Write now #4
Today’s prompt is inspired by the courage and resilience of Olympic athletes like Alysa Liu, Alex Ferreira, and Amber Glenn. Consider these questions, and write what comes to mind:
- What would you write–what story would you tell–if you weren’t afraid of
- not measuring up to how writing’s “supposed to” be, sound, look, etc.?
- what people think?
- being seen as a failed writer or failed/failing human?
- How might you tell it? (Consider form, style, shape and/or hybrid forms like recipes, quilts, collage, etc.)
- How could you get out of your own way so that you could let that writing emerge?
Write as fast as you can, as long as you want, but for at least 10 minutes.
TIPS for making your writing more “yours”:
- Mind-map any images—sights, sounds, textures, tastes, smells, and/or an event/turning point—that come to mind as you think about the questions.
- When you feel a “tug,” begin writing. Look and listen for anything that might be hiding…and let it emerge.
- Write until you surprise yourself.
- Experiment with a different form or shape: a list, a letter format, a Q&A interview style with your alter ego, a “FAQs” style, a shopping list, a list of footnotes, etc. Be creative!
- Give your piece a title that goes beyond a label and actually says something more about the content you wrote.