This Week's Practice Exercise

What's going on here?

Prepared by: Bob Sanchez
Reposted, revised, on: Sunday, 20, April 2008

Exercise: In 400 words or less, write a scene building on the basic
information provided here. Be sure to make each character's motivations
clear, and let us know something of each one's personality.

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A woman runs on a quiet stretch of road. She isn't wearing running clothes,
but she moves quickly. Not far behind, a man in street clothes also runs. A
canal parallels the road on one side; on the other side are scattered
houses. A half mile down the road, a brick building.

So what's going on here? In 400 words or less, let us in on the story
through the point of view of either character. Add any sensory and
descriptive details at your discretion, but be sure we understand the
motivations of the characters. What do they want? What do they have to do
with each other? Do their goals coincide, or do they conflict? Can we see a
quality or personality trait that drives each person? The reader does not
necessarily have to learn the outcome, as long as the situation is clear.

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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.