Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Memorable Moments

I always urge my writing students to keep a journal, but often they protest that their life is boring. What can they write about?
Have you ever noticed how a skilled raconteur can make a trip to the grocery store more interesting than a droning neighbor’s junket to Japan? Truly, everyone has a fascinating life. The trick is to focus on the details, the memorable moments.
So instead of trying to capture an entire day in your journal with a dreary list of all you did, recall one standout scene. Perhaps it was a young boy, lying on his back, stroking a golden retriever. Maybe it was a chestnut tree doodling its spent blossoms across the lawn. Or perhaps it was a lone Cherrio forgotten on the kitchen floor.
Make a commitment to write about at least one moment a day for the next week. Practice capturing these moments in your most effective language.
There are volumes hidden here. Who knows where these moments will lead you?