Stretching, Prompting, and a Contest

Stretching

Stretching our writing muscles is important. Why? I believe that it sharpens skills, enhances our experience, provides fresh perspective and ideas, and broadens our horizons. It's good, too, to break out of our comfort zone every so often and try something new. Keeping those muscles limber provides benefits beyond the keyboard. It helps keep our minds active and sharp. What do you think? Agree? Disagree? 

Prompting

This is a prompt I like to use to stretch, to brainstorm for ideas, or just for fun. Go ahead, give it a try. ;)

Bricolage is a French word for odd jobs. As an activity, it has been interpreted as succeeding at using only what’s at hand. A bricoleur is someone who uses something simple to solve a bigger problem. Ever see an old movie where someone uses a bobby pin to open a lock?

Bricolage is a great tool for writers. A writing activity similar to free writing, bricolage is an exercise in turning nothing into something. It helps you think and gets those creative juices flowing.

How do you bricolage? Choose a simple object like a pebble, a raindrop, a chocolate chip, or a pine needle. Set a timer for a few minutes and write about this item. What to write, you ask? Anything you want. Expound on all the redeemable qualities of the item; think of its many potential uses. Imagine that the item is narrating what goes on in its world during the day. Perhaps this simple item saved a starving nation, helped put out a fire…or?

The Contest

Coffeehouse for Writers is sponsoring a contest; the topic is "Dear Diary" (the healing power of reflective writing). See details here.

Also, if you register for an upcoming class at Coffeehouse for Writers you will be entered to win a free class, Blogging for Fun or For Profit with Jennifer Brown Banks.  Click here for info.



So, are you game? Care to try the prompt? Please share your bricolage with us!

What are your weekend plans? Any prompts in the mix?

Have a great weekend,
Karen

Copyright 2011. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form without prior permission of the author, Karen Lange.

 
Image credit: nvadim  http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1241571
                    anya-anya http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1214624

Another Contest!

Susan Reinhardt of Christian Writer/Reader Connection blog fame is having her final contest this week. This drawing concludes her Blogoversary month's celebration. This week's contest is giving away three (yes three!) of Julie Lessman's historical fiction books. Hurry on over to Susan's blog and leave a comment and your email address to ensure entry by May 30, 2009. Drawing will be held on Sunday, May 31.

http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com/

Book Drawing

Susan Reinhardt is having another book drawing this week to continue to celebrate her Blogoversary month. Drawing will be held Sunday, May 17, so hurry on over to Susan's blog to check it out. Leave a comment and your email address and Susan will see that you are entered.

http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com/

Happy reading and writing!