Q & A
A writing exercise—for prose or poetry—inspired by a very short story (613 words) published many moons ago (2004) by Deb Olin Unferth, whose new novel, Earth 7, is forthcoming in June from Graywolf Press.
Get in the Habit
The days will be getting progressively longer between now and the summer solstice. Longer days means more time, at least more daylight time. Why not use this extra daylight to start a writing habit? Here are some tips to get you started, which can be followed any time of year.
Fixed Form Narratives
What is a fixed form narrative? It’s all about experimenting within limits by following a “formula.” Think sonnet, but for prose instead of poetry. It’s a way of writing with constraints, which can unlock creativity.
Know Your Traits
You, too, can be a productive writer. One of the tricks is to work with—rather than against—your personal traits. In other words, use your traits to develop a writing habit that works for you.
Word by Word
A new writing exercise for a new year. This one is all about taking it slow and was inspired by Amy Hempel. Invite a few friends to join you, and when you’re done send copies of your work to each other via snail mail, also slow!
Free to the People
When I temporarily relocated to Pittsburgh a few years ago, I was happy to discover a library just blocks away from the house were were subletting, a branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP), whose tagline is “Free to the People.”
“The only way to write a book...”
“The only way to write a book, I’m fond of telling people, is to actually write a book. That’s how you write a book.”
– Anne Enright
Twisted Tales
If you’re lacking inspiration now that the days are growing shorter and darker, here are a few fairy-tale themed prompts to get you writing. These will work for poetry or prose.