Some of the best things happen when we juxtapose things that don’t go together. Surprises can be fun. Write Over the Hump Set your timer for 10 minutes. Start with, “It really happened.” Use these words or phrases as part … Continue reading
Recap of the “Rules”: Set your timer for 10 minutes. Read the prompt. Start the timer and begin writing. Keep writing no matter what. Don’t stop to think or fix anything. Stop when the timer dings. Beware: Timed writing can … Continue reading
Welcome to Write Over The Hump! I’ve learned, though teaching my “What If? Writing Group” classes**, that timed writing exercises are a great way to bypass the conscious mind and enter fully into the subconscious. Timed writing shuts off the … Continue reading
It’s been an interesting year, starting last October, when I almost died from pneumonia, heart problems and pulmonary blood clots. While it’s been both an interesting and scary experience, it’s also been a blessing. Mainly because all the tests showed … Continue reading
Here’s a photo I snapped one dark night, when clouds boiled across the sky and the moon snuck into corners of shadow, hiding from its own light. What I see here is a UFO approaching Earth, ready to do—what? Destroy … Continue reading
Here’s a shot from the movie Cleric, taken by Aaron Kondziela (used with permission) and posted on his website (www.aaronkondziela.com) It’s very obscurity lends itself to an amazing array of interpretations. At a quick glance, these two objects could … Continue reading
This sweet little photo by Roland Portillo (www.flickr.com/rolandbp) gives a writer a lot to think about. Cats are such interesting creatures. Whole volumes could be written on what fascinates a cat, since they so often stare intensely at what appears … Continue reading
Sometimes even the most mundane, ill-composed snaps can offer story opportunities. I took this one Christmas while my Dad, Ed Tuttle, was still alive. I don’t remember what he and my cousin Dennis Sullivan were looking at, but my imagination … Continue reading
Here’s a great photo I found on www.cosmicsociety.com. This one should really get your noir juices flowing. Even if you don’t normally write horror, sci-fi or noir, give this one a try. Stepping outside your comfort zone once in a … Continue reading