Charity shops saved my life. It’s not my fault, I’m a Taurean; I need a certain baseline in order to be able to function. I need a potato masher or the universe seems out of conk. But I’m also into the whole creative vocation thing, so material concerns have to take a back-seat.
When I was at university and setting up, a trip to town was incomplete without a visit to Wilkos or the charity shops. It’s because of charity shops that we have double-insulated the house with books and my beloved is reduced to three changes of clothes max.
This exercise requires a bit of legwork, but it’s perfect if you need a break from your writing desk.
The Tigger on the right is upset because the Tigger on the left is getting all the hugs.
Take a pound coin to a charity shop. Take your time. Browse. If you want to try on the 100% polyester tiger jumper, go for it. I guarantee that most people will find a ‘Find.’ But you’re looking for a very particular find too. Something for 99p. Something that draws you to it, delights you, baffles you, reminds you of someone you once knew. When you’ve chosen, buy it and take it back to your writing desk.
Write a poem draft or a one-sitting flash fiction piece that is sparked from the object. It helps to hold it in your hands, feel its weight, its textures. Whose is it? And remember Wordspark #006: First Thought Best Thought? – the seventh idea might be better than the first… What is the most significant event in that objects history?
Go!
And while we’re at it – if you’d like to tell us about your best Charity Shop find, or even post a photo, please do! Here’s mine. I’m not sure, but I think it’s a perfume/posie necklace? But I can’t help thinking of all the different things someone might place in there… a scrap of paper, a tooth, a harpy… and that gets me thinking about why…
Copyright Mollie Baxter 2010
You are welcome to use these exercises in your writing group or class. I just ask that you acknowledge the source i.e. verbally and on the handout if you use one. I’d also love it if you would let me know how it went!
Do feel free to post any responses or extracts of writing that you have written, but bear in mind that I am unable to give any feedback in this forum. Please see details on my freelance teaching or one-to-one mentoring. Thanks for reading!
This is a short, fun exercise particularly good for a warm-up in a workshop or writing group setting, to lift energy, create laughter and get the little grey cells going. I use it if I’m working with a group who are a little bit shy, or to clear the air after an intensive spate of writing. It also has a hidden value which I’ll talk about later.
Friday 2nd July 2010: Mona House Art, Comedy and Music Night. Mollie Baxter, Sam Wilson, Jess Thomas, Al Alvarez, Ron Scowcroft, Dee Sidlo. 7.30pm, FREE
Tuesday 27th July: Wordsoup Tringe special, a second chance to see the dramatisation of ‘Keeping Light,’ a collaboration between Mollie Baxter, Norman Hadley and David Riley. The Continental Preston, 8pm £3.00