HOMEWORK
In addition to writing a little bit (or a lot of bit) everyday, here are option choices for this weeks assignments;
Option 1:
Take a moment one day to reflect on your life. Have the bravery to revisit both your most painful experiences and your happiest moments. Immerse yourself in the emotions these memories evoke. Write about them in your notebook, paying special attention to any physical sensations you recall.
For example, recall a moment of pure joy, like the first time you fell in love (with anything - it could be your first bite of chocolate ;-). Remember how your heart raced, your palms grew sweaty, and your breath quickened. As you write, describe the warmth that spread through your chest, the tingling sensation that ran down your spine, and the way your smile seemed to light up the room. Let the emotions of that intimate moment fill your words, bringing the memory to life on the page.
Option 2:
Embrace an intimate curiosity as you navigate your daily life. Observe the people and places around you with keen attention. Then, let your imagination wander: what stories are hidden behind those closed doors and guarded faces? What are the hopes and dreams they keep close to their hearts? What silent struggles or secret desires drive their actions? Ponder the paths their dreams might lead them down and the potential consequences of their choices.
For example, consider the barista who always seems cheerful as she serves your coffee each morning. What dreams does she harbor behind that warm smile? Perhaps she aspires to be a musician, spending her nights composing songs that reflect her innermost feelings. What obstacles does she face in pursuing this dream? Imagine the sacrifices she might be making and the resilience she shows daily.
Or observe the elderly man sitting alone on the park bench, feeding the pigeons. What memories does he revisit in the quiet moments? Maybe he dreams of the past when he traveled the world and experienced grand adventures. What are his regrets and longings? How do these shape his interactions with the world now?
As these thoughts move with the wind, let your mind explore the unseen stories of those around you, what emotions are stirred?
Extra / Option 3:
Choose a single word, image, or sentence that sparks your imagination. Use this as the seed to develop your book, ensuring it thrusts you directly into the narrative, beginning as close to the climax as possible.
For example, take the word "departure." This word can blossom into countless possibilities. It might signify leaving a place, ending a relationship, or saying goodbye to a loved one. Picture a character at an airport, holding a boarding pass, filled with the bittersweet emotions of leaving something important behind.
As you delve into this word, your story begins to take shape: the protagonist embarking on a new adventure, the sorrow of parting from family, the thrill of new beginnings, and the anxiety of the unknown. Start writing from this pivotal moment, capturing the character's emotions and actions in the face of this significant departure.
Reflect on your own life experiences, especially the most traumatic events. Blend these with everyday situations. For instance, if you've gone through a painful breakup, combine this with the routine challenge of starting a new job. This mix of extraordinary trauma and ordinary life creates a rich, compelling story.
Let this single word ignite your creativity, guiding you into the heart of your narrative and inspiring you to generate unique ideas for your story.