Michell Léon

Exercise

Dialogue makes the world go 'round.

Stories don't depend on dialogue, but it makes them a lot more dynamic. Moreover, dialogue is a great tool for exploring your writing voice.

Writer

Writing is a lifestyle.

If you don't commit to the lifestyle of writing, then writing isn't going to happen, and becoming a writer will be much harder; if not impossible.

Exercise

Get down to earth.

There is a trap attached to always having to make a difference, and if you step into it as a creative writer, your voice suffers. This is how to avoid it.

Writer

The parallel universe of writing.

Life as a writer can be difficult. It's literally living in a different world, and it can be extremely hard recognizing it as a fact.

Exercise

The animated realm.

It's one of the most used storytelling techniques today, and it's one of the best ways of learning the craft of a story while developing your voice.

Writer

The finish line.

Part of the writing craft makes too many writers never finish their work. It's the hardest and most important part, but also the least romantic.

Exercise

The love letter.

When doubt sneaks in about your voice as a writer, there is a great exercise from the emotional water element that will make you feel good about it.

Voice

The burning point.

Your voice is born out of fire, and arises from a burning point of whatever makes it tick. It must be harnessed and balanced to serve you well, though.

Exercise

The bacon of writing.

All crafts have magic ingredients, and writing is no different. Within the realm of writing there is a specific setting that always works well for a writer.

Writer

The writer's urge.

Writing unfolds from an urge within that's two-fold in nature, and illusive. It's hard to put words on, yet that's the one thing the craft is all about.

Exercise

Words of movement.

Describing movement is a craft in its own right, and it's not as easy as you might think. But good writing depends on it.

Writing

All good writing is prewriting.

Even though rewriting is one of the most important aspects of the writing craft, there is another process that's equally important.

Exercise

The story of your pen.

Your pen is a fusion of the water-, fire- and space element, and it has a story to tell that brings you closer to your voice as a writer.

Voice

The umami of writing.

Your voice is the interplay of three things that allow you to find the sweet spot in the middle.

Exercise

Go beyond the mother tongue.

In this combo of the earth and fire element you take your voice to its outer limits. It's challenging, but also playful and rewarding.

The Five Elements

The five elements.

It's the constant interplay between the five elements that makes up your voice as a writer, and you can combine them in any which way you want.

Voice

The power of playfulness.

Innovation is a key part of the world we live in, but without playfulness it never happens. This includes finding your voice as a writer.

Exercise

Emotional logbook.

Being aware of your emotions is important to develop your emotional intelligence, which is a key part in your voice as a writer.

Handwriting

Handwriting makes you smarter.

Handwriting can be seen as an incredible workout for the brain that enhances its functions in many unforeseen ways.

Art

The artistic path.

Artistic creation and personal development combined is like driving a car while stepping on the gas and the breaks at the same time.

Exercise

Words of scent.

Connecting memory with feeling anchored in scent is a powerful way of developing yourself, and your voice.

Voice

The trinity of voice, tool, and format.

If you take care of your voice, it takes care of you, and the best place to start is finding the right tool for it.

Exercise

Finding patterns.

Turning abstract thought into writing is one of the most rewarding exercises for the mind.

Writing

Creating space.

Dreaming is key to writing, but make sure you pick the right dream, so your voice can operate effectively under the radar.

Voice

When in doubt, let your voice lead.

It's hard to trust your voice, but it knows where to go better than your mind.