Writing 101, Day Ten: Let the scene write itself

Writing 101, Day Ten: Let the scene write itself

Find a spot where you can sit and observe for at least 20 minutes: a bench at a park, shopping mall, or museum; from inside your car in a parking lot; or even a place close to home, like your front porch. Ideally, it’s a location where you can watch action and interaction in a setting (between people, wildlife, weather, etc.).

You can write your post “on location,” on your laptop or your phone, so the details are fresh in your mind. Or, you can take notes first in a notebook, then draft the scene later at home. If you’re not sure which direction to go, here are some ideas:

Write a poem based on what you see, like this sonnet on plastic and pollution by Malcolm Guite.

Create a short story with dialogue based on exchanges you overhear between two people.
Draft a meditation on life inspired by nature surrounding you.
Shape a story or personal essay around an object, sign, or something else within your setting.

Don’t be afraid to take risks! Your response can be purely nonfiction and be an exact report of what you see, or a piece of creative nonfiction that uses storytelling elements (like point of view, pacing, and dialogue) to shape a more dramatic narrative.

“The road to hell is paved with works-in-progress” Philip Roth

Writing 101, Day Ten: Let the scene write itself

Writing non fiction
Causes me lots of friction
I am torn between real life
And the safety of fantasy
The internal strife
Living a daydream
Or surrendering to reality
Quite simple it would seam
If I only gave the permission
To write a simple edition
Of something non fiction
Without too much contradiction
Maybe a learning curve
My thoughts to unnerve