Discover the story underneath the story—and a simple writing practice that can help you find it.

For writers at any stage who want to move beyond the initial idea, get unstuck, and discover the deeper story asking to be written.

Sometimes the story we begin with isn’t quite the story we’re trying to tell.

Finding the deeper story—the emotional current, images, characters, questions, and unexpected connections that give a project its life—can be an excavation process. In this generative webinar, author, screenwriter, and writing mentor Jamie Leigh Lorente introduces a simple six-minute daily writing practice designed to help you get beneath the surface of your project and discover what wants to emerge.

By temporarily setting aside the analytical and editorial mind, you’ll create space for intuition, association, and surprise. Through guided writing, you’ll explore emotional themes, imagery, character, structure, point of view, dialogue, and unexpected connections—without trying to solve or perfect the work too soon.

Use this practice when beginning a new project, when you’ve lost momentum or feel stuck, or throughout the life of a creative work. It’s a simple, flexible tool you can return to again and again.

No particular level of experience is required.

What You’ll Learn

Why it works: How temporarily bypassing the analytical and editorial mind can open surprising pathways into story
The six-minute practice: A simple daily generative exercise and prompts for discovering new material
How to stay in discovery mode: Techniques for keeping your internal editor out of the room while you write
How to use it throughout a project: Ways to return to the practice when beginning, searching for momentum, or feeling stuck

What to Expect

You’ll be introduced to the six-minute journaling practice, take part in guided generative writing, and have an opportunity for sharing and reflection. You’ll also receive written prompts and instructions so you can continue the practice on your own.

The rules are simple: keep your hand moving. Don’t edit, correct, or cross anything out. Doodling and asemic writing are welcome. When the timer stops, you stop.

What You’ll Need

A notebook or journal—preferably fresh or blank—or loose paper in a binder
A pen or writing utensil you enjoy using
An alternative writing or typing device if handwriting isn’t accessible to you
An open mind and a willingness to play, wander, and surprise yourself

Genre and Form