2020 Writing Exercise Series #145: Six Word Shootout 15

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#145
Six Word Shootout 15

For today's writing exercise write a piece that includes the following six words. While it perfectly sets you up for a sestina, feel free to write whatever you'd like (but ya know, give that sestina a shot!). Also feel free to make slight alterations to the required words if you want to avoid that eye-pokey repetition you can find in sestinas sometimes. 

Required Words: 

1) Shot

2) Sky

3) Bled

4) Rough

5) Funnel

6) Rivulet

-
Bonus Exercise: Choose your title from within the intriguing song "I'm Explaining a Few Things" by Pablo Neruda—a couple examples would be "Poppy-Petalled Metaphysics", "A Leather Ocean", "Wave on Wave", "A Rifle with Eyes" or "Of Dreams and Leaves" among many other  great moments from the amazing poem.  

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try this classic album, Piano Stories 1 from the master Joe Hisaishi, most known for his work scoring some of the most famous anime. He is an amazing composer and if you don't know him, prepare to love him.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #144: 3x5x7 Wordbank Sprints 20

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#144
3x5x7 Wordbank Sprints 20

For today's writing exercise complete the following steps. The wordbank exercise has changed so be sure to take a peek at the new 'rules'. I recommend using the timer on your phone or computer and setting it for 1 minute. Each time you write a sentence, quickly reset the timer. If it goes off before you're finished with the sentence—wrap it up ASAP!

In order to complete the large number of sentences demanded of this exercise it is imperative that you write fast. Don't think too much at all until you've reached the final exercise. The process of this quick production is to thrust past second guesses or other stumbling blocks that sometimes impede your writing. You're aiming to write 23 sentences in at most 20 minutes so you have ten minutes to organize and write that actual piece, so you're going to be writing more than a sentence a minute.

WRITE FAST, DON'T OVERTHINK

1. Pick one word from each of three groups and write a sentence that includes all of the words, feel free to change tense, pluralize, gerund etc. Repeat the process five (5) times using different combinations. No dawdling! 
2. Now write three (3) sentences that are six (6) words or fewer in length that use any two (2) words from the wordbanks.
3. Now write three (3) sentences that use four (4) or more of the words.
4. Now write five (5) sentences which begin with one (1) of the words and contain a second one (1) of the words.
5. Now write five (5) sentences which are fewer than ten (10) words in length and conclude with one (1) of the words from the wordbanks. Remember, keep up the pace! Don't overthink!
6. Now rephrase two (2) of your sentences from exercise #1 in either a more efficient or more descriptive manner.
7. Now write a piece of fiction or poetry that uses at least three (3) of the sentences you've written throughout this process of exercises. Try to use as many of the (good) sentences as you can, or parts of the sentences if the whole thing doesn't fit or works better altered.

Word Bank 1:

• Wept
• Liberty
• Ore
• Handgun
• Crabby

Wordbank 2:

• Gloom
• Fastened
• Pasted
• Malleable
• Fly

Wordbank 3:

• Ham
• Whip
• Beagle
• Tire
• Voluminous

Bonus writing exercise: In your piece, include someone holding knife in a defensive fashion, and part of the piece should take place on top of a hill in a park.

------------------------------------

Want some unobtrusive background writing music? Try contemporary violin legend Hilary Hahn playing Mendelssohn Violin Concerto E Minor OP.64 with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #143: Between a Fact and an Exact Place 12

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#143
Between a Fact and an Exact Place 12

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which contains the following place (either as the setting, referenced or some aspect of it described) and the following fact in some way (its discovery, used as a metaphor, witnessed etc).

Exact Place:  The Cerne Abbas Giant (massive hillside chalk figure) in Dorset, England (google map)

• Fact: A year on the planet Mercury is 88 (Earth-length) days long.

As an additional assignment, should you choose to incorporate it, is as follows: Also include the words "Harpsichord" "Mellow" "Finer" "Elementary" and "Funk".

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try this "Bus Station" lofi mix from our friends at The Jazz Hop Cafe.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #142: Title Mania Plus "Randomness" 22

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is here! These are daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#142
Title Mania Plus "Randmoness"  22

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which uses one of the following as its title. Before you write, first read the poem from which the titles are selected. For a bonus challenge use the additional exercise of five random constraints.

Today's titles are random. No poem.

