November 2024
Volta Writing Invitations
It’s Mathematical: Choose a number between one and twelve that appeals to you or unsettles you. Write a poem or piece of prose full of images, associations, and ideas that number suggests for you.
Dare to Write an ABCDarian: Write a poem or prose piece in which words beginning with each letter of the alphabet appear in alphabetical order. (Note: Of course, these words are not the only words you use.) The “key” words do not have to appear at the beginning of lines or sentences. One variation is to employ the alphabet in reverse order. Another is to mix them up, but still include all 26.
Going to the Dogs (or Cats): Write a piece in which either a dog or a cat plays a central role. Note: it is easy to wax overly sentimental about pets. Attempt to be a bit restrained. If you want, choose another pet of your choice to star in your writing.
Build Me a House: Draw a simple sketch of a dwelling place on an unlined piece of paper. (Use most of the page.) Write a poem or prose piece following the lines of your drawing. Add a garage or guest cottage if you need to write more.
Elemental: Consider the four basic elements in the European tradition: fire, air, water, rock; or the five elements associated with Chinese medicine: wood, earth, fire, metal, and water. Describe yourself metaphorically as variations of one of the elements. Variation: Write about someone else, rather than yourself.
Prompted by a Preposition: Choose one of the over 100 prepositions in the English language or a preposition in another language with which you are familiar. Begin each line or sentence of your writing with that preposition. Think widely through time and space. See what happens. (Note: two excellent ones to use are “before” and “after.”)
Never? Always?: Write a piece that contrasts these two preposterous proclamations. This could be a personal piece using “I” as the actor, or you could write beyond your personal experience.
Monochrome: Choose a color that you adore or one that you abhor. Use all of your senses to describe that color. Feature physical things that are that color, but also describe the sound, fragrance, texture, and taste of the color. What is its power, what is its secret?