To Create We Must…

My goal for the Year of Content Guided Planning Session was to overwhelm writers with possibility, but also give them some tips and tricks for diving into that possibility. We read, talked about, and wrote poetry. We played (or maybe practiced) make-believe. We wrote furiously in response to questions, digging out memories and turning them into stories.

I believe (I hope) a good time was had by all.

If you were unable to get to one of the workshops, it has been recorded. You can purchase it here, and it comes with a 27-page workbook with plenty of space to write and plan and dream. (I walk writers through the workbook, so the video comes in handy.)

One of the prompts we worked from was a three sentence paragraph from Beth Kephart’s book, We Are The Words: “To create a scene we have to slow things down. To create a scene we must deeply see. To create a scene we must remember in compelling detail. To create a scene we must be free to feel – anger, joy, hope, melancholy, or any number of things.”

We noticed that the sentences all began the same and “must” or “have” followed shortly thereafter, giving us a sense of urgency and passion about this invitation to create. I asked writers to write a three sentence paragraph modeled after Kephart’s, and if they wanted, to share it with me. Here is what they came up with:

To create we need to get out of our heads. To create we need to rely on our own experiences, not the thoughts or words of others. To create we need to invite people into our story and be willing to share ourselves authentically.

Kendra Krunkenburg, @kendravictoria.

I must have an idea–usually an analogy or metaphor. I must be willing to share my story. I must be vulnerable and brave. I must edit, edit, edit. 

Linda Hanstra

To create I must have poetry, tea, and a walk in the dark.

Megan Willome

To create we must first let go, 
of the crumbs on the counter 
and those dirty dishes in the sink
and any weight one might feel from 
guilt lurking in one’s heart.

To create we must believe,
that perceptions brewing in one’s head
of can’s and can not’s
and boxes left unchecked
can melt away like the snow thaw on 
a warm sunny day.

To create we must become small,
allowing wonder, and hope, and emotions all - 
to take our breath away and bare witness
to creation itself.
To balk at the way
things have always been.
To be a child once again.

Lauren Chapman

To create, I must be willing to notice, to bear witness, to tell the truth even as I am learning it. To create, I must do the work (sometimes, the work is simply to play). To create, I must wonder and wander, follow the detours, and try out new colors.To create, I must use my own voice and believe it matters. I have to ignore the lies. I have to be brave.

Melissa kutsche

To create I need the soothing melodies of nature or music to invite reflection and calm. To create I need the promise of dawn; quiet and peaceful. To create I need a view to the landscape, where sky meets land, where nature erupts in delight. The sun may rise in view, or not, but the day always begins.

Mari-lynn wells

May you find your musts and your haves as you create this year.