Open Window Writing exercise

This is an especially fun exercise to do with a group. For this exercise, Imagine your main character looking out a window, either at his school, home or other location where he spends a lot of time. Write about what he sees and how the scene outside his window impacts his emotional state. Does it create a longong, resentment, despair? Write for 15-30 minutes.

If you are doing this as a group exercise, discuss how your intent as a writer may or may not intrude upon what your character sees, and your influence on your character's emotional response.

Character's Biography Writing Prompt

For this prompt, think about the MC in your current work in progress (WIP.) Where was he born? What hospital was he born in? Is there a funny story about the events leading up to his birth? What was his first day of school like, and who was his first best friend? Set your timer for 15 minutes and write a bio for your MC, starting with his birth up until his age in your WIP.

Twenty Five Words for June 2011

Here's this month's twenty five words. The object of the game remains the same: set your timer for 15-30 minutes and then try to write a children's short story or picture book using as many of the words (or short phrases) in the list as possible.

Hollow
Hippos
Toothy
Ribbon
Lightening bolt
Swish swish swish
What a surprise
Dazzle
Listen
Puff puff
Clang
A sky so blue
Smooth
Happy
Wave
Dance
Crowded
Screech
Did you see that?
Tusk
Snore
Slight
Marble
Lavender
Pie

Birdseye View

Adult characters are able to look at a situation from an objective standpoint. Teen, tween, and child characters are not as adept at being objective. In fact, a totally objective MC might not be very interesting. The reader wants to know what the MC feels, his motivations, his private thoughts, and how these things are expressed through the MC's actions.

For this prompt, describe a minor traffic accident between a mom driving a minivan and a kid on a bicycle, as seen through the eyes of the MC. The MC may be a bystander or the kid on the bike. Who was most at fault? Would the MC have any moments of objectivity? Write for 10-15 minutes.

Postcard Writing Prompt

This prompt requires postcards or pictures from a vacation.

Choose two postcards, they can be related or unrelated. Select a character, for example, an eight year old child, or thirteen year old boy. Using both postcards to establish the character's setting, write for 15-30 minutes about a dilemma that involves something depicted on one of the postcards. Extra bonus points if you used two completely unrelated postcards.