Opening up words

I’ve been reading Accidental Genius, by Mark Levy. The title is what intrigued me, and I confess I will open up any book with the word accidental in the title. That’s because of a book I’ve enjoyed reading again and again, The Accidental Tourist, by Anne Tyler. Levy’s book begins at an exciting pace, with Opening up words

304. Write a Letter to Granny

Suggested time: 1 — 3 hours Write a letter to your grandmother. If writing a letter to your grandmother doesn’t resonate with you, try writing a letter to any older relative in your family—an aunt or an uncle. After you write the letter, make a note of the following: Your choice of topics Your tone 304. Write a Letter to Granny

239. Observe

Suggested time: 20 — 45 minutes Good writing begins with keen observation. For this exercise, pretend that you have just landed on the planet and are seeing everything in your backyard for the very first time. Take a walk outside with your notebook. Keep your eyes wide open. Find something new, something you’ve never before 239. Observe