At my local Writers Group, part of the session involves an improvised writing exercise. We are given a writing prompt and then we have approximately ten minutes to write something and then have to read it out. Last time, we had to write a poem or story on boots or shoes, that were important to us in some way. I’m in awe of people who can write improvised poems, or indeed any creative writing that is ‘off the cuff’ and under pressure. Also, people who can just take out a notepad on the bus and start writing. I normally need a good comfort zone and lots of time to write, with no time limits or restrictions. I’ve done improv acting but never impro writing, until lately. I’m learning in that sphere and it’s interesting. Didn’t know I had it in me to be spontaneous. It’s scary but I think practice is the key. If you keep doing something, you get better at it and one day, hopefully, it’s not scary at all. So here’s an impro writing exercise I did on boots. My first ever impro poem!
Pixie Boots
I am but a thimbleful
I roam in strange hours
I sip from buttercups
And abseil from flowers
I climb to the top
Of the ivy on the wall
There’s not many pixies
Who can do that at all
I saddle a slug
And we ride the soil
Jump over cabbages
It’s not much of a toil
I’ve not lost a feather
I’m full of spice and pep
My pixie boots
Have lots of mileage yet
And when the sun is tired
And I feel sleepy too
I snuggle in the moss
And say goodnight to you.
Things In My Head 