Comments on: Writing with Variables http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/ Dale Emery on Writing Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:12:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: Dale http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-88 Dale Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:21:28 +0000 http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-88 Another variation: Pick the <em>least</em> interesting variable and explore that first (or second). Sometimes we find gems where we least expect them. Another variation: Pick the least interesting variable and explore that first (or second). Sometimes we find gems where we least expect them.

]]> By: Dale http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-87 Dale Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:19:37 +0000 http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-87 One reader said that this exercise looks "really time-consuming." One way to do it quickly is to relax the "every possible variable" and "every possible value" rules. Instead, take just two or three minutes to list variables as fast as you can. Then pick the most interesting variable and, for two or three minutes, list possible values as fast as you can. This way you can cover three or four interesting variables in ten minutes. But every now and then, take the extra time and stretch your brain with the "every variable" and "every value" rules. Of course, you'll never be able to think of all the possibilities, but push yourself. Sometimes the really interesting variables and values take time to rise to the surface. And anyway your brain will turn to mush in a half hour and you'll stop from sheer exhaustion. You can spare a half hour every now and then. One reader said that this exercise looks “really time-consuming.”

One way to do it quickly is to relax the “every possible variable” and “every possible value” rules. Instead, take just two or three minutes to list variables as fast as you can. Then pick the most interesting variable and, for two or three minutes, list possible values as fast as you can. This way you can cover three or four interesting variables in ten minutes.

But every now and then, take the extra time and stretch your brain with the “every variable” and “every value” rules. Of course, you’ll never be able to think of all the possibilities, but push yourself. Sometimes the really interesting variables and values take time to rise to the surface.

And anyway your brain will turn to mush in a half hour and you’ll stop from sheer exhaustion. You can spare a half hour every now and then.

]]> By: Dale http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-86 Dale Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:11:41 +0000 http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-86 Leonard, I didn't intend for you to write about pencil sharpeners, but you've given me an idea: It would be interesting to have a bunch of people do the exercise with the same topic! Leonard, I didn’t intend for you to write about pencil sharpeners, but you’ve given me an idea: It would be interesting to have a bunch of people do the exercise with the same topic!

]]> By: Dale http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-85 Dale Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:11:25 +0000 http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-85 Dwayne, you have an ambitious project there! I developed this exercise because I have a story idea every few years. One a week is daunting! I've added your storyblog to my links. Dwayne, you have an ambitious project there! I developed this exercise because I have a story idea every few years. One a week is daunting!

I’ve added your storyblog to my links.

]]> By: Leonard http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-82 Leonard Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:21:03 +0000 http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-82 The boy carefully selected the wrong size aperture - far too large - on the wall-mounted pencil sharpener. He knew his English teacher was waiting for him too finish and return to his seat to begin working on his Trimester Assessment. Let him wait. This was a long process, and it looked like it was already about to run into technical difficulties. Some students studied the craft of writing a good essay. He had a craft of his own. Thanks, Dale! Leonard The boy carefully selected the wrong size aperture - far too large - on the wall-mounted pencil sharpener. He knew his English teacher was waiting for him too finish and return to his seat to begin working on his Trimester Assessment. Let him wait. This was a long process, and it looked like it was already about to run into technical difficulties. Some students studied the craft of writing a good essay. He had a craft of his own.

Thanks, Dale!

Leonard

]]> By: Dwayne Phillips http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-80 Dwayne Phillips Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:37:57 +0000 http://dalewriting.dhemery.com/2008/02/variables/#comment-80 Great exercise. I will try it soon (I am at work, so I ought to work instead :-) I will use this in writing short stories. My goal for 2008 is to write a short story each week = see http://dwaynephillips.net/shortstories Great exercise. I will try it soon (I am at work, so I ought to work instead :-)

I will use this in writing short stories. My goal for 2008 is to write a short story each week = see http://dwaynephillips.net/shortstories

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