I have began a free online writing course, here is a sample of an exercise.
Writing spaces
I would like to write in -
A light and airy round or hexagonal place set within the
grounds of a private garden. A large table at perfect laptop typing height and
a cushion comfortable chair. Wall space for inspirational pictures but lots of
windows too. Sounds of nature only, maybe a quiet wooden wind chime in the distance.
A beam of sunlight filtered through the slightly dusty
windows, creating a patch of gold on the honey coloured floorboards. A slight
breeze entered the open door carrying birdsong, a lazy buzz of a fat bumblebee
and the faint clack of a wooden wind chime. Her fingers clicked over the laptop
keyboard, an unconscious huff of upward breath removed the falling fringe that
threatened to disturb her concentration. Her nose twitched and she sneezed. She
straightened her back slightly in the soft cushioned chair as her eyes focussed
on the inspiration board placed between two large windows. A soft sigh and a
wry smile. Her thoughts and fingers returned to her story.
I would not like to write in –
A crowded café. Small table and a hard chair. Table and chair
getting knocked, coat being brushed from the back of the chair as people
squeeze by. Chat. Laughter and the swish of newspapers being opened. The noise
of the coffee machine and cash machine. The door opening to let in bursts of
cold air and new disturbances.
She put her pen down and supressed her frustration as
another full shopping bag pushed past the small round table. She lifted her
bottom slightly from the hard seat to relive the numbness that was spreading
down her legs.
‘Sorry,’
said a loud voice above her head. She picked her coat up from the floor and
draped it awkwardly across her knees. Taking a deep breath of coffee and rain
infused air she looked around. A man was juggling a hot coffee and a slightly
damp newspaper that refused to open or fold in the way he wanted it to. She
glanced away quickly as he looked at her with a frown. Her eyes were drawn to a
group of young girls, crowded around a table, giggling at something on a phone.
The gurgle and swish of the coffee machine and cash till created a musical
background as she picked up her pen and sketched the scene in words, briefly.
The door opened, bringing in a
fresh gust of damp air and new inspiration.
