Encouraging Writers: Free Association
A Word Game
I propose a new game to grow a budding community of fiction authors. The idea is to encourage ourselves to write, improve our skills as a master pens-person, and provide constructive and positive feedback .
The idea is simple, provide a word or a phrase that uses (even very loosely) the chosen word / phrase in a paragraph or a page or alludes to it. The whole point is to encourage the cognitive juices to flow. Free association.
I never knew that this was a writer's skill or what it was called. I used to do this ages ago when I aspired to be a fiction author (I still do!). The term used then was "Descriptions on the Spot."
Example
To start out with an example, I asked my fiance, @edgeland, to provide me with a word. She suggested 'Island'.
Here goes nothing ...
Island : Free Association
Karl sat on the beach looking over the vast expanse of the ocean. How many days had it been since he'd been deserted on the island? He had lost count after 2 years. Week by week, he would create a new marking on the makeshift hut he had constructed.
With nothing but his mind and will to survive, Karl had weathered storms, fought off famine, been ill and recovered, and most of all managed to maintain a level of sanity.
But it was difficult to keep sane with no one around. Homo sapiens are a social species and no interactions for 2 years would wear down even the most resilient mind.
Conclusion
It doesn't matter if the resulting prose is good or bad. It's all about instaneous and off the cuff writing, whatever comes to your mind, with little to no edits.
I hope that aspiring writers will take part in #descriptionsonthespot!
Hey complexring just wondering, was this just a suggested tool for writers? Or were you after some writers to participate on here? and if so should we use the word you used to see all the possibilities people can come up with? I really like the idea a lot and would love to participate would be great as a regular game on here. :D
It may be more beneficial to have an on-going thread with words / phrases that have 'bounties' on them. And then authors can write their own parent post and link to the 'bounty thread'.
The phrases and words would be suggested as comments. This could be a monthly thread (for ease of use and for finding the current words that still have bounties on them).
I was hoping that the community of authors would use this as an opportunity to grow in their art.
It's really up to all of you. What would you like to see?
Sound's awesome I really hope people get involved in this, it could be really interesting. I've given it a go my word was Reflection.
https://steemit.com/descriptiononthespot/@krystle/description-on-the-spot-reflection
The monthly "bounty thread" proposal is a great idea, would love to participate in this. This is a very exciting time right now, writing is a passion I mentioned before I write music and I know implementing this will help me evolve to a greater level!
OK. Let's start off with monthly. Do you like the tag descriptiononthespot or descriptionsonthespot? We can easily switch as this is all new.
I'll put up a post describing everything today.
Thanks, everyone! Glad to be a part of this!
#descriptionsonthespot I like, maybe a few other feedback comments may confirm the name:) Look forward to post later!
plastic bottles
John and Mary got lost in the mountains.
At the foot of the mountain, they noticed the river, which flowed rapidly among the mountains.
Move faster on the river on a raft, and they decided to build it.
But nearby there were no trees and logs, that would be suitable for their new vehicle.
They went on along the shore and came across a lot of garbage mong which there were many plastic bottles and ropes.
Farther I decided not to watch this not interesting movie, and turned off the TV.
Me waiting my favorite steemit! :)
Sorry for my silly attempt and my non-native English :)
Hi , Great Idea.
I did come with something totally random
https://steemit.com/steem/@whatissteem/6la6ie-descriptions-on-the-spot-park-bench
#descriptionsonthespot
Really appreciate the tip @complexring , I'm going to try the word "gilligan" right now to practice:)
My english teacher used to get us todo a similar thing to this except it was themes and the whole class would spend 10 minutes writing their own stories around the theme.
Writing around the theme:)
Liked it
Good idea. What can you say the word "whale"?
Thurston held his son's legs as he sat on his shoulders. They both peered into the mist atop the pier. They were whale-watching and had been visiting this stretch of the ocean for the past 2 years, once every week. Each time on schedule.
They had only seen a whale that one time. But it had been enough for them to keep making the journey back each week.
The waves crashed onto the rocks as seagulls scavenged the trash on the beach. Why wasn't anyone taking care of this place better, Thurston thought. On their way out, he stuffed his trashbag full of the filth that dotted the sands.
"Better than doing nothing," Thurston thought, as he loaded his son into the car and drove off into the cool morning.
You won't believe me when I tell you that I have been dying to write fiction here on Steem. I used to write a LOT of fiction a few years back (as a hobby). It used to provide me with immense happiness and pleasure.
But because of certain situations and other factors, I had to distance myself from my love of writing. But now, since I have discovered Steemit, that passion has reignited in me. The fire is stronger than ever. BUT, the thing is, I have already written so many articles and original content that are not getting any recognition, that I am not being able to take that necessary step of finally doing it. I fear it will not get any readers. And what is a writer without his readers.
Anyways, thanks for this inspirational post! Glad to have you around :)
I think having readers is essential and fostering a community of like-minded individuals who can help each other grow is what really matters. I think that over time that more people will be using Steem as an outlet for fiction writing. Bringing their fans and their talent with them. Right now, we are in 'stunted' growth due to the constant re-hashing of the same material on how to succeed on Steem.
If the point of Steem is unique and quality content, we should stop rewarding those types of posts and instead focus on nurturing the communities that we want to see.
It's tough to get noticed as a writer.
Yes, it really is! And I think it is upto the writer to make Steemit truly different from the garbage disposal that is the current social-media scenario, i.e. anything and everything! Steemit needs to be a hub of creativity. Class-apart, if you will.
Anyways, it's good to have writers like you here. Really takes things up a notch! If you want to check some of my stuff out, that would be really great and helpful! Thanks mate! Cheers :)
I wouldn't necessarily say I'm a great writer ... but a dabbler in words.
.....which makes you a great writer in my book! :)
If you may let me know what you think of my try on this style.
https://steemit.com/fiction/@arcaneinfo/free-association-writing-gilligan
Thank You again @complexring
This is a great word game to get the creative juices flowing for writers.