Titles:

1. Cored Apple
2. Blight
3. When Too Many Apples Fall in the Storm
4. Garnered Wages
5. Overdraft Fees, Bounced Checks and Another Bad Tuesday
6. Torn from the Notebook

Bonus Exercise: 5 Random Constraints
(I recommend picking any required words or lines before writing with a little surplus for options, but with your chosen title in mind)

1. The first or second word of your piece must start with a "W".
2. You must include at least five words which rhyme with "Tone".
3. You must include something falling into a body of water on accident.
4. You must include the words "Tug" "Vexed" "Dabble" "Flick" and "Drop".
5. You must include in your piece at least one mention a manufacturer of cars (Ford, Toyota etc).

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try this lofi Alan Watts mix "How to Be a Better Person".

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #141: Three Things Together 20

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#141
Three Things Together 20

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which contains the following three things, Nice and simple.

1. A shed snake's skin
2. A pond
3. A fireman

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try this "Lazy Day" lofi playlist.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #140 With Speed Anaphora—Repetition Files 10

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#140

Unlike Elvis Anaphora—Repetition Files 10

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which focuses on repetition. In this instance we will work with anaphora. It's a handy little bit of poetic craft that goes a little something like this:

the repetition of a word or words at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines to create a sonic effect.

Take a moment and read the above-linked Poetry Foundation article, even if you know the term. For even more fun check out this longer article called Adventures in Anaphora.

The word or phrase we'll use for our exercise today is:

"With the speed of a ______"

There are a number of ways you could approach this anaphora, but I like the idea of describing a scene using various animals to describe the speed in which different actions take place. Or it could be one person completing a simple activity very slowly (or quickly), or perhaps one person doing something slowly then someone else coming in and doing it in 'no time'... Or do something completely different. Just be sure that the repeated phrase earns its worth in your piece. It should be necessary.

Bonus Exercise: Include these five words into your piece "Weep" "Evolve" "Plop" "Hallowed" and "Climate".

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try this upbeat lofi "Now We're Cookin'" mix.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #139: Beginning & Ending with Curbs 17

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#139

Beginning & Ending with Curbs 17

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which begins with one image, scenario, line of dialog or place and ends with another, and an optional additional requirement.

Begin With: Someone stepping from the street onto a sidewalk.

End With: A car parallel parking in one smooth motion.

Extra Credit Requirements: Include in the first two paragraphs/stanzas the sentence "The rushing water."; and somewhere in your piece include the words: "Gather" "Harness" "Flick" "Blink" and "Redo".

------------------------------------

If you'd like some unobtrusive background music try this "The Woods" lofi mixtape from the Hip Dozer youtube channel.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #138: Six Word Shootout 14

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#138
Six Word Shootout 14

For today's writing exercise write a piece that includes the following six words. While it perfectly sets you up for a sestina, feel free to write whatever you'd like (but ya know, give that sestina a shot!). Also feel free to make slight alterations to the required words if you want to avoid that eye-pokey repetition you can find in sestinas sometimes. All the words will either have homonyms or have easy substitution options, so look for those homonyms!

Required Words: 

1) Tell

2) Poker

3) Fold

4) Shoulder

5) Can

6) First

-
Bonus Exercise: Choose your title from within the intriguing song "The Simple Truth" by Philip Levine—a couple examples would be "Small Red Potatoes", "Dried Fields on the Edge of Town", "Beside the Salt Shaker", "Can You Taste What I'm Saying?" or "The Time was Always Wrong" among many other  great moments from the amazing poem.  

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try this violin sonata composed by César-Auguste-Jean-Guillaume-Hubert Franck.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #137: 3x5x7 Wordbank Sprints 19

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#137
3x5x7 Wordbank Sprints 19

For today's writing exercise complete the following steps. The wordbank exercise has changed so be sure to take a peek at the new 'rules'. I recommend using the timer on your phone or computer and setting it for 1 minute. Each time you write a sentence, quickly reset the timer. If it goes off before you're finished with the sentence—wrap it up ASAP!

In order to complete the large number of sentences demanded of this exercise it is imperative that you write fast. Don't think too much at all until you've reached the final exercise. The process of this quick production is to thrust past second guesses or other stumbling blocks that sometimes impede your writing. You're aiming to write 23 sentences in at most 20 minutes so you have ten minutes to organize and write that actual piece, so you're going to be writing more than a sentence a minute.

