The New Year Edition
Writing Exercise
Remember the writing exercises we used to get in English class? You know, the "Put these words in a sentence" kind of exercise. I’ve decided to give you just such an exercise, except we’ll be writing a short story with a list of the words that I will provide.
The purpose of this exercise is to help you to develop the habit of using strong verbs, lively adjectives, and discover the power of seemingly "simple" words when you use them consciously.
The rules are simple:
The story cannot be more than 500 words. Anyone can sprinkle words throughout a long story. It takes a bit of creativity and imagination to consciously place them in a short story in an effective manner.
Think outside the box. Try to see words as snapshots and use those words to create specific pictures for the mind. If a few of your words are shivered, darting, and massive, try to use them in a way that you might ordinarily not think of writing. "He shivered" is legal, but "The leaves shivered in the relentless wind, darting around the trunk of the massive oak before relinquishing their hold on the sky and succumbing to the charms of the rich, wet earth" provides a lot of imagery for the mind.
Determine the type of story that you want to write before you begin. That will help you to target the words that you use more effectively. (For instance, you’d use the same words differently if they were for a romantic story, nostalgic, or a funny piece.) *If you’d like to really challenge yourself, try using all of the words in a poem.*
All of the words in the list must be used. The precise words must be used. You can’t use "longing," or "groveled," etc. (No cheating, now.LOL)
Most importantly, have fun. There is no right or wrong way to write your story. Don’t worry about trying to impress anyone. Get a feel for the way words sound and the various rhythms of the sentences that you construct. With time and practice you will be able to discern your style of writing.
I will be featuring some of your stories in next month’s newsletter and look forward to reading and experiencing your writing.
Here goes!
Longed Dart Shivered Relentless Cold Snatch Greedy Slammed Thump Cracked Gape Cried Silent Marched Massive Quiet Slap Pierced Wafted Curling Stop Heat |
Small Shimmering Raw Loud Power Teasing Snapped Anger Spirited Joy Pain Guffaw Round Fingers Grip Punched Whistling Hold Kicking Warmth Grovel Darkening |
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