PEN TO PAPER: Backwards History
Years ago, for a class writing exercise, we wrote our life story backward. There were no rules and it didn’t have to be perfect. Let’s give it a try. You can add a lot to each section or do the exercise several times for different parts of you life. (jobs, relationships, hobbies, etc). However you do it, it’s always interesting.
Example 1:
I am a divorced mother of three and a restaurant owner who loves to play tennis
Before that I was married, I waited tables and watched tennis on tv.
Before that I was single, I was in culinary school and I played tennis almost every day.
Before that….
Example 2:
I am a husband and I import toys from Europe.
Before that I was single and I traveled the world with my best friend.
Before that I barely graduated from high school.
Before that…
You get the idea. Give it a try
WRITING PROMPT #1: Write your life’s history backwards. I am____________. Before that….
WRITING PROMPT #2: Simply write a story from your past
WRITING PROMPT #3: Daniel looked at the old photo album and…
PEACELOVEBASKETBALL: Improve Your Shooting This Summer
During my first season playing high school basketball, I averaged 3 points per game. The next year I averaged 17 points per game and was one of the leading scores in our league. What changed? I set a goal to become a better shooter, worked on my shot and tracked the whole process.
Improve your game this summer by setting goals and using a habit tracker…[LEARN MORE HERE]
PEN TO PAPER: Reading Rituals
I wasn’t always a reader. And I still don’t read nearly as much as I probably should (being a writer), and for sure not as much as I would like. But I read more than I ever did when I was young.
Since I’m a slow reader, Audio books have helped speed up my pace. All I have to do is open my library app and put in my AirPods when I walk my dog or run errands, and I knock off a couple of chapters. Still, my favorite way to read is to hunker into a cozy chair with tea and a good old fashioned book and just immerse myself in the experience.
How much do you read? And what is your favorite way to do it?
WRITING PROMPT #1: When I read I…
WRITING PROMPT #2: Write “BOOKS” at the top of your page, or document, and start writing.
WRITING PROMPT #3: Jenna picked up the latest book by _______________ and….
PEACELOVEBASKETBALL: The Evolution of Women’s Basketball
A lot has changed in women’s basketball since I first hit the court. Check out my article, Yes We Can Play at Stack Sports. The piece looks back at the history of women’s basketball and shares how changes such as, moving to a full-court game with dribbling, using a smaller ball and the addition of the three-point line have all taken place during my lifetime…[READ HERE]
Meet Sonya
Meet Sonya
Sonya Elliott’s memoir, Back on the Court: A Young Woman’s Triumphant Return to Life, Love & Basketball, is her story of finding hope in the wake of tragedy after she and her fiancé were hit by a train. She blogs about writing, basketball, and life and is currently working on a Young Adult Novel and a Non-Fiction Coaching book. Stories of her career as a fashion model are woven through her memoir, as both the Soloflex and Easy Spirit Shoes commercials were filmed during that time period, and this unique and intriguing business continues to be a part of her life.
Sonya played basketball at Eastern Washington University and was a starter for the Big Sky Champion team that went to the 1987 NCAA tournament. She coached for almost 25 years and was voted Seattle Times Coach of the Year, Seattle Officials Women’s Basketball Association Coach of the Year, and twice voted Metro League Coach of the Year. She loves the game of basketball and is thankful, not only for her husband and kids but for her ability to continue to get back on the court.
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PEN TO PAPER: Surprise
Since I fell off the wagon with my writing prompts, I figured that I better come back with some good ones. Give one of these a try and see what happens.
Write on!
WRITING PROMPT #1: You look in the mirror in the morning and you look like a different person. Now write.
WRITING PROMPT #2: You wake up and find that you have a super power. What is it and what do you do next.
WRITING PROMPT # 3: Caden’s eyes widened when he noticed…
PEACELOVEBASKETBALL: Have Fun And Improve Your Ball Handling
Find a partner and work on your ball-handling skills together. With a partner, you will improve through accountability, sharing skill work and it’s a lot of fun! Learn more about partnering up and improving you skills [HERE].
PEN TO PAPER: Vacation Time
Let’s talk vacations!
With things opening up a bit more, many of us are adventuring out on vacation. I just got back from my favorite spot in Montana. My grandparent’s lake cabin. I’ve been going there all of my life. It’s where I learned to paint and play cards, swim and waterski, make fancy pancakes and bake apple pie. And after walking to get our drinking water out of the spring (for several years), enjoying close views of bald eagles and hikes to the Turtle Pond, I also learned to appreciate nature.
Most of all I learned the true meaning of family.
Over the years I have returned to Montana, and with TV and cell phones put on the back burner, my kids have had some of the same experiences that I did, and have created many new ones of their own. Experiences that I know they will never forget.
What are some of your favorite […]
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