Donald Murray dies at 82

I think that any professional writer (which you claim us all to be Doc, even though I do not think I am) can learn a tremendous amount about writing from Donald Murray. He was a great writer all of his life and did not let his age affect his writing. At age 82, he still felt he was writing the same as he did at age 17. Murray was a motivated writer who constantly challenged himself. Writing was his passion. He believed a blank piece of paper could be turned into somethink magical and full of surprises. One thing to learn from Murray is to follow your dreams and bhallenge yourself to do the best you can.

Suprise, Suprise!

Donald Murray defines suprise as "a delight in what writers do not expect to find" at the beginning of Chapter three. Murray demonstrates the point that we can find suprise at any time and any place which could always lead to a potential story. His 25 observations at the supermarket was a way for him to catch suprises by watching what is going on and jotting his thoughts down on a piece of paper. In order to report for suprise, Murray says we must use the writers ten senses which are sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste, change, effect, conflict, context, and self. A good story needs to also have details by answering-who, what, when, where, why, and how? Murray also says it is important to brainstorm and make a list, then look at items from your list that suprise you and circle them.

25 Observations

I was walking around on the streets in Wriggleyville in Chicago on Sunday early afternoon and decided to sit on the sidewalk with my pad of paper and write down some observations.

1. Many people are walking fast and seem to be in a hurry.
2. Many people are walking dogs.
3. Some joggers working up a sweat.
4. One homeless guy begging everyone for money.
5. Many different ethnicities of people.
6. Cabs are everywhere on the streets.
7. Cars are constantly honking horns.
8. Lots of people wearing Cub's gear.
9. Many peole on their cell phones.
10. Crazy Chicagoan drivers slamming breaks and swirving.
11. Two cars run a red light.
12. Cigarette buts all over sidewalks.
13. A man and woman in a fight screaming at each other right in front of me because he supposedly ditched her at a bar last night.
14. Many buses everywhere
15. Pregnat woman is smoking cigarrete.
16. She throws her cigarette but right by me almost landing on my lap.
17. Restaurants and bars everywhere.
18. Many couples holding hands.
19. Airplane in sky with a banner promoting a club for tonight.
20. One couple is now making out in front of me.
21. One guy is wearing a Cardinal's hat and shirt in wrigleyville and the Cubs are playing in St. Lous right now.
22. Not too many obese people in Chicago compared to Springfield.
23. A loose black lab comes up to me and I pet him, then he licks my face.
24. A little kid runs in street nearly getting hit by a car- Where are his parents?
25. I have observed enough- time for me to go in a bar, get a beer and watch the game!