Stanley Fish On Practice

“It may sound paradoxical, but verbal fluency is the product of hours spent writing about nothing, just as musical fluency is the product of hours spent repeating scales.” (Stanley Fish, How to Write a Sentence)

Finding Your Voice: An Exercise in Stylistic Freedom

1. Key Writing Practice Development Techniques:

• Freewriting/Stream of Consciousness: The quotation emphasizes the importance of unfettered exploration and experimentation with language. Just as musicians practice scales to develop technical mastery, writers need to practice “writing about nothing” to cultivate fluency and discover their unique voice.
• Focus on Process over Product: The emphasis is on the act of writing itself – the joy of experimentation, the discovery of unexpected connections, and the development of a comfortable relationship with the page. There is no pressure to produce a finished product; the goal is to loosen the grip of self-censorship and allow the mind to wander.
• Developing an Ear for Language: By paying close attention to the sounds, rhythms, and textures of language, writers can cultivate a deeper understanding of how words work together to create meaning and evoke emotion.

1. Writing Prompt:
   For this exercise, spend 500 words freewriting on the following:

“Describe a room. Any room. But do not describe its function. Focus instead on the sensations it evokes: the way the light filters through the window, the textures of the objects within, the sounds that drift in from the outside world. Allow yourself to be drawn down unexpected rabbit holes of thought and association. Don’t worry about making sense or telling a story. Let the words flow freely.”

3. Evaluation Criteria:

• Fluency and Freedom: Does the writing exhibit a sense of ease and spontaneity? Are there instances of unexpected turns of phrase, surprising juxtapositions, or playful explorations of language?
• Sensory Detail: Does the writing effectively evoke a sense of place through vivid sensory imagery? Are there specific and concrete details that bring the room to life for the reader?
• Voice and Originality: Does the writing demonstrate a distinct voice and perspective? Is there evidence of the writer’s unique sensibility and engagement with the language?

3. Follow-up Questions for Workshopping/Revision:

• What are the most striking or unusual images or metaphors in your freewriting? How might you incorporate them into a more structured piece of writing?
• Did you discover any unexpected themes or preoccupations during the freewriting process? How might you explore these ideas further in your creative work?
• What were the biggest challenges you faced during this exercise? How might you overcome these challenges in future writing sessions?

3. Exemplary Published Work:

• “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien: This novel masterfully blends realistic storytelling with lyrical, dreamlike passages that explore the psychological and emotional impact of war. O’Brien’s prose is characterized by its fluidity, its willingness to experiment with form and voice, and its ability to capture the elusive nature of memory and experience.
  Strong vs. Weak Responses:
• Strong Response:
• Exhibits a clear sense of voice and personality.
• Explores unexpected connections and associations.
• Employs vivid sensory details and evocative language.
• Demonstrates a willingness to experiment and take risks.
• Weak Response:
• Feels stiff or contrived; lacks spontaneity.
• Relies on clichés and generic descriptions.
• Focuses on summarizing or explaining rather than showing.
• Appears rushed or incomplete.
  Note: This exercise is designed to be completed within a 2-hour writing session. Encourage students to set a timer and resist the urge to edit or revise during the initial freewriting phase. The goal is to cultivate a sense of freedom and playfulness in their writing practice.
  This exercise encourages students to break free from the constraints of conventional storytelling and explore the possibilities of language for its own sake. By embracing the “paradox” of writing about nothing, they can develop a deeper understanding of their own unique voice and cultivate the fluency and freedom that are essential for all creative writing.

Regards,

RAR