Capturing Sensations

"Sometimes a poem comes over me like weather, feels like an itch or impulse. It's a near physical sensation. At that moment, there is nothing else to do but move to the typewriter or computer to pound the thing out." - Cate Marvin

How does one capture ideas to transform into pieces of writing? Awareness of what's happening on myriad levels of sensation begins the process. With eyes, nose, ears and fingers alert, receptivity opens. Translate sensations into words with sounds, scents, touch and taste to enliven writing. 

Make lists of possibilities.

Take time to follow the light as it bounces during the day. 
Notice shadows and dark spaces. 
Taste the air and make notes on sensations and scents. 
Observe conversations between others. 
Watch their body language and record gestures. 
Listen to sounds floating and mingling in the air. 
Read signs and transpose words. 
Scan the newspaper for headlines that mean more than the subject. 
Search for oddities. 
Gaze into flowers and plants for shapes and faces. 
Ask, "What happens here. . ."
Look up and around. 
Make friends with clouds and small creatures.
Squint to capture nuances.

Creative Write: Start your own list of observations and sensations. Do a freewrite to see what adventures will unfold. Express yourself in details.