Directions: Plan a story about a person's obsession with collecting something.
Collecting books
Miranda collects books. She scours used bookstores for prizes as well and the big chains. She jokes that books just jump into her hands. Her home is one huge library--almost all shelves. She even has them in displays and in her bathrooms. The town she lives him holds her up as an example of literacy.
Rewrite the story so the character's obsession is against this person's best interests.
The books are literally crowding her out of her home. Miranda is socially handicapped--she would much rather be home reading instead of being with people. She doesn't need TV- the shows are in her imagination with her as the star. Her collection sits and gathers dust-a valuable collection hidden away from public eyes.
Sketch out a plot based on the information above:
"Between Two Covers"
The story is told by Miranda's friend who runs the local used bookstore. Miranda leaves her enormous book collection to Susan Yoo when Miranda mysteriously dies. Susan dreads the required cataloging and sorting through the massive shelves, but she finds Miranda's secret diaries...that blows the lid off the secrets in their small town.
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Showing posts with label writing exercises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing exercises. Show all posts
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Ten Things I'd Really Like to Do in My Life
Ten Things I'd Really Like to Do in My Life
1) play in a musical group or an orchestra
2) travel all over the world
3) make the best-seller list
4) take up salsa/tap/ballroom dancing
5) teach ESL or music
6) learn as many languages as I can
8) have a bit part/walk-on part in a popular TV show (like Doctor Who, Chuck, etc.)
9) plant my own garden
10) open my own art gallery to display my works
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
1) play in a musical group or an orchestra
2) travel all over the world
3) make the best-seller list
4) take up salsa/tap/ballroom dancing
5) teach ESL or music
6) learn as many languages as I can
8) have a bit part/walk-on part in a popular TV show (like Doctor Who, Chuck, etc.)
9) plant my own garden
10) open my own art gallery to display my works
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Writing Exercise: Sentence Beginnings
Directions: Take the beginning of one sentence and think of as many ways to complete it.
He opened the door into the courtyard.
He opened the heavy safe- deposit box.
He opened the book and began to read.
He opened the hatch to the submarine.
She walked into a barfight.
She walked into a patch of moonlight.
She walked headlong into busy New York traffic.
She walked along the path through Hyde Park.
The children discovered a snake under a rock.
The children discovered a gold ring in the treasure chest.
The children discovered boxes of model train pieces.
The children discovered his stamp collection.
What if I said to you, "How is your sex life?"
What if I said to you, "You can drive a car, but you can't put wheels on it?"
What if I said to you, "Keep it safe for me?"
What if I said to you, "Turn left at the next intersection?"
We aren't sure if this is even possible.
We aren't sure if he'll pick up the phone.
We aren't sure how long it'll take.
We aren't sure what kind of batteries that needs.
A man waved me over.
A man picked out a present for his wife.
A man danced around the salon.
A man pulled out a gun.
A woman glided across the floor.
A woman tap-danced to the beat.
A woman whizzed by us on skis.
A woman carried her child up the stairs.
The large horse cleared the gate.
The large cake fell off its pedestal.
The large elephant sat on the car.
The large truck rumbled past early this morning.
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
He opened the door into the courtyard.
He opened the heavy safe- deposit box.
He opened the book and began to read.
He opened the hatch to the submarine.
She walked into a barfight.
She walked into a patch of moonlight.
She walked headlong into busy New York traffic.
She walked along the path through Hyde Park.
The children discovered a snake under a rock.
The children discovered a gold ring in the treasure chest.
The children discovered boxes of model train pieces.
The children discovered his stamp collection.
What if I said to you, "How is your sex life?"
What if I said to you, "You can drive a car, but you can't put wheels on it?"
What if I said to you, "Keep it safe for me?"
What if I said to you, "Turn left at the next intersection?"
We aren't sure if this is even possible.
We aren't sure if he'll pick up the phone.
We aren't sure how long it'll take.
We aren't sure what kind of batteries that needs.
A man waved me over.
A man picked out a present for his wife.
