So I created a writing prep menu to try to help me get into my writing more quickly and use my writing time more productively. See Exhibit A below.
The premise is that each day I write, I will pick 1-3 of these menu items to use to prepare for my writing. I went to an online combination calculator and discovered I have 22,100 potential combinations of writing prep activities. I recognize some limitations on the combination calculator, but I sure wasn’t going to do the math myself. I remember studying combinations and permutations in school, which is what prompted me to look for an online calculator. 🙂
The first combination I tried was Write Someplace Different in the House + What if…?
I liked it. I was energized by being someplace different in my house, and I stretched my imagination by imagining a “what if” scenario for my characters. My writing output wasn’t great, but I had writing output, which is better than what I’ve been doing. What resulted in my story was demonic intervention in the forces of nature, a powerful right hook, and assault by mortar and pestle. Not bad for a writing session.
I don’t know if you’re into WeRateDogs on Twitter, but if you’re not, what you need to know is that the account devotes itself to canine cuteness, believing all dogs are cute and should, therefore, be rated at least an 11/10.
I think I’m going to feel similarly about trying out my combinations. I give this combination an 11/10 – it got me moving and helped me laugh.
What has sparked your writing recently? Post a comment to let us know!