WRITE FAST, DON'T OVERTHINK

1. Pick one word from each of three groups and write a sentence that includes all of the words, feel free to change tense, pluralize, gerund etc. Repeat the process five (5) times using different combinations. No dawdling! 
2. Now write three (3) sentences that are six (6) words or fewer in length that use any two (2) words from the wordbanks.
3. Now write three (3) sentences that use four (4) or more of the words.
4. Now write five (5) sentences which begin with one (1) of the words and contain a second one (1) of the words.
5. Now write five (5) sentences which are fewer than ten (10) words in length and conclude with one (1) of the words from the wordbanks. Remember, keep up the pace! Don't overthink!
6. Now rephrase two (2) of your sentences from exercise #1 in either a more efficient or more descriptive manner.
7. Now write a piece of fiction or poetry that uses at least three (3) of the sentences you've written throughout this process of exercises. Try to use as many of the (good) sentences as you can, or parts of the sentences if the whole thing doesn't fit or works better altered.

Word Bank 1:

• Exhale
• Floating
• Foliage
• Kept
• Golden

Wordbank 2:

• Scar
• Fuchsia
• Pinstriped
• Quail
• Loon

Wordbank 3:

• Igloo
• Balloon
• Hoodlum
• Polar
• Melodious

Bonus writing exercise: In your piece, include someone holding a running garden hose, and part of the piece should take place in a kitchen.

------------------------------------

Want some unobtrusive background writing music? Try this "Summer Garden" lofi playlist from the Cheeky Jazzhop channel.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #136: Title Mania Plus "Pate Valley" 21

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is here! These are daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#136
Title Mania Plus "Pate Valley"  21

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which uses one of the following as its title. Before you write, first read the poem from which the titles are selected. For a bonus challenge use the additional exercise of five random constraints.

Today's titles all come from the poem "Above Pate Valley" by Gary Snyder. 

Titles:

1. Clearing the Last Section of Trail
2. Beyond the White Pine Groves
3. Fried Trout
4. Black Volcanic Glass
5. Over a Hundred Yards
6. I Followed My Own Trail Here

Bonus Exercise: 5 Random Constraints
(I recommend picking any required words or lines before writing with a little surplus for options, but with your chosen title in mind)

1. The first or second word of your piece must start with a "F".
2. You must include at least five words which rhyme with "Time".
3. You must include something on fire.
4. You must include the words "Youthful" "Flexed" "Barn" "Loop" and "Dome".
5. You must include in your piece at least one mention of a specific constellation.

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try the ambient album Konoyo by Tim Hecker.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #135: Three Things Together 19

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#135
Three Things Together 19

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which contains the following three things, Nice and simple.

1. A piece of petrified wood
2. A bent nail
3. Mickey Mantle

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try this dinosaur lofi playlist. Why is it dinosaur? I have no clue, but it's good unobtrusive background music for writing.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #134: Beginning & Ending with Climbing 16

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#134

Beginning & Ending with Climbing 16

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which begins with one image, scenario, line of dialog or place and ends with another, and an optional additional requirement.

Begin With: Watching someone climbing a very dangerous ladder/cliff/wall.

End With: Someone walking slowly up stairs.

Extra Credit Requirements: Include in the first two paragraphs/stanzas the sentence "Which wasn't the initial incident."; and somewhere in your piece include the words: "Juxtapose" "Crawl" "Hexed" "Bunk" and "Rally".

------------------------------------

If you'd like some unobtrusive background music try this "Quarantine Mix" from our friends (whether they know it or not) at the Jazz Hop Radio youtube channel.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #133: Six Word Shootout 13

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#133
Six Word Shootout 13

For today's writing exercise write a piece that includes the following six words. While it perfectly sets you up for a sestina, feel free to write whatever you'd like (but ya know, give that sestina a shot!). Also feel free to make slight alterations to the required words if you want to avoid that eye-pokey repetition you can find in sestinas sometimes. All the words will either have homonyms or have easy substitution options, so look for those homonyms!

Required Words: 

1) Tulip

2) Petal

3) Pour

4) Sun

5) Bee

6) Water

-
Bonus Exercise: Choose your title from within the intriguing song "Root Cellar" by THeodore Roethke—a couple examples would be "Out of Boxes", "A Congress of Stinks", "Lolling", "Nothing Would Give Up Life", "Mildewed Crates" or "Old Bait" among many other  great moments from the amazing poem.  

