Midweek Writing Prompt: Plugged In (10/29/14)
In my classrooms and workshops, I strive to create safe, welcoming writing communities where individuals feel free to explore ideas, stories, and concepts without judgment. After all, we need those spaces to get started. The judgment – of editors, professors, critical friends – will come later. But in the beginning, we need that soft, friendly embrace where anything is possible and everyone loves you. Let’s go there together.
When my schedule allows, I will post writing prompts for you to play with. I encourage you to write something and to share those initial efforts in the comment section, or even your response to the prompt – tell us what happened when you sat down to write. After all, some of these prompts will lead you down a path toward publication – I’ve seen that happen often enough to be confident in that statement.
Give it a try! 🙂
Writing Prompt:Â Plugged In
This prompt comes from my friend, Kristina, who uses this in her writing classes. (Thanks, K!) This prompt involves action. Go find a public place where people gather. Preferably lots of people. Coffee shops, public parks, train or bus stations, city squares at lunch hour, you get the idea. Find a comfortable spot to sit. Spend at least ten minutes observing how people interact with their personal electronic and digital technology. Notice how many people are engaged with their tech. Now how many people are engaged with other people they are with or who are around them. How many people are looking at the trees, grass, or flowers – or the daydreaming out a window – or staring at a wall? Observe the digitally-engaged and how they interact with their tech – are they studying? Laughing? Typing?
After ten minutes, start writing about your observations and see where these details and thoughts lead you.
Amanda Morris, Ph.D. 