Both of my previous posts this week were free writes. There’s something pretty special about starting with a blank screen and ending up with a piece of writing. The randomness is probably what I love best as its like a little window into my muse’s world. I guess we never know what’s hiding inside of our minds unless we provide an open door from which the words can flow.
I find I am most inspired by images. I suppose this is why so much of my poetry and free verse lines are accompanied by photographs. Sometimes I wonder if I’d be writing poetry if I didn’t have my camera with me all the time! Between pictures taken at home and those taken while traveling, I’m always inspired and amazed by the world around me.
When I’m working on larger projects like a novel, I usually start my writing session with a free write to get my muse juices flowing. It’s almost like the words in my heads need to stretch just like my muscles before I go for a run.
Recently, as work continues to be busy and I feel like I’m being pulled in too many directions, I find solace in the free write. Every evening I look forward to my few minutes to just be still and find the story or creative expression hiding inside of me. It’s often surprising how the words come together – some pieces of joyful, while others are dark and gritty. Perhaps we really are made up of a million different pieces in all different shapes and shades.
After a very stressful week, I can honestly say free writes are my favorite thing this week. They remind me what matters and what really doesn’t in the wide, wide world around me.
Give it a try. Here’s an image to get you started:
Photo by: c.b.w.
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What’s your favorite thing this week?
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c.b.w. 2014
C.B. Wentworth 