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try Charlie Parker's famous 1952 jazz album Bird and Diz.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #132 Unlike Elvis Anaphora—Repetition Files 9

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#132

Unlike Elvis Anaphora—Repetition Files 9

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which focuses on repetition. In this instance we will work with anaphora. It's a handy little bit of poetic craft that goes a little something like this:

the repetition of a word or words at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines to create a sonic effect.

Take a moment and read the above-linked Poetry Foundation article, even if you know the term. For even more fun check out this longer article called Adventures in Anaphora.

The word or phrase we'll use for our exercise today is:

"Unlike Elvis"

There are a number of ways you could approach this quirky bit of anaphora. The first step is probably to brush up on things Elvis DID do, or IS known for and to jot down five or so things in preparation. Then once you have those interesting tidbits, either create a character, talk about yourself, or someone else that you know well and contrast dull facts that are similar to the Elvis facts. For instance, if you're writing about how Elvis used shoe polish to dye his naturally light brown hair black, that could be contrasted with a story about using bright blue Manic Panic hair dye during your Sophomore year in the basement bathroom so your mom wouldn't find out. Or do something completely different. Just be sure that the repeated phrase earns its worth in your piece. It should be necessary.

Bonus Exercise: Include these five words into your piece "Pong" "Topographical" "Reject" "Satin" and "Stymied".

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try this album of piano versions of Elvis songs (none of which Elvis wrote.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #131: 3x5x7 Wordbank Sprints 18

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#131
3x5x7 Wordbank Sprints 18

For today's writing exercise complete the following steps. The wordbank exercise has changed so be sure to take a peek at the new 'rules'. I recommend using the timer on your phone or computer and setting it for 1 minute. Each time you write a sentence, quickly reset the timer. If it goes off before you're finished with the sentence—wrap it up ASAP!

In order to complete the large number of sentences demanded of this exercise it is imperative that you write fast. Don't think too much at all until you've reached the final exercise. The process of this quick production is to thrust past second guesses or other stumbling blocks that sometimes impede your writing. You're aiming to write 23 sentences in at most 20 minutes so you have ten minutes to organize and write that actual piece, so you're going to be writing more than a sentence a minute.

WRITE FAST, DON'T OVERTHINK

1. Pick one word from each of three groups and write a sentence that includes all of the words, feel free to change tense, pluralize, gerund etc. Repeat the process five (5) times using different combinations. No dawdling! 
2. Now write three (3) sentences that are six (6) words or fewer in length that use any two (2) words from the wordbanks.
3. Now write three (3) sentences that use four (4) or more of the words.
4. Now write five (5) sentences which begin with one (1) of the words and contain a second one (1) of the words.
5. Now write five (5) sentences which are fewer than ten (10) words in length and conclude with one (1) of the words from the wordbanks. Remember, keep up the pace! Don't overthink!
6. Now rephrase two (2) of your sentences from exercise #1 in either a more efficient or more descriptive manner.
7. Now write a piece of fiction or poetry that uses at least three (3) of the sentences you've written throughout this process of exercises. Try to use as many of the (good) sentences as you can, or parts of the sentences if the whole thing doesn't fit or works better altered.

Word Bank 1:

• Stake
• Fluted
• Gloomy
• Unisex
• Loping

Wordbank 2:

• Flung
• Rerouted
• Trowel
• Ventilated
• Jump

Wordbank 3:

• Plaid
• Rubber
• Galvanized
• Twinkies
• Lime

Bonus writing exercise: In your piece, include someone watching a line of ants going into an anthill, and part of the poem should take place in a swimming pool or river.

------------------------------------

Want some unobtrusive background writing music? Try this "Sleepy Fish — Beneath Your Waves" lofi playlist.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #130: Title Mania Plus "Loneliness" 20

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is here! These are daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#130
Title Mania Plus "Loneliness"  20

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which uses one of the following as its title. Before you write, first read the poem from which the titles are selected. For a bonus challenge use the additional exercise of five random constraints.

Today's titles all come from the poem "Loneliness" by Fanny Howe. 

Before you write, watch this video for the song "Peach Scones" by Hobo Johnson. I've been kind of obsessed with this song lately and think you writing folk will appreciate it, and maybe get some additional inspiration from it.

