Given how well the women of the USA have done in this Olympics, I’m going to call them the Granddaughters of Title IX.
I say this as a Daughter of Title IX.
Title IX gave me and my peers the chance to play and compete; the chance our mothers didn’t have. It is beyond awesome to watch the next generation grow strong and skilled and reach for the stars.
Image by Michael Howell
Those days when the words flow are magical, aren’t they?
The days when the words don’t flow? When all you hear is the hot wind blowing down the canyon, evil spirits laughing at you? They are hell.
Everyone has days like this. They can be managed. They can be endured and overcome. You will crawl your way out of the desert and drink deep again from the well of inspiration.
When the hot winds blow and I have sand in my brain instead of ideas, I will do one or all of the following:
1. Read a book written by an author I love
2. Go for a walk
3. Read poetry
4. Go for a run
5. Weep. Pout. Curse the sky. Stomp my feet.
6. Draw
7. Take the character who is giving me the most trouble and writing outrageous scenes with her/him. This kind of scene will have nothing to do with the book I’m writing, but is designed to help me get to know a character better.
Today’s Quote
“I’ve learned just to go to my room and plug away. It doesn’t take very long for most writers to realise that if you wait until the day you are inspired and feel like writing you’ll never do it at all.”
Anne Tyler
Today’s Prompt: This one starts with writing a few short lists.
Step 1 – write the names of three kids from your childhood (these do not have to be children you knew well or even liked).
Step 2 – write down five smells.
Step 3 – choose a simple story idea. Don’t have one? Borrow one of these: Surprise Party, Talking Roses, Exploding Toilet, Bus Breakdown, Burning Pancakes, Girl Scout Troop in Revolt.
Step 4 – Combine the elements from Steps 1-3 and write about the mixture for 15 minutes.
Scribble… scribble… scribble…