Self Inflicted Writing Exercise #1
February 2nd, 2008
I say self inflicted because it was a bit more than a bit painful at first. My Hunny and I both work at the same place but in different departments. It’s a resort. I work in the kitchen and he works as security. When we both work on the same day I usually end up there an hour or two early because that’s how our shifts go. On these days I bring my laptop or a book I’m overly engrossed in, usually the former, and I spend my time with headphones on and fingers moving.
I got some wild hair up my bum that it might be a good idea to try writing without the laptop for a day, well, an hour or so. I’ve been reading up on all kinds of writing exercises and usually they talk about all the different things you can do in a notebook, practice writing and such and all the different ways it can help the aspiring writer. For starters it makes me have to rewrite it at least once. Second, if I’m using a pencil I cannot edit. Thirdly… well as it turns out when I don’t have the laptop people won’t leave me alone and I have to practice concentration and relaxation.
Concentration because a kitchen is the worst place to have to write unless you are able to tune everything out which I was not. I had people bugging me even though I had the MP3 headphones on. Tomorrow when I repeat this exercise I’m bringing in my ones I use for the laptop- big, obvious, not bulky, sound can’t get in or out unless I have them pulled off my ears. They’re the kind that fit completely over the ear. I love them. When I wear those people expect me not to look up. I had people talking to me, asking me if I was doing homework, and moving all around me. Bleh.
Relaxation because I don’t do well when I feel like I’m being watched. Even when I’m not I have this paranoia thing. Then there’s the matter of I’m constantly wondering if someone is looking over my shoulder. Writing, as it that’s so obviously what I was doing with my notebook, pen, book of prompts, out in the open like that comes with it’s own stress to top everything off. I was clenching my hand and tensing my jaw like I do in most social situations except this was ten fold.
I’m hoping this will give me more practice at handling what I consider to be social, or people related stress.
I wrote about three pages and tried not to agonize over my penmanship and the odd sensation of having one word in mind but oddly enough writing another, or doing the same with a single letter. I couldn’t close my eyes and watch my thoughts like I enjoy doing when I type but all in all it was an interesting experience. I learned a couple of things I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t tried this. I saw that when I can’t write as fast as I type I tend to think things out a little more and add more detail, also I’m not as wordy. My words still flourish alongside my vocabulary but I don’t use needless words quite so much. On the down side when I can’t type as fast as I think I tend to lose my train of thought or forget what I was doing when the part of my mind the muse is speaking to goes off in multiple directions.
it’s interesting what you can find when you try something different. good on you for trying, and for repeating with alterations. it’s all good. :-)
I’ve noticed since I’ve gotten into my writing more I’ve begun to try a whole bunch of new things, it’s interesting. I was never very much into that unless prompted before. ;) I wonder what new things the future will hold and hope they aren’t too scary.
Building confidence in one area of yoru life will carry over to positively influence you in other areas. Have you ever heard of Toastmaster’s International? You may find it useful to look up a club near you. Go and attend as a guest. People join for all sorts of reasons. It helps anyone build faith and confidence in themselves and other talents.
rite now i am visualising my cute spirit with her headphones… sitting with a paper and a pencil.. busy writting.. in one corner of the biggggg kitchen. wowwwwww…isin’t she looking stunning this way.!! :)
i love writing with a pen and a paper. i first write in my notebook and thn i use my laptop.
nice that u r experiencing new things.
love u…tk cr :)
Liara: By the way I love your name. It has a nice flow. ;)
Hmm, I might just have to look into that. I haven’t heard of it before but it sounds interesting. I’ve been looking for writer’s get togethers in my area but alas no such luck. I live in a very… well, it’s the middle of nowhere to be honest. I’ve been thinking about starting my own but I think I need to work on that faith and confidence thing first. ;) Thanks for the advice.
Preetilata: Hehehehe, it was very scary in some aspects. Big kitchen and little tiny Spirit, but with a big inneer spirit. ;)
I’ve been trying this more and more, I’m getting better. Thankies.