Writing Exercises

Writing can be such an intimidating thing to do. It requires time, creativity, inspiration and most importantly, it requires practice. The following are some writing exercises that I would like to share with anyone interested in writing. These exercises have come from professors, friends, books and writing courses, I have attended in the past. Some are brief while others require more attention and reflection but I have listed them here for your taking.

As a note of encouragement, there is one thing I have been advised every time I attempt to write. Every first draft, (for most of us), is going to be awful, embarrassing, and a times pathetic. I have had to come to terms with this in order to move on and start writing. No one produces a perfect work on his or her first attempt. Even Hemingway said, “The first draft of anything is $#%@.” Everyone has produced awful first drafts but it’s expected. Once you reread your first draft then you can discover what you really meant to write. The editing and rewriting is key.

A reminder to inspire. Ask yourself why you’re interested in writing. Why did you start writing in the first place? For example, I love to write because of its freedom. I admire those who can write and I want to continue to exercise and build on such an important skill. Think about your favorite books, quotes, and authors and write them out so that you can refer to them for encouragement. Rediscover your motivation in order to move forward and start writing.

Free write for five minutes. Have a timer near you to indicate when your five minutes is up. Take a notebook or journal out and pen your comfortable with, and without stopping, simply write. Do not pause, do not think too deeply just let your pen glide and write down all the random thoughts and ideas that are itching to be put on paper. If you’re stuck on a word and just can’t move on, continue to write that word until another comes to mind. Once you’ve finished, allow your mind and hand to rest. Once you have done so review and look over what you’ve come up with. What insights or inspirations have been revealed?