Trouble or Conflict: Lesson 9

What's the difference?

Aug 11, 2022

∙ Paid

In Lesson 4 “Think of Unpacking a Suitcase”

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Think of Unpacking a Suitcase to Invent!

Before we start, here’s advice to take to heart as you study with me—and, yes, it will seem like a paradox. I’ll explain more about this in upcoming chapters: Forget what you’ve learned about craft (how-to’s) while you’re in the inventive stage of writing. Don’t think: Just write…

2 years ago · 3 likes · 2 comments · <Mary L. Tabor>

In Lesson 4, we did a free-write, based on this prompt: Write a sentence about an event in childhood or puberty that made trouble for you, upset you, got you punished or made you feel punished.

Let’s change that slightly and do it again: Write a sentence about an event in your life as a grown-up that made trouble for you because it was a moment when you weren’t sure what to do. Then free-write from there.

We’ll explore this prompt by examining “trouble vs. conflict”: Why the difference is key to making narrative. I’ll refer to Lesson 3: “The Writer as Director”.

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The Writer as Director—or why we watched the movie Hitch: Lesson 3

As we go along here and if you stick with me, you’ll discover that I take a different approach on some of the “Getting Started” topics you read about in “how to” books. One example: I think outlines are a deadly way to start inventive work. Not that outlines aren’t useful down the road as part of the editing process—they are, of course. But I think an outline gets in the way of initial and formative and changing invention…

2 years ago · 2 likes · 8 comments · <Mary L. Tabor>

Put all prompt exercises in a journal, not a diary exactly: glimmers, dreams, overheard conversations. Think: “Image Journal” — Save everything. You’ll go back to these jottings again and again when you’re writing. Jot stuff on your phone or in a little notebook with a pen that fits in your pocket or purse. When you’re home, create a journal on your computer, put that stuff in it. Make a document of these “glimmers” for every year. You’ll be surprised how they help you when you begin inventing. These “glimmers” are like memory jogs. Do it!

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