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Friday Forum: 12/21

Photo from abcnews.com.
Photo from abcnews.com.

According to the Mayan calendar today, 12/21/2012, is the end of the world. Whether it is or not, the notion makes you stop and think, “Have I done all I wanted to do?”. As writers, the question may be more appropriately phrased, “Have I written all that I wanted to write?”.

What are some writing goals you want to accomplish before the end of the world? What thoughts come to mind when you think about the supposed impending Apocalypse?

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Daily Writer’s Fix: December 17-21

Green Spoon Walla Walla

How to use Daily Writers’ Fix

Monday:

Sight

Green Spoon Walla Walla

Wherever you are right now, look up. Write about what you see.

Tuesday:

Smell

Creek in Walla Walla

It’s dusk. A bat jets out from under the bridge, then flies back under it, as the water rushes by in the creek. What scent does your imagination conjure up? What trail does that smell take you on? Maybe under the bridge? Or perhaps to one of the buildings in the background? What is happening there?

Wednesday:

Sound

Road Trip Photo

Road trip soundtrack

Thursday:

Touch

Dessert in Walla Walla

Special dinners should be sensual, employing taste, of course, but also sight, smell, hearing, and touch. Think back to your most recent special night out. Document it using the sense of touch. If you like where your vignette is taking you, explore the same subject with each of the other senses as well.

Friday:

Taste

Coffee

Coffee, shortbread, chai–what do you order when visiting your local coffeeshop? If you’re writing from home today, do you have any treats stashed in your cupboard that could help replicate part of the coffeeshop experience while you finish off your week of writing from your desk at home?

Photos are all original. Some have been used on Daytona’s other blogs.

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Daily Writer’s Fix: December 3-7

How to use Daily Writers’ Fix

Monday:

Sight

Washington Wheat

Whether you’ve just wrapped up a month of fiction writing for NaNoWriMo or are working on poetry or songwriting, treat yourself to some personal writing based on travel today. Pull a photo album off the shelf and choose a photo from one of the favorite places you’ve ever visited. Start by describing what you see in the photo, and see where your writing goes from there. Maybe you’ll end up with the vignette your memoir has been needing, or an idea for a travel article to pitch to your local newspaper. In any case, share the results with us in the comments section!

Tuesday:

Smell

Rose and Blue Building

Today’s prompt is an exercise in recollection. Since we’re well into autumn and it’s been months since the summer sun warmed our skin, take a few minutes of reflection to think back to the smell of roses and the verdant scent of freshly-cut grass. Spend some time freewriting, using this thought as a starting place, and see what you come up with.

Wednesday:

Sound

Train at Dusk

Chances are, if you’ve spent time living near the train tracks, a bus line, or airport, you’ve gotten so used to the comings and goings–and the sound that accompanies such transportation–that you don’t always notice it anymore. Don’t forget to share the entire sensory experience of your readers, however, and make them feel like they are there. Practice the art of observation in your writing today.

Thursday:

Touch

Fire Escape

Even superheroes feel the cool chill of metal as they grab onto railings in pursuit of the villain. Today, work on making your most outrageous or unbelieveable character a little more human.

Friday:

Taste

Sandwich

What is your protagonist eating for lunch today? What about your antagonist’s mealtime plans? What does this say about them?

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Daily Writer’s Fix: November 26-30

How to use Daily Writers’ Fix

Monday:

Sight

 

SAM Outdoor Sculpture Park

Inspiration can be found all around, and a change of scenery can be just the trick for fighting a case of writer’s block. Visit a museum or park today, if you have the chance, and find a quiet spot to do some freewriting. If you don’t have the time, at least bundle up and sit outside your front door with a notepad and a cup of tea to keep you warm and see what you come up with.

Tuesday:

Smell

Garden Art

It’s awfully easy for a writer to stay indoors, especially when it’s chilly out. But exercise and fresh air are key to a clear head–and free-flowing ideas! Go for a walk today (bring your camera!) and see what you find. Capture some images that catch your eye. Take a deep breath and notice the smell of the brisk autumn air. As soon as you get home, start writing.

Wednesday:

Sound

Beach Logs and Rocks

Even the most peaceful and tranquil settings have a soundtrack. Don’t miss out on the small, barely audible details in your scene today.

Thursday:

Touch

Tree Trunk

It’s nearly the end of the week, and in case your creativity is lagging, we’re going to delve deep into the imagination today. There’s a little tiny family of insects or animals–your choice–living in this tree. Despite their seemingly tiny accommodations, they’re living a life of luxury. Describe their creature comforts in elaborate detail.

Friday:

Taste

White Wine in Glass

We love Fridays around here, if you can’t tell. Since it’s our “taste” day, there’s always an excuse to sample some fine chocolate or brew up a fresh pot of chai tea. Depending on what time of day you’re doing your writing, it may be too early to pop open a bottle of wine, but don’t let that stop you from closing your eyes and imagining–in luscious detail–the flavor and sensation of white wine rolling around on your tongue. Make the reader taste it through your words.
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Daily Writer’s Fix: November 19-23

Autumn Leaves

How to use Daily Writers’ Fix

Monday:

Sight

Spider on Web

Today, try to see the world from another perspective–such as that of a spider. What does your house look like from the eyes of an eight-legged creepy crawler?

Tuesday:

Smell

 Pears and Tomatoes

We’re entering a season of cinnamon and gingerbread, pine boughs and crisp snow-laden air. It’s perfect if you’re writing a scene that takes place during the holidays. But what if you’re writing about another time of year? Practice your ability to capture the richness of another season today, starting with the sense of smell. My description of late summer would start with the earthy scent of a ripe tomato fresh off the vine…

Wednesday:

Sound

Rain on Steps

You’re standing under an awning, the rain falling just inches away. Use the sound of raindrops to convey a mood in a short poem or vignette.

Thursday:

Touch

 Autumn Leaves

While we’re on the subject of rain, take a step out into it. Run your bare hand along the cold, water-laden leaves. Write a piece that’s complementary to what you wrote yesterday, focusing on the sense of touch.

Friday:

Taste

 Cookie Dough

Today eat a cookie. You deserve it. Write–about the cookie, about what you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving weekend, or about whatever strikes your fancy.