This Week's Practice Exercise

It's a deal.

Prepared by: Alice Folkart
Posted on: Sunday, May 23, 2010

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In 400 words or less give us a scene where two characters make a deal. Show us what the stakes are for each, what he or she stands to gain or lose.

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Parents make deals with kids. Kids make deals with each other. Husbands and wives, friends, make deals. Bosses make deals with employees. In other cultures fathers strike bargains over the worth of their daughters as wives--how many goats is she worth? The colorful ways to drive bargains and make deals are endless. Have fun.

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In 400 words or less give us a scene where two characters make a deal. Show us what the stakes are for each, what he or she stands to gain or lose.

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In your critique consider the force of the personalities. Does the author show us the characters' thoughts, aims, drive to win? What emotions are involved? What part, if any, do time and place play? Do we side with one character more than the other? Why? Would you read on to see what happens next?


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.