Sunday, November 1, 2009

This Week's Practice Exercise

Words words words Version 2

Prepared by: Rebecca Marshall-Courtois
Revised and Reposted on: November 1, 2009
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Exercise: In 400 words or less, write a scene that is inspired by and includes four words chosen at random.

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This is a basic writing exercise, useful to spark inspiration.

Pick four words at random - open a dictionary, look through a newspaper, whatever. There are no restrictions on the words you may use, but if you have trouble choosing, you might pick a color, a place name, a physical object, a sound - pick the first word that comes to mind when you think of each category. So for example, you might start with the words "brown, Paris, creamer, bells." Once you have picked the words, think about what those words mean to you, or what they might mean to a character. Then write a scene that uses those words as creatively as possible.

Let your imagination run wild!

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Exercise: In 400 words or less, write a scene that is inspired by and includes four words chosen at random.

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In your critique: Does the scene work? Could the writing be better? How? Give details. Are the chosen words used effectively?

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 Writing Workshop.

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