S is for Spontaneity: The Bold Writer from A to Z

Posted on the 22 April 2014 by Juliejordanscott @juliejordanscot

This is sometimes a debate:

To be spontaneous or to not be spontaneous, that is the question.....

and now, what do you think?

Let's Write!

Quotes:

“Why not seize the pleasure at once? -- How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!” Jane Austen

“I guess sometimes the greatest memories are made in the most unlikely of places, further proof that spontaneity is more rewarding than a meticulously planned life.” J.A. Redmerski

“Basketball is an intricate, high-speed game filled with split-second, spontaneous decisions. But that spontaneity is possible only when everyone first engages in hours of highly repetitive and structured practice--perfecting their shooting, dribbling, and passing and running plays over and over again--and agrees to play a carefully defined role on the court. . . . spontaneity isn't random.” Malcolm Gladwell

Questions

How do you balance spontaneity with planning?

Are you more of a planner or more of a spontaneous writer? (Sometimes called pantsers vs. plotters, I believe?) What will you do to take a taste of writing “the other way?” What might this do to strengthen your writing?

Lists

Make a list of 3 to 10 ways to make space for increased spontaneity in your world OR increased planning, depending upon your current preferred way of being.

Make a list of 3 to 10 ways to plan for spontaneity - as Malcolm Gladwell said above, “spontaneity isn’t random.”

Make a list of the rewards of being spontaneous.

Make a list of rewards of careful planning.

Traditional Writing Prompts:

When I think of spontaneity, I feel…

When I think of micromanaging my writing, I feel…

When I follow through on my writing plans, I think….

When I choose spontaneity over my careful plans....

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The A to Z Blogging Challenge involves creative bloggers from all across the world who cover a wide gamut of topics from "whatever pops into my daily life" to infinittesimal details about unique and varied subjects. To check them out - visit The A to Z Challenge Blog. 

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Julie Jordan Scott is a writer, creative life coach, speaker, performance poet, Mommy and mixed-media artist  whose Writing Camps and Writing Playgrounds permanently transform people's creative lives. Watch for the announcement of new programs coming Spring, 2014 and beyond. 

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