Instructions

◦ 1. Use the clustering technique to write your vignette. Begin

with a word that has meaning for you, like "mother," and
write it at the center of the page and circle it. Then
brainstorm other words, writing them in circles and
connecting them with lines to the center word.
◦ 2. Decide on one idea to write about. It could be a single word
from your cluster exercise or a group of words related to
one idea.
◦ 3 . Pick an image that represents the idea you want to explore in
your vignette. For example, write about the bravest person
you've ever known if you want to explore courage.
◦ 4. Find a quiet, comfortable place to lie down for 10 minutes. Set
an alarm so you don't fall asleep. Close your eyes and
visualize the image.
◦ 5. Choose the form of your vignette. It can be a poem,
description, monologue or a dialogue between characters.
◦ 6 . Write the first draft without thinking too much about words,
structure or quality. Just as a camera takes a picture of
what's there, your vignette should photograph what's in
your mind.
◦ 7. Set the vignette aside at least overnight. Read it out loud to
feel the rhythm of the language. Pay attention first to how
well it expresses your idea, then to how well it's written.