In writing classes, many instructors use prompts to get things flowing. I like to have people write for ten to twenty minutes, then read or discuss their responses, with the option to "pass" if the content seems too personal.
An early prompt that always works is "Write about the story of a scar." It works because everybody has some kind of scar; physical scars bring the writers back to childhood memories and trigger things from there. Even those who have no faith in their writing abilities tend to come around for this one and surprise themselves with a lot of good details.
Another prompt that elicits good responses is, "Write about a tattoo or piercing." Most women have had at least their ears pierced, and that always brings them back in time. As for the guys, it varies wildly. Between the numerous piercing stories and tattoo tales, I've sworn off ever doing either ceremony, if I can help it. I'm not against the look, though, depending on how, what and where.
Today's Rune: Journey.Birthdays today include:
Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1863-1914). His assassination in Sarajevo sparked WWI.
Josef Stalin (1978-1953). Brutal dictator of the Soviet Union.
Paul Klee (1879-1940). German Swiss artist.
Ty Cobb (1886-1961). Feisty Detroit Tiger (1905-1926) who broke scores of records.
Keith Richards (b. 1943). Feisty Rolling Stones guitarist who keeps going and going.
Brad Pitt (b. 1963). Fight Club. Angelina Jolie.
Writing prompt: what do these dudes have in common besides a shared birthday and pale complexion?
Ciao!
5 comments:
I can see why the scar thing would be a good prompt to get students to begin a story. Not only for physical scars, but for some, you could get some great stories about emotional scars too.
I'm all for writing prompts. However, I dislike it when students no longer read their piece, opting to discuss it instead. If I were their teacher, they'd stick to what is written on the page.
What good ideas to get people writing! I have a birthmark, (not that it's very visible) on my left arm, which is down to me being born 3 months early. If I was in that writing class, I'd have plenty to write about!
I love writing prompts. That was one of the best parts of Michelle's class was writing for 5 minutes about the prompt and sharing it and finding out what everyone elses experiences were.
Thanks, y'all for the comments! Jim, I don't mind mixing it up, especially for the more basic classes.
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