Punctuation and grammar

You don't need to be a purist or classically trained in punctuation or grammar. In fact - sometimes purposefully sitting outside the norm can be a really enthralling thing for your reader (see e e cummings as a classic example of this).

I am not that great at either myself.

Spend some time reading about punctuation.

Try to make some improvements to your grammar just for the fun of it.

And ...

Read one of those "Write the right word at the right time" kind of articles or books. Any little speck of information you pick up will strengthen your writing.

It's a little like the old "learn a new word a day" trick. Writing well is about grammar and punctuation - try reading a piece which does neither well - you will agree!


(c) Pamela Weatherill 2008

Maximising your Daily Experience

How can you maximise your daily experiences as a writer?

Well first you need to have adventures - whether these are internal or external. Go inside yourself and consider things you have never been brave enough to consider before. Alternatively - go some where new today, or somewhere you have been before but look at everything as if you have never seen it before. If you can afford to travel away from your home town, then do - removing yourself from your comfort zone assists you to really see what is around you.

At the least though, look for things happening around you. What is just slightly strange? What stands out? Jot down at least ten things per day that you could write about.

Your 'could write about one day' list can then become a speech, part of a novel, an article, a workshop or a poem. Even if you don't write about them today ... you will end up with a notebook of ideas, rich and from your own experience.

Be in a space where ideas flow to you.


(c) Pamela Weatherill 2008

Stair Stimulation

Visual stimulation for your creative selves ...
Poem, script, short story or monologue - the choice is yours. Include where the stairs start ... and where they end in your piece.

Have fun.

(c) Pamela Weatherill 2008

Quote Journal to Inspire Writing Students

Chuck Swannell of Burlington County College created a useful classroom exercise based on a Quote Journal. It is worth having a read about - as it had a really positive effect on the students involved in his creative writing classes but would be fun for any writer to try out.

The basic idea is that students are encouraged to find quotes that move them - from films, bumper stickers, books TV etc. and then reflect upon them. Chuck also had students read them out in class each week ... The possibilities for this type of exercise are endless and at primary, secondary and tertiary study levels.

Never underestimate the value of journals in teaching creative writing!

(c) Pamela Weatherill 2008