• I journal. I do a mixture of morning pages, planning and general thought dumps. I write to myself. Okay, I talk to myself too but this is a little more structured. I have recently been having a discussion with myself about ‘voice’ and the broader issue around identity. It is possible both are linked and

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  • The Last Emperox by John Scalzi A book review Creativity flows throughout the universe. To be creative we merely need to step into the flow and create. The flow is elusive, but it is there. Sometimes it is hard to find, other times it is clear. Creativity takes us from one place to another. The

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  • I made a mixtape of songs that have been bouncing between my ears recently. They all have a vague link, in my head, with the current lockdown and Beltane, which has just passed. It’s just under 40 minutes long, so if you want to have a musical meander for a bit, scroll down. The mixtape

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  • An quick update on the recording and mixing progress of Protomatic Renaissance.

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  • Welcome to my website. I am Darren, the creative minimalist. I have archived the previous iteration of this site.

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  • The postmark – Friday Fiction Writing Prompt

    A Fiction Writing Prompt to stretch the literary muscles. No rules. No word counts. Simply write and explore.

    I recognised the sender’s postmark. But why contact me now, and in this old, traditional way? Friday Fiction Writing Prompt

    I recognised the sender’s postmark. But why contact me now, and in this old, traditional way?

    Writing Prompt Expanded

    This Friday Fiction Writing Prompt is all about the reveal. The narrator has received a letter. The postmark means they know or have a pretty good idea, who it is from. There is history between the narrator and the sender, but the reader obviously doesn’t know what this is.

    The writing prompt is about revealing that history. It could be anything, from a dark, frightening event that darkened their past to something more mysterious through to happier times that were somehow lost. The choice, as always is yours.

    The challenge, how you reveal that information, is also yours. Does it pour out immediately, or little by little as you read what has been written? The prompt uses a letter. This mode of communication slows things down, it is more deliberate than a text message or email. And, there might just be a prompt using digital communication on its way another day.

    As always these writing prompts are optional and entirely open to your own interpretation. Use them as a starting point for a short story or something a little more grandiose. If you do write something, please share it or a link, in the comments or tag me. I’d love to read what you create. Write and enjoy the creative learning process.

    Original envelope image by 2211438 from Pixabay


    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

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  • In rainbows

    Rainbow colours
    in rainbows

    I found a rainbow laying around on the floor so I captured it.

  • Creative play – journal and planner update

    Creative play, journal and planner update vlog

    This week’s, the journal and planner update vlog goes on a little detour. It’s been a bit of a distracting week in one way or another, so I distract myself with a little creative play. Gesso is involved as I delve into the world of Art Trading Cards and my junk journal, before getting back into my current planner issues. Still unsure about whether the two planner system is working. Would love to know how things are going with you all, happy planning and creative distraction my friends x

  • Fresh air – Friday Fiction Writing Prompt

    A Fiction Writing Prompt to stretch the literary muscles. No rules. No word counts. Simply write and explore.

    I opened the doors and stepped out on the balcony. The view was amazing, but it was the air that took my breath away

    Writing Prompt Expanded

    This week’s Friday Fiction Writing Prompt is all about comparison. It’s time to compare one thing to another.

    The prompt focuses on fresh air. Our narrator has arrived at a place where the air is different from what they are used to. This could be because they are from a smog-ridden city and they are now at the coast or out in the countryside, or the other way round. The choice, as always is yours.

    The aim is to stretch your descriptive powers by focussing on the differences between the two. Use…

    • simile
    • metaphor
    • exaggeration

    The bigger the difference between the two places, the more captivated your reader will be, and the more likely they might relate to one of your descriptions. Emphasise the difference between the narrator’s memory and their current experience.

    As always these writing prompts are optional and entirely open to your own interpretation. Use them as a starting point for a short story or something a little more grandiose. If you do write something, please share it or a link, in the comments or tag me. I’d love to read what you create. Write and enjoy the learning process.


    Thank you for reading this post. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
    namaste
    d
    xox

    If you enjoyed this post please support my writing by making a donation of any amount.

    Sign up for my (ir)regular newsletter to keep up to date with my creative adventures, including special offers, and join me on Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest

  • Scraps? Journal and Planner Vlog

    Scraps! Journal and planner vlog update

    Planner and journal vlog update. A look into my bullet journal(s) and junk journal. I seem to have run into a problem with my set-up. Instead of capturing things in my ‘daily’ journal, I have been accruing a number of scrap pieces of paper. It feels like I am being called to an all-in-one journal… but I’ve been there before 🙂