This Week's Practice Exercise~
Exercise: In 300 words or less describe a single moment in time--a snapshot without using dialogue or action.
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Often an image, photo, drawing, painting, even a piece of sculpture tells a entire story without words, without action, interpretation, or explanation. This exercise asks us to use careful attention to detail to help the reader see that defining moment in time. It asks us to describe, not interpret, what we see in a way that will let the reader intuit our emotional response.
Can you "show" the story behind the image? Try not to "interpret" the picture; try not to say "the man looks unhappy," but instead describe him, e.g., "his eyes are downcast, the corners of his mouth pulled down, he hangs his head." Let the reader decide what all this adds up to. Use simple descriptive language, and remember to show, not tell.
If there are people in the picture you are describing, remember to talk about the image as if you were looking at a snapshot.
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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.
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