I've been reading a book about improving songwriting, and one of the first exercises it encourages you to do consistently is write about anything for 10 minutes a day — just let it flow.
The goal is to make it easier and easier for you to go into that "state of mind" where you are most creative and produce the best work with the least effort, in the littlest time.
One of the first lessons is about object writing — choose an object or experience and describe it using your different senses to create sensory imagery for the reader/listener.
I tried to keep that in mind for my first time trying this.
I started my timer and the first thing that popped into my head, was a haircut...
"Loud, but calming metal buzzed past my ears. The guard reflected light shining from the ornamental lamp beside me. Shadows of shears instilled equal parts comfort and fear. As I contemplated the sensation of the leather seat bellow my restless legs, I could smell the faint scent of freshly cut grass in my parents backyard where my father cut my hair by the pool. The looming gate, meant for protection, but is more a symbol of my parents distrust in a system controlled by salt and hot air, not unlike the systems that pour lies on it's sugar-cube citizens all waiting for a sweet-toothed someone to melt into, but end up burning in a hot cup of things that were never said, or things we could have done better. Flashing lights catch my attention, and I tighten the grip on my steering wheel, debating turning into oncoming traffic. Do I have the guts? A familiar song came on as I feel the seat heater warm my soul. No need to die today.
Right before the last sentence I looked at the clock, counting down from 8 secs, and thought "Woah, how can I wrap this up quick? I just got preeetty dark." Lol. Would've liked to be more poetic with it, but hey. He said 10 minutes and STOP. Put that pen down. So that's what I've done :)
My dream for today is that someone else will be inspired to do their own 10 minute writing exercise and share it with me <3
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