ENG. ELECT.

1 – CREATIVE WRITING
Prepared by:
 RMAB
Topics:
1. Creativity in Writing
 Simmering
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
a. define what is simmering in Creative Writing;
b. use simmering in Creative Writing; and
c. apply simmering in Creative Writing correctly.

CREATIVITY IN WRITING
Some authors find they need to let their ideas “simmer” before writing, while
others find they have to “swoop” around the office before they are ready to write. You
are likely to find that you use one or both techniques to organize your ideas or work
area before a successful writing session.
“Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its
own characteristics; and it needs time to simmer to reach full flavor.”

- Marge Kennedy

SIMMERING
This step could also potentially be called “hunting and gathering” or or “research” or
“meditation” or “contemplation” or any number of things. Simmering covers all the
bases. Simmering is signaled by an intense compulsion to do whatever task the writer
usually avoids most vigorously. Letting an idea simmer is vital.
Some writers report a simmering experience that precedes any substantial
writing chore. For most writers, however, the compulsions associated with “simmering”
tend to arise in the midst of a serious writing project. The groundwork has been laid,
and the project usually is off to a good start. The writer has a sense of the next steps
to be accomplished, as well as a feel for how the work might be shaped. It's just a
matter of sitting down to do the writing. Then the simmering sets in.
Now it is time to let it simmer. Like a pot of soup over the low flame on the back
burner of the kitchen stove, creativity needs time to simmer in order for the flavors to
blend and the richness of the broth to develop. Rush into the writing task, and the
ephemeral process of creativity—once interrupted—will retreat, again eluding
consciousness. Allow it to simmer as you complete your compulsive organizing, and
your return to the desk will be rewarded with a resumption of the creative flow.

COALESCENCE
Now is the time to dive in and revise, edit, switch-up, change, delete, rearrange,
play with, expand upon, and refine.

WHY LET IT SIMMER?

 1. It gives you space from your work/book.
2. Your brain will keep working even when you’re not.
3. It prevents total burnout.
4. It will help you fall back inlove with the story.

WHAT TO DO DURING A SIMMERING PERIOD?

1. Work on something new.
2. Read!
3. Watch movies.
4. Try new things.
5. Tackle the Non-Writing To-Do List

Retrieved from:
Simmering and Swooping: Creative Steps Before Writing - O'Connor - 2001 - Nurse Author &
Editor - Wiley Online Library

I. ASSESSMENT
Directions: Determine the word/phrase that corresponds to the given meaning.

_______1. This step could also potentially be called “hunting and gathering” or or
“research” or “meditation” or “contemplation” or any number of things.
SIMMERING
_______2. Who is the author that stated, “Soup is a lot like a family. Each
ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its own characteristics; and it needs
time to simmer to reach full flavor.” Marge Kennedy
_______3. It is the time to dive in and revise, edit, switch-up, change, delete,
rearrange, play with, expand upon, and refine. COALESCENCE

4-5. Give two reasons why you should let your work simmer.