Write Like a Reporter

WRITING TIP

Recently we have been exploring how to go about writing about painful, embarrassing, agonizing, reprehensible, devastating or slightly unpleasant life experiences. I suggested you start with just one sentence. 

Maybe you are wondering with what sentence to start. Here is how to do it. Write like a reporter. . 

LAUNCHING PAD

Here are some examples:

Write one sentence about what happened. The doorbell rang at midnight.

Write one sentence about a person in your story. My mother-in-law's teeth were stained from drinking well water as a child.

Write one sentence about where you were. I awoke in my bed with a start to feel a hand gripping my throat.

Write one sentence about what you saw. Blood seeped through his fingers where he had his hand over his mouth. 

Write one sentence about something you smelled. Burning flesh has a smell you never forget. 

Write one sentence about how your body reacted. The urine trickled down my leg and puddled on Grandma's linoleum floor.

Well, hey, if you weren't feeling depressed before, surely you are now. These are extreme examples. Yet, they are all things that writers I know have written about. Not only did the writers survive, they say they felt better for having done the writing.

The fact is, we all suffer pain in our lives. I sincerely hope yours is not the depth of pain that these sentences would indicate. Whether your pain is extreme or mild, you can write about it. Write like a reporter. Write the facts of the situation. One sentence at a time.

For more supremely useful information about memoir or life story writing, visit There's An Angel In Your Inkwell.

See you there. Meanwhile, feel free to post your comments or "one sentences" in the Comments section.

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Chocolate Inkwell 

After writing something emotionally difficult, I know I am ready for some lighthearted chocolate. This is an easy-no-bake recipe that children can help make. Nothing puts life into perspective like children and chocolate.

This recipe is from ThinkArete.

Photo courtesy of ThinkArete

No Bake S’more Cake

prep time: 15 minutes
chill time: 2-3 hours before serving 
servings: 20 

Ingredients:

• 1 box graham crackers
• 2 tubs of marshmallow creme 7 oz.  (Inexpensive generic brand is fine.)
• 1 tub of cool whip (not frozen.. let sit out 15 minutes
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 bag of semi sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp. salt

Step 1
Mix your marshmallow creme with the cool whip until smooth and creamy, use a hand mixer or counter mixer to mix the marshmallow and cool whip once it’s smooth and creamy add your vanilla and mix again.

Step2
Line the bottom of a 9 x 13 casserole baking dish with some graham crackers

 Spread one-third of the marshmallow whip evenly over the graham crackers

(repeat this step, cookies and marshmallow whip)

Step 3
Over medium low heat melt chips and cream until smooth, keep stirring and once the chocolate is completely melted and the 2 ingredients are well combined turn heat off. add salt and about every 5 minutes whisk the chocolate, for about 5-20 minutes

Step 4
Add it over the top and put uncovered in the freezer for about 30 minutes.

Removed from freezer covered and put in the fridge over night until ready to serve.

For more supremely useful information about memoir or life story writing, visit There's An Angel In Your Inkwell.

See you there. Meanwhile, feel free to post your comments or "one sentences" in the Comments section.

Scroll to the bottom of this post and click on the f Facebook icon to Share the blog on Facebook.

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