This week's practice exercise!

This is Classified~

Prepared by: Florence Cardinal
Reposted on: July 19, 2009

Exercise: In 400 words or less, tell a story, or give us the beginning of one, that explains what prompted someone to run a classified advertisement. Be sure to include the ad and credit the source at the beginning of your sub. Stick to the information given--don't change the family dog to a cockatoo, or substitute a pair of glass slippers for the wedding gown.

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This is another in the "inspiration is everywhere" category.

Have you ever read the classified ads in the newspaper and wondered about the story behind some of them? For example:

"FOR SALE: Wedding gown, Size 8. Never worn. PH: XXX XXXX."

Why didn't the woman wear her wedding gown?

Or:

"TO GIVE AWAY: Five-year-old male cocker spaniel. Great with kids. Family pet. Looking for a good home."

Why are these folks giving away the family dog?

Find such an advertisement in a daily or weekly newspaper old or new, a community bulletin board, or at Craig's List, and build a story around it.
http://www.craigslist.org/about/cities.html
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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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