This summer, I’ve made a point of trying as many new things as I could fit in—mini-golfing on an artist-designed course, exploring an art gallery with sculptures made from bowling balls, and taking classes on everything from flowers to salsa.

My favorite was "Improv for Everyone."

I’m not an actress—not even close. But, the whole idea was to experience new things, and to expand my comfort zone. Improv class wasn’t about acting—it was about creativity, playing, experimenting, taking risks, and finding fresh ideas. Through this, I learned a new thing or two that changed my approach to writing. These new writing rules will guide you, too, in building your career and going deeper into your writing than you’ve ever imagined you could.

SAY YES
When someone throws out an idea, go with it. There is no room for correction or editing in the early stages. Improv players add to ideas, making them bigger and fresher than when they started. They do this simply by saying "yes." This is one of the primary rules of improvisation. In your writing, too, stop saying no to ideas, to invitations, and most importantly, to instincts. Open your eyes and your mind to truly see how new ideas and opportunities might fit with your skills, talents, and goals.

WHAT’S THAT?
There’s this great little game that is all about searching for stories. A mystery object is pulled from a box. As it changes hands, each student gives it a purpose. The only rule? The object cannot be what it really is. A toothbrush might be an egg scrubber, or an alien’s key; but, it can never be a toothbrush. Take this idea and think about how moving beyond the obvious can change your characters, your scenes, and your world. There are stories everywhere!

SELL IT
At least half the success of a joke is in the sell, or how you deliver it. If you tell a joke, then look at the floor and mumble the punchline, your joke is going to flop.

The same is absolutely true for that story you’re working on.

Stand by your work and sell it—and I don’t mean that literally, as in for money. I mean speak up for your ideas—not half-heartedly, but with passion. Convince editors, agents, and others. Truly, if you aren’t excited about what you’re doing and willing to invest yourself, why should anyone else?

JUST RESPOND
Don’t waste time thinking—at least not too much. This is what a game called "Wordball" taught me. It is a game of quick associations, and action is the key to success. A word bounces, much like a ball, from person to person. Each person hears a word, then tosses another word out to the group. All too often, people stopped as they tried to think of something good or funny to say. Instantly, momentum and energy were lost. Over and over, we were told to just throw something out there—open your mind and the word will appear. When we worried about the result, we froze.

KEEP TRYING
I think this quote says it all: "A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit." Don’t quit. Keep trying.

Any ideas, questions, requests, or inspirations? Contact Sarah!

Copyright © 2004 Sarah Tieck