Titles:

1. Loneliness is Not an Accident
2. On Stools
3. One of the Elements in the World That You Cannot Live Without
4. A Vow Never Made
5. Taking Up Space
6. Like a Habit

Bonus Exercise: 5 Random Constraints
(I recommend picking any required words or lines before writing with a little surplus for options, but with your chosen title in mind)

1. The first or second word of your piece must start with a "L".
2. You must include at least five words which rhyme with "Scone".
3. You must include a peach (or the color) in some meaningful way.
4. You must include the words "Water" "Gorge" "Brass" "Knit" and "Boneless".
5. You must include in your piece at least one mention of a specific constellation.

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try Over the Sea by British group Cicada.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #129: Three Things Together 18

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#129
Three Things Together 18

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which contains the following three things, Nice and simple.

1. The Florida Peninsula
2. A tennis ball
3. An empty jar of peanut butter

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try the 1964 album "Jazz in Swedish" by Swedish jazz pianist Jan Johansson.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #128: Six Word Shootout 12

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#128
Six Word Shootout 12

For today's writing exercise write a piece that includes the following six words. While it perfectly sets you up for a sestina, feel free to write whatever you'd like (but ya know, give that sestina a shot!). Also feel free to make slight alterations to the required words if you want to avoid that eye-pokey repetition you can find in sestinas sometimes. All the words will either have homonyms or have easy substitution options, so look for those homonyms!

Required Words: 

1) Turn

2) Trick

3) Light

4) Flute

5) Mean

6) Alter

-
Bonus Exercise: Choose your title from within the intriguing song "Facing It" by Yusef Komunyakaa—a couple examples would be "No Tears, I'm Stone", "Like a Bird of Prey" "The Booby Trap's White Flash" or "I'm a Window" among many other  great moments from the amazing poem.  

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try Brazilian musician Seu Jorge's album Carolina.

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #127: Beginning & Ending with Paint 15

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is a daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#127

Beginning & Ending with Paint 15

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which begins with one image, scenario, line of dialog or place and ends with another, and an optional additional requirement.

Begin With: Someone painting a wall.

End With: A large 'blob' or pool of spilled paint (depending on how thick it was when spilled).

Extra Credit Requirements: Include in the first two paragraphs/stanzas the sentence "Not one iota."; and somewhere in your piece include the words: "Tilled" "Cowl" "Trumpet" "Wagon" and "Delineated".

------------------------------------

If you'd like some unobtrusive background music try this "classroom sunset" lofi mix

Read More

2020 Writing Exercise Series #126: Title Mania Plus "Ferry" 19

The Notebooking Daily 2020 Writing Series is here! These are daily writing exercises for both prose writers and poets to keep your creative mind stretched and ready to go—fresh for your other writing endeavors. The writing prompts take the impetus—that initial crystal of creation—out of your hands (for the most part) and changes your writing creation into creative problem solving. Instead of being preoccupied with the question "What do I write" you are instead pondering "How do I make this work?" And in the process you are producing new writing.

These exercises are not meant to be a standard writing session. They are meant to be productive and to keep your brain thinking about using language to solve simple or complex problems. The worst thing you can do is sit there inactive. It's like taking a 5 minute breather in the middle of a spin class—the point is to push, to produce something, however imperfect. If you don't overthink them, you will be able to complete all of the exercises in under 30 minutes.

#126
Title Mania Plus "Ferry"  19

For today's writing exercise you will write a piece of poetry or prose which uses one of the following as its title. For a bonus challenge use the additional exercise of five random constraints.

Today's titles all come from the poem "Crossing the Brooklyn Ferry (part 1)" by Walt Whitman.

Titles:

1. Flood-Tide
2. Face to Face
3. In the Usual Costumes
4. How Curious
5. Cross From Shore to Shore
6. In My Meditations

Bonus Exercise: 5 Random Constraints
(I recommend picking any required words or lines before writing with a little surplus for options, but with your chosen title in mind)

1. The first or second word of your piece must start with a "P".
2. You must include at least five words which rhyme with "Wake".
3. You must include someone pouring a liquid.
4. You must include the words "Fingers" "Curvature" "Wild" "Sweet" and "Lunchtime".
5. You must include in your piece at least one mention of stairs.

------------------------------------

If you'd like some background music to write to, try this "1 AM Study Session" lofi mix.

Read More