From intriguing observations like Tolstoy’s “each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way” to George Eliot’s “the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts,” there is no shortage of thought-provoking statements that can spark a reaction, whether you look for them in literature or in the daily news cycle. Find a line that speaks to you, and allow your thoughts and feelings to pour out. The result could be confessional, argumentative, or matter-of-fact in tone, but the idea is that you’ll come across an interesting thought of your own in the process, and then pursue that.
Write a letter to your younger self — authenticity may be the best way to approach such a deeply personal task. This exercise can be a really therapeutic way to heal old wounds, but it can also be a great way to poke fun at the clothes you wore in the past. Let your voice lead the direction of your letter.
Have you ever wondered about the story behind a song? Write about it. Choose a song that intrigues you, listen to it, and dig into the lyrics. Who are the characters behind those lyrics? What’s their situation? What challenges are they facing? Don’t try to recreate the song in prose; try to imagine the people and circumstances behind it.
Helendipity 