Is writing overwhelming?

It doesn’t need to be. If, for example you’re writing Haibun, decide what you wish to write about or when prompted for a writing exercise using a photo (like the one on the right), a word or a phrase. Perhaps a thought you’ve been dwelling on, or an experience.

Okay next,

take a few minutes to think about what you’d like to say. What does the prompt you’ve chosen mean to you? Decide how you feel about it. What thoughts, memories, experiences come to mind as you ponder? How do you want to present this?

Writing can be powerful if the author exudes his or her own personality in a style of their own emotional expression and flow of words.

With this in mind, begin!

• Write a few paragraphs (one or more). Use “word power” and “word placement” to sharpen emphasis. You may think of this as an art form. (Like picking a certain type of instrument to produce a specific effect in a musical score, or a certain kind of brushstroke for a painting.)
• If your writing Haibun style, include one or more haiku (a form of Japanese poetry), either as a closing to your piece or in-between the paragraph(s) to add emphasis. (sample below)

 

artistic essence

balancing of style and words

creativity flows

 

• And there you go. You’re writing haibun style. Publish your written piece on your blog for others to read and enjoy.

*

 

The following is a sample haibun from a quote by e.e. cummings:

The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful 

– e.e. cummings

*

One of those days. Overcast skies and wet, everything so wet. Restless children kept inside during never-ending showers. Of a sudden, a break appears in the clouds and sunshine peaks through. Children’s faces pressed tightly against window panes, a longing look outdoors. I know this feeling.

Dressing quickly in rain gear they hurry outside; running around everywhere, feeling free again. No longer caged indoors. I know this feeling also. Feet pad over spongy soaked ground, rich with brownness of expression. Liquid cocoa rivulets flow into muddy puddles adorning pathways.

Playful children. They’ve discovered their own sense of freedom, also brown in expression, jumping into muddy puddles. A joyful abandon, splashing about. Completely carefree of thought and action. This feeling I’ve known too. Where has it gone?

 

longing for freedom

lost innocence remembered

expressions in brown

*

I hope you enjoyed the process. May your days ahead be filled with your own artistic word stylings.

Thanks for stopping by.

~ Penny