One of the best things about teaching Creative Writing is that I give them a writing prompt every day to write about. And on days like today, when I'm not sure what to write about, I can rely on the prompt. Today's prompt was:
"Give 10 useful pieces of advice to a specific group or person. Begin each piece of advice with Always..."
So here it goes. 10 pieces of advice for bloggers with writer's block.....
1. Always have a back up plan. If you don't teach creative writing and have a ready supply of prompts, steal ideas from other bloggers! Really. They won't mind.
2. Always keep your writer's notebook handy. Jot down bits of your day. You never know what will make a blog post.
3. Always read. Read books. Read blog posts. Read Twitter. Ideas show up in the strangest places.
4. Always search the internet for ideas. There are some great sites out there with amazing prompts (creativewriting-prompts.com).
5. Always listen to music. I don't know what it is about music, but it often gives me great ideas. Write about memories it brings back or how it makes you feel.
6. Always talk to people. Explain what you mean. Explain what you are thinking. Talk about what makes you laugh, what makes you cry, what makes you angry. Then write.
7. Always listen to people. They have stories to tell.
8. Always let your dog write if you can't think of anything to say.
9. Always take a walk with your camera. Take pictures and write about them.
10 Always write.
Lots of good advice. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCatherine
I'm needing this list tonight! These last few days are killing me! I totally agree with #1-7. Loved #8 (but don't have a dog like Chloe or Max). Going to check my phone for any pics right now #9. Then I will write...maybe a list like this!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I would love to see what your kids came up with!
Noticing is a skill that needs to be constantly cultivated and exercised. It's funny -- now that I'm on spring break, I thought writing would be easier, but my mind has gone a bit blank because there's less happening! This is a good list--
ReplyDeleteMaybe I can let my cat write. I haven't tried that yet, and I'm sure she has plenty to say. I love Chloe's distinctive voice. I think I'll share this prompt with my sixth graders tomorrow. It will be fun to see what they come up with.
ReplyDeleteGreat list of ideas. There are always those days when the fingers can't think of a thing to write about. Thanks for sharing. I'd be interested to see what some of your students write in their "Always" list.
ReplyDeleteAlways check Deb's blog, she will always give some great hints to help. I am slowly running out of ideas, so this will help me search a little more.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list. I should print it out and keep it near my computer. I can't believe March is almost over.
ReplyDeleteGreat list and great format. Both are helpful. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteFun! I read Michelle's response to this before finding my way here (she followed rule number 1). I especially love rule number 8. I bet Chloe does too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice! This is the kind of advice we LIKE to hear!
ReplyDeleteBut Deb, I no longer have a dog! Maybe I could have them speak as if they were still here? (tehe). Seriously, this is such a helpful list. I am happy I'm on spring break-it's helpful to not have work to do & think of something. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDear Chloe- I like your advice. I like when you write. I like to write too. But my mother does not let me, at least not very often. In fact, she wrote one post that kind of made fun of me and my ability to scavenge food out in the neighborhood (she says I am supposed to be on a diet. I don't like diets. I like to eat! And if she doesn't feed me enough, well, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!) I think you should write more often! Love, Star
ReplyDeleteP.S I also do not like when my mother says she has to slice when I know it is really time for our walk!
The idea of letting your dog write reminds me to look for those seemingly, small insignificant things that mean a lot to me. I don't have a dog, but I do have nature. Thanks for more ideas.
ReplyDeleteDear Deb,
ReplyDeleteMay like this list even better than the Never list. Think I may have to try this prompt. As I was nearing the end of your list here, I was thinking of the way a good walk can spark lots of thinking for me. Also get some decent ideas while I am blow drying my hair. Maybe it's the heat.
I am reminded how much I have enjoyed your posts in the past. Looking forward to visiting again. ~ Theresa