Writing Exercise Series 01: Writing Inspiration in Nature
This is the first installment of a new writing exercise series. Not only do we edit books, and give writing advice, but we are also writers—creative souls seeking to share our internal discoveries with you, dear readers.
Writing Excercise 01: Find Writing Inspiration in Nature
This writing exercise came through me while I was on a walk. I’ve been mentally battling myself over how little time I spend on creative writing versus publishing articles for this blog.
So, while I was out on a walk one morning— the crisp air surrounding me, I noticed the dew lived on the leaves. It rested on the grass and pine needles.
Since I’ve been trying to write more, I felt this was the perfect opportunity. Since creativity is born through a feeling and impression initially, I didn’t force it. Within that moment, I simply admired nature while snapping a few favorite shots. However, I had intentions on using my musings in a creative project for later.
Then, the concept of the writing exercise was born. Here’s the gist: take one to three photos of nature and write a short story or poem incorporating those images.
I wrote the story later that day. Many different emotions bubbled within me; I listened to the silence of nature and let the story come through me. It became a short story. Having the photos available sparked a creative energy, it was a fun writing challenge and I would definitely do it again.
Why I did this writing challenge
I get so caught up in the need to write my novel that I don’t leave room for any other creative projects and that simply isn’t helping my creativity. It’s hindering it.
All that to say, these writing exercises are here for accountability and because, despite the many spinning plates in life—God moves through my creative soul, it’s my tether from the eternal to the physical. Writing is how I try to make sense of this life, so here are my musings.
the inspirational snapshots I captured for the writing exercise.
A Short Story
Dewy webs
Serena Montoya
I couldn’t breathe. I had to get out of the house. My airflow felt cut off the longer I sat in that crowded space.
Outside, I noticed everything. The world seemed exceptionally vivid, like my sense were heightened somehow—like I was living in it for the first time.
I noticed the droplets from yesterday’s dew resting on a spider web.
Yesterday.
A place where life was simpler, yet can never be reached again. I can never have it back. I can never have her back. She can now only live within my dreams.
Like the water resting on that branch, it will evaporate, much like her spirit from this world. Oh, how I wish I could just hold yesterday.
Context on this short story:
This is an exploration of that moment you find out a loved one has passed. My character just found out the terrible news, and these are the internal dwellings on what that experience feels like.
As humans, we experience this, and it’s in moments as such that we become vividly present—like we remember we are experiencing life. The world becomes brighter: we can see and feel more. And that’s because we have lost, and the human part of us doesn’t want to lose more— doesn’t want to lose life.
Now, it’s your turn to try this writing exercise
Go outside
Walk for 10-30 minutes
Snap 1-3 photos of nature
Enjoy the walk
Save the images for a moment you have fifteen minutes to free write.
Have fun!
Go out on a 10–30-minute walk, snap one to three photos of nature and incorporate them into something creative. It doesn’t have to be a short story, it can be a scene, poem, or a collage. The point is to get those creative juices flowing and free yourself from obligations on your work-in-progress. Although, these exercises could spark some ideas toward your project. Flow with whatever comes to you. The point is to be free within your creativity and to write often.
Tell us in the comments if this kind of writing exercise is helpful.
This exercise is one of many you will get with me as your writing coach.
Looking for a writing coach?
Hop on a free consultation call with me to see if we’re a good fit for your story.
