Wednesday's Writing Prompt - the beginning

I teach a class on writing and encourage journal keeping. I kept a journal while I spent time in England as teen. Years later, I found that old notebook and read through it. Funny thing... my first book (Painted Soul) was born and thus led to many more. Keeping a journal is not only documenting thoughts, feeling or events but it's a great way to exercise your mind. Writing can be a form of meditation, relaxation and therapy. An athlete practices regularly to stay in shape. A writer keeps writing to stay sharp. Writing is a great way for seniors to not only to keep memories alive but also keep their minds alert.  Journaling is great for all ages!

Simple rules of keeping a journal:
* Sit in a comfortable place where you won't be interrupted for a few moments.
* Don't spend alot of time. Set a timer if needed. Use only a few minutes to write. Think of it as drinking a glass of water rather than an entire gallon. Once you get the  hang of it, you might have times where your thoughts may take up several pages.
* Don't be a critique. Journal entries are raw. Think of them as rough drafts if your wish, but don't change them. It may ruin the beauty of the words. If editing is your thing, save the original and edit a copy. Keep every draft you make. I've done that and it's fun to look back at the growth.
*Keep a journal in a notebook or on a computer. It doesn't matter. Whatever is comfortable to you. I like a journal I can hold and carry. There is something about writing with a pencil on paper that feels good.
* Don't just write, keep other things in your journal. Paste a poem or comic that you enjoyed. Clip an article. Save those doodles! Keep inspirational photos.

So... every Wednesday I'll post a Writing Prompt to help train your mind to write, to exercise your brain, to encourage you keep a journal. Use these prompts to break a writer's block if needed.

Are you ready?

Here's your first assignment. 

 IN THIS MOMENT part 1

Sit comfortably with your notebook and pen. Write for 10 -15 minutes.

A.   Begin this exercise by looking at your immediate surroundings. See what catches your attention. It may be the pattern on the carpet, a fly on the window pane, a dirty cup, the painting on the wall, an open door and what lies beyond it, the view outside, the overflowing wastepaper basket, a letter you forgot to post, et. Describe two or three objects, picking out some precise details such as shape, size, color, texture, smell. Write briefly about one or two of these: the sounds you can hear, the warmth or coldness, the amount of light, the kind of light.