is, in some way, different than normal.

Write a fantastical account of its abnormalities and what that means for the household (i.e. the building, the neighborhood, the residents, etc.)

That was my great-grandmother’s...

8/24/2015

Write a scene that begins with someone saying...

That was my great-grandmother’s!

Consider all aspects of this scene.

Questions to ask yourself might include: Who is saying this? What is he/she talking about? Where is it? etc. (These are not the only questions you would need to ask...)

Goodbye and meow!

8/21/2015

An unemployed woman decides to pack up her four cats and move to a foreign country.

Imagine you are the landlord. Describe her apartment when you open her door a week after she leaves.

Bon Appetit!

8/19/2015

You are at a restaurant and just received your meal. Unfortunately, it is the WORST meal you’ve ever encountered.

Describe the meal, why it is terrible and your reactions to the experience.

Be sure to provide as many relevant as possible.

Aunt Edna’s painting

8/18/2015

Entrusted to you by your great aunt Edna for safekeeping, you have unfortunately lost the random work of art to the right.

Your friends and neighbors have never seen the picture before.

In as much detail as possible, write a description of the painting so they can help you locate it before your great aunt Edna returns from Florida.

(click for a closer look)

Listen to the Music

8/17/2015

Click play on the link to the right and then close your eyes and listen.

Imagine where you might hear this kind of music.

What do you see?

What images come to mind? Where does the scene take place? Who is there? What is there?

In your journal, use your descriptive writing skills to recreate the scene you’ve imagined...

On the Road

This Old House