Mona's 1000 Words

Many people tell me they struggle with writing. But not just grammatically. In their attempt to see a story, their brain quickly fogs the screen. Maybe you can identify. I sure can. Even the greatest of authors experience what we call writer's block.

There are many ways we can upload our memories from the well kept files in our minds. Let's take a look at just a couple.

The previous post is a perfect example of how starting one story can springboard into another one. We discover this quickly in the workshop. And it's a wonderful find.

Listening to others tell their stories can be a catalyst as well. Without fail, this is where many a story is found. Yes, from the crevices of another person's story comes a memory you had not thought of in years.

Too. most of us can begin a simple story, and before we know it, we have belted out a 1000 words. In that case we can just paint a picture, right? (You can tell what song era I'm from; the 70s.) Consider the painting above. Tell me there isn't a good story behind that rendition of Mona.

Now That I Have The Words What Do I Do?
The truth is, numerous words are really not a bad thing; it's what we do with them that will affect the reader's interest. What to do? I challenge students to break down their indulgence into two or three stories. Now your writer's block is beginning to lift. You now have more stories than you have time to write. Ah, and it's much better for the audience.

Consider the audience. Yes, consider. Please. Think. No one wants to bog down in a plethora of words. In our educational studies, we have to read what we are assigned to cut the grade. Not so in reading a story. We want to bound off the pages with the writer into the world of someone else. So think of ways to invite your audience into your story, your life.

We may love our own boring details, and that's fine. However, we must determine our will to pen less and paint more. Paint with your heart's pen when writing. Think of it, a picture speaks without ever having said a word. As can your story.

Homework: Write a paragraph or two on what you think Mona is thinking in the above painting. No, not a 1000 words, please. But do paint as you write. Use your senses. Paint with your imagination. AND SEND ME A COPY!