"Words, words, words"

I'm currently teaching Shakespeare's Hamlet to my tenth graders.   In the second act, as Hamlet is in the throws of his scheme to act crazy, the king's long-winded advisor asks Hamlet, "What do you read my Lord?" to which Hamlet famously responds, "Words, words, words" (Ham. 2.2.191-192).  Of course, Shakespeare was the ultimate wordsmith, inventing over one thousand words and phrases which are now a part of daily use;  words such as elbow, bandit, critic, lonely, and swagger; and phrases including "wild goose chase," "good riddance," and "break the ice."  

For today's writing exercise, I encourage you to start a ongoing list of phrases or words that are "catchy" or meaningful to you.  Perhaps type the list and add to that typed page when inspiration hits, or maybe you'd like to write them on index cards, collect these in a notebook, make a list in your phone, or use a google-doc and add to it periodically.  Whatever your method, it is good practice to keep phrases and words, or even writing ideas, in a handy place and add to them consistently.  I will post more about the author's-idea book later.

As a daily prompt, choose a phrase to jumpstart your writing today.  Either pick a phrase that you know well, use often, or use one from the list below. What inspiration can you draw from this phrase?  

Idea starters:

• "It cost an arm and a leg"
• It was "raining cats and dogs
• She is "the apple of my eye"
• "Once in a blue moon"
• We got "in a pickle" 
• Here's the "naked truth"
• "All that glitters is not gold"
  
• "Break a leg"
• "Go down in flames"
• "Under the weather"
• "See eye to eye"

As always, if you write something inspiring, share with me!  My email is listed to the left, or you can comment below.  Write on! -Melissa Johnson