This Week's Practice Exercise

Animal World

Prepared by: Alice Folkart
Posted on: Sunday, May 30, 2010
Reposted on: Sunday, November 3, 2012

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In 400 words or less write a scene from an animal's point of view, have the animal want something from either a human or another animal.

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Is a dog waiting and waiting for his walk? Is a cat plotting to catch and eat the canary? Is a deer being hunted? What does the fish, swimming back and forth in his little aquarium, think of what he sees? The hamster--where does he think is he going in his running wheel? Perhaps the thoughts of a pet in a carrier on the way to the vet or going on a trip . Is this the voice of an old animal, tired, ready to die? What about the pampered 'accessory' dog who goes everywhere in his mistress's purse? Tame or wild, your choice.
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In 400 words or less write a scene from an animal's point of view, have the animal want something from either a human or another animal.

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In your critique consider whether the writer has given us a believable animal 'voice.' Is the fictional animal wiser and wilier than humans, or simpler? Does the animal's view of other animals or humans give us insights that we might not otherwise have had? If the piece is successful, tell us why. If it could be better, tell us how.

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.