Help for Writer's Block
Rajiv Anand
All of us get writer's block. This topic is to unlock your creativity. First of all, you will need to pick a subject or idea. Anything that interests you for a poem theme. For example, the first lesson on the Five Senses asks for a poem using touch and sound for the assignment. Then you would pick something and write about that using touch and sound. It could be something about nature, such as a season, or a particular focus, such as a campfire. You know best what inspires you. Pick a theme you wish to focus on and do a free-write first, following the ideas below taken from another writing course that is closed called Overcoming Writer's Block: (I edited it a little for your particular needs. Let me know if it helps!) --
Free Writing
This exercise is used by writers to gather their thoughts and ideas before they begin to write. The result is an endless, non-punctuated, and free-flowing paragraph that can be immensely helpful in the preliminary writing process (both the process itself and the resulting paragraph).
Free writing is writing for 5 - 10 minutes, without interruption, in a free flowing way. You write whatever comes into your head -- just write it down! You don't need to worry about whether it even makes sense to anyone (including yourself). How often do you get instructions like that?
Set a timer, an alarm clock, anything that will buzz after a set time, for 5 -10 minutes.
Decide on your topic or write without one.
Turn off your monitor screen and type (told you it was obvious!). Yes, I know you won't be able to see what you are typing - you can't get distracted by typos, either. Don't stop typing until the time is up. Spelling, grammar, etc. don't matter in a free write. It is a free flow of consciousness. Of course, you can also write the old-fashioned way with a pen and paper, which I personally feel works better with myself for free writing.
When the timer runs out, turn on your monitor and look through what you have written. Below your free write, LIST anything that captures your imagination or you think might be useful in a poem.
Now try writing a few paragraphs about list. Then for your poem, you will narrow it down even further to what you want your poem to focus on. In your case, it is sound and touch.
Hints and Tips for Free Writing
* A good way to avoid wanting to edit free writing is to turn off your computer screen so that you cannot see the words that are being typed.
* A countdown timer with an alarm may be better than just a clock as it will save you from constantly looking at it.
* Use relaxing music to help your mind relax itself.
* If you are having a hard time getting started, use your senses. Simply write what you are feeling directly through your senses: Is it hot or cold, maybe you are hungry or tired. Whatever you are feeling, just write it out, and then the rest will come to you.
* Try to write something—anything—every day.
* Read a lot!
* Read different genres of books; not just what you plan on writing about.
Resources:
Writing Poetry: A Practical Guide by Julia Casterton
The Writer's Survival Guide by Rachel Simon
A Writer's Workbook by Caroline Sharp
In The Palm Of Your Hand - The Poet's Portable Workshop by Steve Kowitwt
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