When you don’t know what to write but feel like writing (and perhaps using your lovely stationery), pick up a book and open it up to a random page.
You can use this technique for commonplacing, journalling, fiction writing, and even studying.
The Random Book Method
- Open a book to a random page.
- Skim over the page until something catches your attention.
- Copy out an excerpt (possibly into your commonplace book).
- Look up unfamiliar words (and follow etymological links).
- Consider associations with other words, ideas or projects that are active for you.
- Follow your curiosity, even if it leads to another book, or a different subject.
- Make notes on your findings, as though you’re investigating evidence.
Context
Taking excerpts out of context and then re-contextualising them within your own framework of reference can be a wonderful practice for getting past mental blockages in your life.
What if you place your random page within the context of a game, or a spiritual practice, or a message from a lost world?
Also read:
Randomness
Adding an element of chance to your writing is one of the best ways to make every writing session more fun and surprising.
I’ve been leaning into randomness a lot recently, and I’ve created several dice-based writing games you might enjoy.
Also read:
