March SongTalk challenge: write some bones

As promised, this writing assignment involves working with a chapter in the book we're talking about, Writing Down the Bones. If you don't have it yet, you can still click on the link within this posting, or click on the picture link on the page in the left-hand column, and buy it from Amazon.

So here's the challenge for March, based on the chapter First Thoughts from the book: Get a notepad of some kind, and write in it for a pre-determined amount of time every day for a week. If you already keep a journal, then you're set. If you don't, start one, at least for the next week.  Write every day, and write for the same amount of time.  If it's five minutes, let it be five minutes.  If it's ten, make it ten. Twenty minutes, thirty--whatever is doable for you. Keep in mind the following rules:

1. Keep your hand moving
2. Don't cross out
3. Don't worry about spelling, punctuation, grammar.
4. Lose control
5. Don't think.  Don't get logical.
6. Go for the jugular

Ms. Goldberg goes into much more detail in the book, so read on for further advice on how to make that work for you.

Anyway, back to the assignment. After you've journaled in this way for seven days, on the eighth day, go back and read what you have written. Look for something, anything, that sparks your imagination, and write a song around it.

Have fun, and we'll see you on Monday, March 9. And, if you're not a current member of the group, feel free to post a link to your results, or leave a comment about your experience.

Comments

[Tim]

I must admit I always find it funny to hear comments like 'don't worry about grammar, spelling and punctuation'. I don't worry about them - I just do them. It's pretty much instinctive. :)

[Morry]

Tim,

They are for me too, and very good point. I think what she's getting at is, if you do make a punctuation error, that you shouldn't go back and fix it. Just steamroller on ahead. I think the exercise is more about keeping the pen moving, putting your thought flow down on paper without any filters, including the need we all have to "get it right." If part of your flow is putting down the punctuation, all the better.

Thanks for contributing to the discussion!

very best,

Morry