A man danced around the salon.
A man pulled out a gun.
A woman glided across the floor.
A woman tap-danced to the beat.
A woman whizzed by us on skis.
A woman carried her child up the stairs.
The large horse cleared the gate.
The large cake fell off its pedestal.
The large elephant sat on the car.
The large truck rumbled past early this morning.
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Writing Exercise: Character Description and Stereotypes
Instructions: Think of a character. Write down her name and her job. In 3 sentences, describe her so she fits the stereotypes of people who do this type of work. In another 3, tell something that goes against the stereotype.
Molly Martin: librarian
1) She's petite, with soft brown hair and glasses.
2) Soft-spoken, she's very polite and helpful to her library patrons
3) She wears long skirts, sweaters and loafers to work.
1) She moonlights as a bartender at a popular bar.
2) One of her hobbies is kickboxing.
3) She listens to rock, R&B and rap music.
Now describe your character's physical appearance, in minute detail.
Height: 5'5. Weight: 125 lbs. (8 stone 9, or 56 kg)
Hairstyle: brown hair, in a ponytail or French braid
Petite with long limbs
Green eyes, small "pug nose", oval-shaped face, flattering wire-framed glasses
Wears unique jewelry that reflects her personality: cat pins, Celtic rings, necklaces, rings
conservative clothing (dark) for work, but always includes a splash of unexpected color
Has a strong grip
Gait: Holds herself straight, but relaxed, like a dancer
Likes clothes, exercise, talking with people, socializing.
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Molly Martin: librarian
1) She's petite, with soft brown hair and glasses.
2) Soft-spoken, she's very polite and helpful to her library patrons
3) She wears long skirts, sweaters and loafers to work.
1) She moonlights as a bartender at a popular bar.
2) One of her hobbies is kickboxing.
3) She listens to rock, R&B and rap music.
Now describe your character's physical appearance, in minute detail.
Height: 5'5. Weight: 125 lbs. (8 stone 9, or 56 kg)
Hairstyle: brown hair, in a ponytail or French braid
Petite with long limbs
Green eyes, small "pug nose", oval-shaped face, flattering wire-framed glasses
Wears unique jewelry that reflects her personality: cat pins, Celtic rings, necklaces, rings
conservative clothing (dark) for work, but always includes a splash of unexpected color
Has a strong grip
Gait: Holds herself straight, but relaxed, like a dancer
Likes clothes, exercise, talking with people, socializing.
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Writing Exercise: "If your life story was a book..."
If your life story was a book, what would it be titled? What would its chapter titles be?
Version #1
Title: A Remarkable Detour
Chapter One: Merry Olde England
Chapter Two: New to Norfolk, VA
Chapter Three: Eighteen Months in Patuxent River, MD
Chapter Four: Che Bella Italia!
Chapter Five: Back in the States, Virginia Beach VA
Chapter Six: Hokie Country in Blacksburg, VA
Chapter Seven: In Cavalier Country, Charlottesville, VA
Chapter Eight: Southern Hospitality, Charlotte NC
Version #2
Title: The World at my Fingertips
One: The Brazen Brit
Two: The Headstrong Yank
Three: The Iron Butterfly
Four: La Dolce Vita
Five: Back to the Familiar
Six: Jefferson Country
Seven: The Queen City
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Writing Exercise: My Life as a Comic Strip...Coming Soon!
Comic Strip: Annie
Theme(s): Creative people of all walks of life are people too. You don't have to be drunk, nuts, suicidal or depressed to write, paint, or do whatever you love. You can still be happy.
Plot: A neurotic, left-handed writer/artist who struggles with life's oddball screw-ups. She deals with life, love, deadlines, gallery showings, and the ever-bottomless coffee pot. She's a creative person in a decidedly conservative, un-creative area. It gives some hope to people like her and reassures them that they are not crazy. If they turn out to be, they're in very good company!
