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catalysts for writing
catalysts for writing
Ever notice how many magazine articles have a list in the title? "10 Apps Every College Student Needs," "6 Songs to Play on Acoustic Guitar," "7 Body Myths Busted," "3 Rules for Real Strength." You get the idea. Make a quick list based on any topic. Ideas: Things you are an expert on, best/worst events, favorite words, etc. Then star or highlight the things you could write more about. Then write!
The best bonus to this strategy is that you can use it an any time in your writing process. I use it to get unstuck once I've run out of ideas. Most of my notebook drafts have lists in the margins for when I come back to the writing fresh to get my writing launched next time. Two of my favorite lists come from a favorite book, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. The main character Melinda shares the "First Ten Lies They Tell You in High School" and later "Ten More Lies They Tell You in High School." These lists give a clear understanding of Melinda's character. THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL 1. We are here to help you. 2. You will have time to get to your class before the bell rings. 3. The dress code will be enforced. 4. No smoking is allowed on school grounds. 5. Our football team will win the championship this year. 6. We expect more of you here. 7. Guidance counselors are always available to listen. 8. Your schedule was created with you in mind. 9. Your locker combination is private. 10. These will be the years you look back on fondly. TEN MORE LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL 1. You will use algebra in your adult lives. 2. Driving to school is a privilege that can be taken away. 3. Students must stay on campus during lunch. 4. The new text books will arrive any day now. 5. Colleges care more about you than your SAT scores. 6. We are enforcing the dress code. 7. We will figure out how to turn off the heat soon. 8. Our bus drivers are highly trained professionals. 9. There is nothing wrong with summer school. 10. We want to hear what you have to say." — Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak) Another of my favorite lists is from an old favorite movie Ten Things I Hate About You, based on William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
Taylor found another listing strategy that's cool: to write an alphabetical advice list. Check it out at http://writingprompts.tumblr.com/post/11306724617/270.
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AuthorMrs. Paulsen writes, reads, knits and shoots arrows. Archives
November 2015
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