The Magic of Writing Crawls

A Share and a Reminder

Last October, I took my errands and turned them into a writing crawl!

I wanted to share here as inspiration and also to remind myself to do another!

This idea originally was inspired by the amazing Sherrie Flick. You can find information about her events here.

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On Friday I had a list of errands. The goal was to infuse some fun into my TO-DO list so the PERSONAL WRITING CRAWL was formed.

A writing crawl is similar to a pub crawl where you visit a series of bars and have a drink in each one. Another similar event is a progressive dinner. In this scenario, you have each course of a meal at a different person’s house.

My rules for my writing crawl:

-Write one page at each location

-Share my experience on Twitter and Instagram close to real-time.

-Write while still in the physical space.

Here is the journal I wrote in: I love the constellations and tan paper.

Stop 1: Chase Bank

This bank has a fireplace in it which makes no sense to me. The safety deposit area has a glass door that looks like it has a lock belt.

Stop 2: Cleaners

I was just dropping off shirts. This sign is a prompt all on its own!

Stop 3: Library

There have been only three occasions where I have stayed at the library for more time than it takes to pick up holds. I have this amazing Google Library Extension that allows me to put a hold on a book while I am shopping. If I hear about a book on a podcast or from a recommendation I can check if my library has it. I sat at a small desk against the windows to write my page. There was a field trip for an elementary school that day so there were more voices in the building than normal!

The library is a place of comfort to me so I am surprised I haven’t gone there to write more often. This library was a place that helped me through a traumatic event in 2015 so it has a special place in my heart.

Stop 4: McDonald’s

I needed a Diet Coke and to hear all the children squeal with delight when they discovered the play place was open.

Stop 5: Grocery Store

Isn’t this one-stop always on the errand list? One of the men in front of me in line had trouble with his coupons. Another person in front of me was buying two containers of ice cream and had a cart. I had my list written on paper that day. I almost forgot the Port for my spaghetti sauce though!

What I noticed about this process was that my details were concrete and it was easier to use my senses to record where I was since I was still physically in the space. I made connections and some unexpected things came up which is what happens with freewriting.

My errands became an Artist’s Date for me. I felt playful like I was on a scavenger hunt for ideas.

I would love to hear from you!

Have you turned something into a writing exercise that wasn’t originally meant for writing?

Have you been on an artist date that was more fun or inspiring than you imagined?

Where would your writing crawl take you?

Happy writing!