Remember the joy of magazines, those glossy print publications with large photos and worlds of possibility? Like the nearly extinct newspaper, the magazine has left the modern world, diminished in size, scale and popularity. Still, I like the shiny pages providing a peek into other worlds.

They also make an excellent writing challenge.

When I want low-pressure word play, I reach for the nearest magazine and make a scramble.

Here’s how: Flip to a page, copy words and phrases onto your own paper, then rearrange words, lines, and ideas to make your own poem. You can add words of your own, or increase the challenge by using only words from the magazine page.

A tip for the thrifty (me!): Get free magazines at your local library.

The scramble is a great writing warm-up, a good remedy for writer’s block, and a fun way to create unexpected word pairings that expand your creative power. The key is to stop making sense, while also creating some cohesion. Play with your words!

Design Rules

Never block a window.

Spindle strife. Vault the ceiling

and hang your mismatched expectation.

More-is-more makes a grand entry

but here’s a smart trick: get small.

Strike yourself from the room.

Bring in light.

— Drew Myron
created from Real Simple, June 2024

Your turn!  Make your own scramble (or scramble my scramble). If you feel moved, share your poem with me at: dcm@drewmyron.com   

Want more word play?
Wordcatching
Cut Up
Overwrite
Headlines
Wild Card
I Remember
Where I’m From