Today, why don’t you write something backwards?
Spell a poem backwards.
Write a story or essay from right to left, bottom to top.
Here it is. A real travelling machine. Take it. It’s yours for the day.
Now, tell me, what would you do with it?
Write down your first thoughts (and feelings?). Write them quick.
I’ve always enjoyed exploring creativity. Perhaps, you can also join this exploration…
- What is creativity to you?
- Do you consider yourself a creative person? Why or why not?
- How do you express creativity?
- How do you stifle creativity?
Write a poem, a vignette, an essay, or a short filler on any of the following:
1) Write a short tip for writers (or yourself) who want to have more time for writing.
2) If you have all the time in the world, what would you like to accomplish in the next five years?
3) List down 5 time wasters; 5 time savers.
4) What is time to you?
1) Choose one of the following themes or idea starters (or you might want to create your own):
- A Different Christmas - Love in the Snow
- A New Millenium Family - Thanksgiving Dinner
- Weddings in (your) Country - Wish List
- Fireworks at Night - Teenage Suicide
- New Year Traditions - Holiday Songs
Note: You may combine two or more themes/ideas as you develop your writing project.
2) Begin your project with the word “Remember”.
3) Include the item - “pen” - in your piece.
4) On a separate area, briefly share what your finished piece means to you.
While no amount of words can change the situation when tragedies strike, writing about how we feel can help comfort and heal our aching hearts. Here, then, are some writing prompts that you might want to use as you try to cope with the horrible tragedy.
Complete the Thoughts…
1) The tragedy made me feel… because…
2) I found out about the tragedy while…
3) I pray…
4) If only…
5) Maybe one day…
6) Terrorism/The natural tragedy is…
7) Everyday, I…
Sometimes I wish…
9) The worst tragedy is…
10) Bad things happen…
Asking and Answering Questions
1) If you could list five questions about the tragedy, what would these questions be? Write them down.
2) If you could talk to one person about this incident, who would it be? What would you tell him/her?
3) How do you cope with pain?
4) If you could help one person at this time of our tragedy, who would it be? Why and what would you do?
5) What do you think people around the world should do in the face of these troubled times? List down three to five suggestions.
A) On your way to a writers’ workshop, you see another person on the street and you immediately know that he/she is also a writer. Describe what you see.
B) During a writers’ workshop, the facilitator asks you “Why do you write?” What will you tell him/her?
Based on this writing prompt, here are what some writers have to say:
“Flirting is the art of lying without moving your lips”. - Kari Hayes
“Poetry is the art of speaking even if you get rejected.” - deborah hale
“Wealth is the art of having five cars on the drive when you’ve nothing in the fridge.” - John Dunne
“Faith is the art of believing without seeing, hearing or touching.” - Bill Lewis
“Research is the art of plagarizing everyone.” - Michelle Wiggins
“Wisdom is the art of knowing when to keep your opinion to yourself.” - Michelle Wiggins
“Celibacy is the art of setting off the fire extinguisher every time someone raises the alarm.” - Debra Heal
“Popularity is the art of knowing when to keep your mouth shut.” - clea
“Love is the art of compassion and forgiveness, patience and persistence, sacrifice and faith.” - Tina L. Miller
“Intelligence is not enough without inspiration.” (paraphrased from a car commercial, I forgot which!)
What is it that inspires you as a writer? List three sources of inspiration. You may or may not share how and why these things inspire you.
What is your favourite quote on and about writing? Would you like to share with us why you like it? Or perhaps, you can let us know how the quote helped you in your own writing.
I’ve got plenty of favourite writing quotes. I’m keeping a collection of these quotes. 
Here’s one I found at random in my file:
“The discipline of the writer is to learn to be still and listen to what the subject has to tell him.”
- Rachel Carson
