Julia Cameron (James' ex) wrote a book called "The Artist's Way," and one of the processes she talks about is "morning pages." She says that the very first thing you do each day should be writing three full pages, longhand, in a notebook. Don't edit, don't pause, just rip on through... write the first thing that comes to mind. Even if all you can think to write is "I don't know what to write," fill three pages with that. She says it's a way of "clearing the mental baggage" and preparing for the creative day to come. She also says not to read anything you write for six months. Just plow on through and file the notebooks away. I did this for 18 straight days. I liked what I wrote so much that I fleshed-out many of the pieces, which later became editorials for my online magazine. http://www.thescreamonline.com I would sometimes pick the first word that came to mind and go with it. I did that with "water," "pain," "accountability," "cutting trees," "artists," "heartbeats," "silence," and I had a ball. Try it.
Anything Goes : The Artist's Way by Stuart Balcomb
Other topics in Anything Goes:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
I went to discover scream online..but found it disappointing. "One day in Africa" sounded interesting I born there and returned there to live 10 years in RSA till 2007. The where I wanted to see the 7 listed pic lead to this links to this http://www.ditlafrica.com//?gtnjs=13405619966995964a25edbe0197eca494b2ec... and several other links to place where you can "Spend your money" such as this one http://www.lynda.com/home/otl.aspx?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=ldc_a... PLEASE, I pray, and beg your Stage32 moderators do not let it also become another platform like LinkedIN where people try to peddle their wares under the pretext of a "interesting sounding" comment or Articles.
That is an old article. The magazine has been transferred to a new server three times, and there's a possibility that someone has hacked it. I will certainly look into it. I assure you that the magazine is not a commercial website, aside from Amazon links from a recommended reading page to support the magazine. I will not link to it anymore. I only did so to illustrate a point. Thanks for your input.
1 person likes this
Stuart, I went through that process with "The Writer's Book of Days". The book suggested a simple topic each day. I decided, at that time, to make a story out of these random daily ideas. Sure enough, I made an outline that I am now fleshing out into a screenplay. I also find that if I'm blocked, I have one of my characters verbalize all of my thoughts and eventually the story moves on. "Butter. Why? I'm hungry said the man behind the counter. But you're holding a piece of cheez. I like cheez. Why did you write cheez wrong? A long dry pause. I didn't write anything. Yes you did. On your arm. The man brings up a felt pen and remembers why he's there in the first place. I'm sorry, but can you help me? Apparently you are also The Therapist. A long silence. Then the store owner closes the shop and guides our friend to a back room. And pulls a syringe from his breast pocket. He locks the door behind them both."
1 person likes this
Stuart, I have been doing this process on and off for about 6 years with much creative success. What a novel idea to turn it into an online magazine! I will definitely check it out. Best of luck with finding some readership for it.
Ginina, thanks for the well-wishes. I started the magazine in 2001, and I have a steady 50,000 unique users per month.