This week's practice exercise~

Prepared by: Florence Cardinal
Reposted, revised on: Sun, 30 Sep 2007
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Title: Transitions (version 3)

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Exercise: In 300 words or less, move a character from point A to
point B or from one time frame to another smoothly and quickly.
Make us aware of the scene change without bogging us down in excess
prose.
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Transitions, moving someone from one place to another, or from one
time frame to another, are difficult for many writers. If you move
your character too quickly, your audience may feel disoriented and it
may take them a few moments to realize what has happened.

On the other hand, you can't show every step your character takes, or
every second that passes as he moves from spring to winter.

Write a scene where you transport your character to a different time
or place without jolting the reader or including too many unnecessary
details. For example, if your character is sitting in the boss's office
being reprimanded before being let go, you need to get him out of the
office and into the bar with a clear transition the reader can follow
and a minimum of fuss.
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Critique by telling how well the writer takes us from one location or
time to another. Does the transition knit the scenes together seamlessly, or do we feel
as if we've hit a speed bump or a pothole?
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These exercises were written by IWW members and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its members. You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that you found them at the Internet Writers Workshop (http://www.internetwritingwor kshop.org/).