This Week's Practice Exercise

On The Road (Version 2)
Prepared by: Alice Folkart
Revised and posted on: 4 December 2011

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In 400 words or less show us someone traveling alone or with others. Why is this journey important to the traveler or his/her companions? What is the destination? What do the traveler and his/her companions expect to achieve there?
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Is your story about best friends on the way to Spring Break or a Little League team going to a playoff? Does it follow refugees running from war or perhaps show us someone on a business trip that might make or break a career. Is someone going home?
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In 400 words or less show us someone traveling alone or with others. Why is this journey important to the traveler or his/her companions? What is the destination? What do the traveler and his/her companions expect to achieve there?
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In critiquing, consider the plot and characters. Are both interesting enough to make you want to read on. Whether yes or no, tell us why. Is the landscape through which the characters travel important to the story? What does it contribute? Can you tell if the writer has done any research to provide realistic detail of mode of travel, background, period, and characters? Does it enrich the piece. Would you want to read more?

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.