Writers in Isolation

I’ve been reminded that, in times of crisis, a popular British response is to have a good moan. It’s also been suggested by experts that grumbling is healthy. This writing exercise provides an opportunity to practise skills in moaning and grumbling. Stage 1. Think of something slightly irritating or mildly annoying. This shouldn’t be about a person but about a thing. Perhaps you don’t like the colour of postboxes or you are annoyed by the absence of herons from your neighbourhood. Make it something you wouldn’t usually consider complaining about. Stage 2. Now you have the subject of your complaint, think of someone you might complain to. This could be a real person (someone you don’t know personally) or it could be an invented person (e.g. King of the Birds). Decide how you can blame this person. Stage 3. Write a letter of complaint about the cause of annoyance to the person you have decided to hold responsible. Go into elaborate detail. Explain exactly how this minor ...

This exercise is about letter-writing. It’s also a way of thinking about writing as a means of communication. You may find you want to send or email what you write. Stage 1. Think about someone you know and like who you would like to write to. This could take the form of a letter, an email or even a recording.  What is it you like about this person? What interests do you have in common? What different interests does that person have? Do you have some shared memories or experiences? Focus on things that worked out well. Stage 2. Look around the place where you are. Find two or three objects that might interest or delight the other person. Even a simple object would do. Start by describing one of the objects. As you do, let your thoughts expand to ideas, memories and possibilities that the object suggests. Write freely without editing. Let your thoughts lead you in any direction. Do the same for the other object or objects. Stage 3. Look back over what you have writte...