Writing Practice for Generating Story
To generate story easily, I use Natalie Goldberg-style writing practice rules–write fast, don’t edit, don’t hold back, and ignore grammar and spelling. After the week long class in Taos, New Mexico in 1997, it took me awhile to understand what Natalie actually meant when she said, Put down the first word from the bottom of your mind. As I did my daily writing practice, and I put down whatever came to mind, I began to understand. I would think something, then change it to something nicer…more acceptable.
First Thoughts
Now I attempt to write from first thoughts, thoughts that aren’t hindered by my upbringing (being nice) or by the fear of what people will think of me. Natalie said that we are taught not to say certain words, or express certain ideas by our parents, the clergy, our teachers, and other people. To generate story that is true to our values, we may feel that we are taking a risk. It can also feel a little wild and crazy. Freeing even. I had a student once who called it Ouija Board Writing…which isn’t too far from the truth. Writing fast and putting down the first word from the bottom of your mind does at times seem a little woo-woo, because you’re not really thinking it up, but actually take dictation from your thoughts.
Read Aloud
Also, in writing practice, I encourage people to read aloud. Most people feel a little shy about this as the work is raw and likely to be far from perfect. This is a good way to learn to ignore the inner critic and just write. Non-judgement frees the inner story teller. If you can write without worrying that your mother or father will read it, or your 7th grade English Teacher, you might write something brilliant without even trying. Read it aloud, and own that you are a writer. Your fear will begin to dissolve. Go ahead, read without judging your own thoughts and listen without judgment too.
Generate Your Writing by Hand
by Nancy Canyon
In your writing practice, generate everything you wish to create by hand and then transcribe it into a document open on your computer. I keep my books in a single document so I can search a word or name that I may want to change, correct, or eliminate. I begin editing by printing out a scene, reading it aloud, and marking it up with pen, and then entering the changes in the computer. If I need a paragraph revised or one added, I write the new thoughts out by hand and type it into the document. Because the hand is a direct stylus to the brain, writing by hand is best for generating powerful writing.
Writing Practice Rules
If you want to begin using Natalie Goldberg’s practice writing to generate story, check out her writing rules here.
About Nancy Canyon, MFA
Nancy Canyon, MFA, is the author of SALTWATER: poetry, CELIA’S HEAVEN: a novel, and STRUCK: a memoir. She works as a Writing Coach for The Narrative Project and teaches writing for Chuckanut Writers, Bellingham, WA. In her Historic Fairhaven Art studio, she holds painting workshops and leads a weekly writing practice. To contact Nancy, or for more information about the classes she offers, email her at nancy@nancycanyon.com
