Monday, 25 April 2011
In that kitchen, a writing exercise (NaPoWriMo, day 25)
Three days of NaPoWriMo, I've begun anew an exercise I came across in a listserv's archives: Begin with "In that kitchen," continuing writing until you're stuck, and when you reach that wall, write "In that kitchen" again and continue accordingly for 10-15 minutes; this becomes the first draft of a prose poem. In my three pieces, the kitchen is always the kitchen at 220 Arlington Drive, Normal, Illinois, the kitchen I knew as my family's from the age of five, the kitchen I may not see again if the house is sold soon. I was surprised to feel how much a kitchen can be the axis of a family; I suppose ours especially, as it was connected to the garage on one side and was open to the dining room on the other. For those struggling with coming up with a poem a day, I strongly recommend the exercise and urge people to try it with the kitchen they knew in childhood: it's amazing what strands of relationships, family, place, and development arise and mingle.
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Hi Carrie, just given it a go - something to return to I think. I thought I'd out-written my family stuff -and I haven't written a prose poem for some time. Have to admit to losing motivation in the last few days so I need a different approach - more of an objective starting point I think. The value though is in actively thinking about/ engaging with writing which NaPoWriMo makes me do.Back to work tomorrow unfortunately but will try and see the month out.
ReplyDeleteThis is a brilliant idea. I think I'll give it a try - I was thinking that I didn't have many important memories from kitchens but as soon as I thought that, of course, they all returned.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Thanks for That kitchen, Carrie. I'm still well behind with my April poems (owning up to some 27, I believe) but have "just" managed my own In that kitchen, plus a reactive poem 'In THIS kitchen', and one 'In the living room.' I fear my standards have slipped a lot since the month began but, hey, at least it's writing of sorts.
ReplyDeletegreat exercise Carrie, thank you ...might keep this one for my assignment. So line breaks or no line breaks ?
ReplyDeleteSusan Rouchard (poetry school)
It's prose poetry, so no line breaks and a justified right margin (as with other forms of prose). Enjoy!
ReplyDelete