Daily Nourishment for October 12, 2024: Part of It Remains Mysterious
Daily Nourishment Read Time: 40 seconds
Pause/Prompt/Practice Time: 15 minutes
Why is writing so hard?
“The solitariness of it, the elusiveness of it. If forced, we could generate words, sentences, paragraphs, but it would be meaningless. So, the thing that makes it a story, the words that etch out a character that the reader can see and feel and hear … there’s plenty of tricks to get there. You can create the conditions for that element to come forward, and do what you can to push yourself into that state that makes it happen … but part of it remains mysterious.” - Megan Abbott, Shondaland, (In an article that no longer exists, sadly.)
Pause.
Take six deep breaths with a six-count inhale and a six-count exhale. Then listen to a song that helps you feel less alone. (Here's one of my favorites!)
Prompt.
Read the Megan Abbott quote above (that I’m so glad I captured before the article disappeard) one or two more times.
Practice.
Set a timer for 12 minutes and journal or take notes using the following questions as prompts:
What are your thoughts on Abbott’s quote? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
What conditions usually help you do the writing you want to do?
What conditions usually keep you from doing the writing you want to do?
When did you last write words on paper or a screen for at least 15 minutes? What conditions led to that writing session?
What are three things you can do that usually help you write? (Here are three of mine: 1. Read Essays One by Lydia Davis 2. Read one poem, or a few poems 3. Go to a museum.) If you don’t know the answer to this question, I encourage you to experiment!
Use your notes to begin writing a new essay, story, poem, or letter if you like.
Want More?
Visit meganabbott.com
And below are several articles and interviews featuring Megan Abbott on writing and other things in articles that are actually available online.
The Things We Hide: An Interview with Megan Abbott
Megan Abbott Interviewed by Meg Pokrass
10-Minute Writer's Workshop: Megan Abbott
Megan Abbott Wants to Be Part of the Mystery
Shop Talk: Megan Abbott Drinks Two Diet Cokes, Makes Weird Choices, and Keeps on Writing
Today’s Daily Nourishment was provided by Charlotte Donlon.
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