This Week's Practice exercise~

Family rules~

Prepared by:
Loretta Carrico-Russel & Carter Jefferson
Reposted on: Sunday, 30 November 2008

Exercise: In 400 words or less, write a scene in which a character breaks a
"family rule" and suggest what the consequences of this action will be.

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Every therapist knows that families have "rules," some unconscious, and some
known and openly enforced. Are doors in the house always closed, or open?
Does the toilet paper always come out from the bottom or the top of the
roll? Do all the girls start wearing lipstick at age 10? Is the boys' going
out for sports teams essential? Is attendance required at holiday dinners?

Such rules usually keep families moving smoothly. They are to families what
habits are to individuals--they save time and the effort of constantly
making decisions. But when a rule is broken, sometimes serious trouble
follows. And when people marry, bringing two sets of family rules to the
union, conflict often ensues.

In your sub, let your reader know, either by implication or through dialog,
what rule is in force. Show a character breaking it, or let us know that
it's been broken by showing us the reactions of other family members.

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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.