- Go see a movie. Now recreate a scene in that movie from your favorite character’s point of view. What were they thinking? Why did they do what they did? How did they feel?
- Here are 3 first lines taken from famous books:
*Herman Broder turned over and opened one eye. |
| -Enemies, A Love Story, Isaac Bashevis Singer. |
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*You better not tell nobody but God. |
| - The Color Purple, Alice Walker |
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*I see . . .” said the vampire, and slowly he walked across the room toward the window. |
| - Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice |
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Choose one and copy it down.
Now make up the rest of the story in five pages or less. |
- Eavesdrop while a stranger is on the phone. Copy down whatever they say. Make up what the other person is saying, creating a dialogue exchange.
- This is probably the most common writing exercise around, but it always elicits great sensory detail and it’s fun every time. Empty your friend’s pockets (with permission). Or his/her locker, refrigerator, or backpack. Describe what you see in detail. What do the items smell like? Feel like? Keep your list and use it in a story.
- Spend a day in an environment that is unfamiliar. It could be a hair salon, a construction site, or a busy office. Take a notebook and write down details about what people look like, how they dress, speak, and move. What sounds do you hear? Describe what’s on the walls, what objects you see. I recently had fun with this one after spending a day riding the subways of New York.
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