Journal writing still going strong, and I just wrapped up reading that book of techniques I keep mentioning. It’s been tons of fun to learn new ways to write and keep the juices flowing. I’ve also been flipping through The Artist’s Way and its sequel, The Vein of Gold, for more ideas, and I want to share some of my favorites from all this reading over the next few weeks.
One technique I highly recommend trying is called Lists of 100. It’s pretty much what it sounds like — you choose a subject and write a list of 100 entries under that subject. It’s a lot easier than it sounds, as you’ll soon see. Here are the rules, plus tips for using this technique:
- Number your page 1-100 and start writing as fast as you can.
- You are allowed to repeat an item as many times as it comes to mind.
- The entries don’t have to make sense and can be possibly be contradictory. Just get it down.
- You don’t have to write in complete sentences.
- When you’re done your list, read it over with an eye toward themes. Tally how often each of these themes appear in your list. This will help you prioritize what is most in need of your attention. For example, I did a List of 100 on the subject of “things to improve for my health.” Some definite themes emerged, including “get more sleep” (twelve variations), “prepare proper balanced lunches” (thirteen variations), and “move!” (ten variations).
- The entire list should take under 30 minutes to write. Remember, it’s fine to repeat yourself.
What often happens is that the first third of entries is the information in your conscious mind, the next third has more repetition, and the last third is where you start to dig really deep and come up with the entries that surprise you.
Some suggestions of lists to write: 100 things I am grateful for, 100 fears (or 100 fears associated with ___), 100 things to learn, 100 things I want to do with my child, 100 things I want, 100 things I worried about that are now behind me, 100 things I’d do if I had six months to live(!).
Let me know if you try this!
