practice

So I’ve been feeling out of sorts, as you may imagine, since losing my job. On the one hand I had all this extra time to write. On the other, I had the stress of no income stomping on my creativity. I felt like I needed to step away from everything familiar so I did two things, both recommended by wiser minds than mine.

First I practiced, using this writing prompt:

‘I paddled out to the center, breathing evenly in the early dawn, mist rising form the water. The whole place was quiet and still and silent except for Grandfather. He told me to hug the shore, pass through the cove and find the entrance to the river.’

Second I stepped out of my comfort zone (ie, into a genre I’m not comfortable with).

Here’s what I wrote…

 

 I paddle out, breathing evenly in the early dawn, mist rising from the water. The whole place is quiet and still and silent except for Grandfather. He tells me to hug the shore. The oars are light in my hands. I’ve been practicing since the ice melted; my arms are strong.

Grandfather points and I aim for the spot, a place where the marsh grass parts subtly. The current pushes against the boat, making me work hard, and soon I’m sweating, arms aching.

The breeze waves the grass at either side of us. It’s close enough to touch but I keep my hands on the paddle, breathe deep the mud and brine. I lean and dig into the water, pulling the boat right, into the narrow inlet. Grandfather is quiet behind me and I don’t ask where we’re going even though I want to. I just keep paddling until there’s no more water and we run aground.
(to read more go to Something)

How about you? Dare to step out of your comfort zone? Care to use the same prompt? If so I'd love to see what you come up with.