Did you know that your sensory memories are the doorways to stories?
Close your eyes, and imagine the smell and taste of coffee.
Almost immediately, you'll remember a specific occasion on which you drank coffee, and if you're lucky, you'll get a tiny capsule plot for a story as well.
I just did this exercise, and remembered an afternoon tea party which took place at least forty years ago: I saw the round table, the dainty china, and the guests too. Almost simultaneously, I got an idea for a short story.
Accessing any of your senses, and your sensory memories will evoke inspiration. Your senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch are the doors to memory and creativity.
Journal exercise
Try this exercise. Grab a timer, your journal, and a pen. Set the timer for five minutes.
Close your eyes, and evoke the scent of your favorite perfume (or aftershave).
Free write for five minutes. Write without lifting your pen from the paper - write anything that the sensory memory brings to mind.
Free writing prompts and writing tips - have fun, improve your writing skills
You can now get my writing prompts and writing tips via email.
For years, the writing prompts and writing tips have been the most popular posts on this blog, and I’ve received many requests from readers who’d like them delivered to their Inbox.
So here you go: twice a week (every four days) you’ll receive a new message from Your Everyday Write, with two writing prompts and a writing tip.
Technorati Tags: journal
