• Flower Acrostics
• Sculpted Poetry and Triolets
• Free Writing
• Word Association
• Poetry Appreciation
• Virtual Museum - Imaginary Lives
  • Imaginary lives
  • Part 1 : Imaginary Lives
  • Step 2 : Being the object
  • Part 2 : Imaginary Lives - The object's owner
  • Examples
  • Imaginary Lives Creative Writing Examples
  • Suggestions - What next?
• Virtual Gallery - Who Am I? (Part 1)
• Virtual Gallery - Who Am I? (Part 2)
• Recipe For a Good Mood

Imaginary lives

 

You will need:

• Paper

• Pen/pencil

• Print-off of object (or view online)

 

It’s easy to look at an object but how much do we really notice about it.  In these exercises we’ll explore natural objects from unusual points of view. You’ll be able to hear what curators say, as well as to think yourself into the character of the object itself.

We suggest that you try these exercises without listening to the curator’s talk. This is to encourage you to approach writing about the object from an entirely imaginative point of view. Once you’ve completed the exercises it’s then fascinating to compare your writings with the curator’s description.

 

What might this exercise offer?

Writing imaginatively about objects:

• Increases our powers of observation
• Gives us practice in the skill of describing something clearly
• Improves our thinking skills by encouraging us to think laterally (making creative connections to the object)
• Looking at natural objects can stimulate our curiosity
• Connects to the natural environment and history

 

How long will the exercises take?

You can spend as long or little time as you like on each exercise. They are split into stages so you can complete them over a period of time, whether that’s a morning or afternoon, or a week or longer. We suggest you make yourself a tea or coffee and enjoy the time to yourself, immersed in the exercise of your choice.   Take as many breaks as you need. Remember it’s a good idea when doing a creative exercise to have a break from it and come back to it with fresh eyes.