How do you write?

How do you write?

Do you draft by typing or writing longhand?

I must admit that for me, it depends on what I’m writing.

If I’m at work, I usually draft on the computer – by typing. But if I am trying to create something new, or if there is something I really need to think about… then I prefer to write longhand.

This morning I tried out the OCR features of my Jetpack app on my tablet to see if that was a viable option for drafting posts.

It wouldn’t upload, so I 🙂 think the technology has a bit further to go before it’s a viable option.

What about you? Do you prefere to draft in longhand – with pen and paper or screen and stylus? Or do is typing your preferred drafting method? Or… maybe you just skip them both and dictate your first draft?

So for today’s writing prompt, write about how you prefer to write. Ready … set … write!!!

Starting again… again.

I was looking at my posts and realized I hadn’t posted anything in 4 months… and before that, it had been sporadic for quite some time.

So… it’s time for me to start again.  To revise my expectations so that they are achievable and sustainable… then keep going.

What about you?  Have you ever had to start over again and again… and again?

Set your timer for 5 minutes and write about a time you (or your character) had to start over.

Are you ready?  Get set.  Write!!!

Creativity

Are you a creative person? I never thought I was, but I recently have learned that people are generally born creative…

… we just hide it fitting in with everyone else’s expectations, our own self-doubt, etc., etc., etc., until we forget the creativity is even there.

So why not play a little hide and seek, find a few pockets of creativity, let them out to have a bit of fun, and watch them grow.

You’ll be glad you did.

So for today’s writing prompt, write about a time you were creative.

Ready … set … write!

And have fun!!!

What is your favorite time of day?

This picture is Sugaro National Park at dawn. It was so beautiful!

Though dawn is a hard time for me in summer, it was wonderful to wake up and take a drive through the Arizona desert so early in the morning.

The sky was barely light, and creating an ethereal glow behind the cactus.

Dawn is so different than sunset, though I love them both. The light at the beginning and end of day creates scenes that are impossible at any other time.

What about you?

What is your favorite time of day? What is it that you love about it?

Set your timer for 5 minutes and ready … set … write!

Fall Traditions

My daughter loves to do creative projects. Sewing, drawing, building … or even carving.

Creative projects have defined many of our annual traditions, and in October, that creativity is expressed in a jack-o-lantern.

This year’s jack-o-lantern ended up being a whole camping scene with car, trailer, and tiny pumpkin person. It’s definitely the most elaborate we’ve ever had.

Watching her carve and create was so amazing … especially since we don’t get to see her in action much since she’s all grown up.

What about you? What are your fall traditions? If you don’t have any, what would you like to start?

Set your timer for 5 minutes and get ready to write about it.

Ready … set … write!

It’s Pi(e) Day

3.14, the day of the endless number. Or … if you have a sweet tooth, the day to celebrate pie.

I don’t feel like I can write a lot about an endless number, except that it is creepy how often it comes up in the world of math and engineering. However, if we are talking about pie, there is quite a lot I could say.

Today, I think my favorite might be Raspberry cream. There is a restaurant here in our town that gets pies from a local pie lady who makes the most amazing Raspberry cream pie.

At Christmas my favorite is Pecan, closely followed by Apple.

What about you? Do you celebrate Pi day with pie? Did you even know Pi had a day? Do you like pie? What is your favorite?

Set your timer and ready … set … write!

What’s for Supper?

One of the hardest things I have to do each day is figure out what to make for supper. (I know … charmed life.)

The problem is that I get stuck in a rut and we keep having the same things over and over. Pasta, burgers, burritos, etc. I seem to have left all creativity behind … or it just takes too much work after a full day of work.

What about you? Do you struggle with menus? Or are you able to come up with exciting creations every day?

Take a few minutes to think about it, then set your timer and ready … set … write!

What will you do with your power?

Between stimulus and response, there is a space. And in that space lies our power to choose. In our response lies our growth and freedom.

Some version of that quote has been ascribed to various people from Stephen R Covey to Viktor Frankl to several others who have said similar things over the years.

But no matter who said it … it got me thinking about my power as a human being. Power for good … power to create change … power to make the world a better place …

The more I thought, the more I had to agree with this quote. The ability to make good choices requires space (and practice).

Sometimes, I have to consciously expand that space. Other times, there is plenty of space naturally occurring before I can respond.

What do you think? Does your power lie in the space between stimulus and response? What will you do with that power?

Okay. Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Baking Season

Date-pecan scone with words November is Baking Season.

November in the Pacific Northwest brings with it short days, cool (or cold) weather and snow – at least in the mountains. These things make me want to curl up with a good book, a hot drink and favorite baked item (fresh from the oven if possible).

That means it’s baking season. The aroma fills the house and soaks into your senses creating a feeling of home and comfort.

This week’s baking included the Date-pecan Scones in the picture. They are fluffy, tasty and filled with whole-grain goodness that let’s you accept a scone and still feel like you aren’t too far off your health goals. 🙂

What about you? Do you like to bake? What brings you the feeling of home and comfort?

Take a minute to consider it, then set your timer and ready … set … write!

How’s Your Balance?

Bear standing on a cliff on one leg, juggling eggs.

Do you ever feel like this bear? Standing on a cliff, trying to juggle all of the tasks and commitments of your life?

If so, it may be time for a “time out” to re-center yourself, prioritize and create a plan for re-centering and moving away from the cliff. Do you need to pass off some of the things you are juggling? Great. Add that to your plan.

Next create a plan for moving forward in a sustainable way.

This will probably take several sessions of freewriting, and will probably take more than 5 minutes, but use today’s free-write to get started.

Bringing balance to your life is well worth the effort – and if you can get started before you are worn to the core it will take much less time and effort to achieve that balance.

So what do you say? Are you ready to start? Okay … ready … set … write!