I’ve been lackadaisical in my novel writing lately, so I thought I’d try this writing prompt at the 13th Floor Paradigm blog. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. I can never seem to write short (just scroll down for proof of that), so I thought I could use some practice. Listen to me going on and on. Geez. I can’t seem to stop talking and then talking about talking…
- 100 words or so,
- pick a photo, (I picked the one above, obviously),
- full narrative arc
- Romance
- GO!
Hugging the Shoreline
He had no better way to try and die than lying penny-flat on the cesspool bottom of a patched-up boat with always another hidden hole somewhere in it. An open casket, drinking the cold so slow. Water rolling into his ears, up to cheeks, now nostrils, holding his breath then closing his eyes.
Or keeping them open so he could see those spidery creatures with long legs walking on water like Jesus right over his blurry face.
If she said something, right now, even “I hate you,” her voice pulling down the mountain through white mist to open space, he’d sit up.
Diotima's Ladder 
First off I would like to say superb blog! I hhad a quick question which I’d like to ask if youu do not mind.
I was curiouis to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before
writing. I have had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out
there. I ddo enjoy writing but it just seems like thee first
10 to 15 minutes are lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips?
Cheers!
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Thanks so much for stopping by!
I honestly don’t know how I clear my mind. I don’t really have much of a method when it comes to writing. Sometimes the words just flow out, other times I have to trick myself. My technique is often this—use everything at your disposal.
For me, the plot is the hardest. I have a writing group with whom I can discuss other aspects of writing, but plot is a no-no. So when I need help with this, I discuss with my husband. I also do quick diagrams, lists, outlines, photo compilations…really whatever it takes if I feel I’m losing a sense of the whole.
If you’re taking just 10-15 min to figure out where to begin, I’d say you’re doing just fine! I often take days and even weeks to get the first word on the page.
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