Setting: A part of town that's like Greenwich Village in New York or NoDa in Charlotte. It includes art studios, galleries, shops, coffee houses, independently-owned bookstores and restaurants. It's a wonderful place to be, although forays into the real world is unavoidable.
Supporting characters: a) traditional, stuffy mom b)glamorous fashion designer sis c)stiff, unyielding pal in banking, d) crazy, philosophical coffee shop/bar owner, e) neurotic cats f) ever-patient editor, g) best pal from abroad (accent optional)
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Theme(s): Creative people of all walks of life are people too. You don't have to be drunk, nuts, suicidal or depressed to write, paint, or do whatever you love. You can still be happy.
Plot: A neurotic, left-handed writer/artist who struggles with life's oddball screw-ups. She deals with life, love, deadlines, gallery showings, and the ever-bottomless coffee pot. She's a creative person in a decidedly conservative, un-creative area. It gives some hope to people like her and reassures them that they are not crazy. If they turn out to be, they're in very good company!
Setting: A part of town that's like Greenwich Village in New York or NoDa in Charlotte. It includes art studios, galleries, shops, coffee houses, independently-owned bookstores and restaurants. It's a wonderful place to be, although forays into the real world is unavoidable.
Supporting characters: a) traditional, stuffy mom b)glamorous fashion designer sis c)stiff, unyielding pal in banking, d) crazy, philosophical coffee shop/bar owner, e) neurotic cats f) ever-patient editor, g) best pal from abroad (accent optional)
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Writing Exercise: Can you Plot a Murder Mystery?
Directions: Outline three different scenarios and include the following: the murderer, the victim, the motive, how the murder happened, who will conduct the investigation, and the investigator's motives in taking the case.
Scenario #1
Murderer: a lover with a grudge
Victim: a homeless man on the street
Motive: Homeless man saw something he wasn't supposed to see: the lover beating her man with a baseball bat
How the murder happened: The woman saw the homeless mans taring into the window of the ground-floor apartment. She came after him with the same bat she used to kill her lover.
The investigator?: A hard-boiled private investigator
His motives: He recently caught his wife cheating on him with another man. This case brings up painful memories for him.
Scenario #2:
Murderer: a cop gone bad
Victim: Another cop in the same precinct
Motive: To hide his connections to the mob. His pal was about to snitch on him.
How the murder happened: During a drug bust, the victim was "accidentally" killed by "friendly fire". In reality, the murderer killed the good cop and made it look like an accidental shooting.
The investigator: someone from Homicide
His motives: He had lost several partners in the past, so many that no one wants to be his partner. At first he believes the murderer's story (the Homicide guy identifies with the "grief") but as inconsistencies crop up, he gets suspicious.
Scenario #3
Murderer: a female ninja
Victim: a ruthless American businessman
Motive: to secure a company takeover
How the murder happened: a quick and easy assassination within the businessman's electronic fortress
The investigator: a cop of Japanese-American background
Motive: He knows people in the ninja organization: his family and theirs are rivals. He turned is back on evil, but the temptation is always there.
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Scenario #1
Murderer: a lover with a grudge
Victim: a homeless man on the street
Motive: Homeless man saw something he wasn't supposed to see: the lover beating her man with a baseball bat
How the murder happened: The woman saw the homeless mans taring into the window of the ground-floor apartment. She came after him with the same bat she used to kill her lover.
The investigator?: A hard-boiled private investigator
His motives: He recently caught his wife cheating on him with another man. This case brings up painful memories for him.
Scenario #2:
Murderer: a cop gone bad
Victim: Another cop in the same precinct
Motive: To hide his connections to the mob. His pal was about to snitch on him.
How the murder happened: During a drug bust, the victim was "accidentally" killed by "friendly fire". In reality, the murderer killed the good cop and made it look like an accidental shooting.
The investigator: someone from Homicide
His motives: He had lost several partners in the past, so many that no one wants to be his partner. At first he believes the murderer's story (the Homicide guy identifies with the "grief") but as inconsistencies crop up, he gets suspicious.
Scenario #3
Murderer: a female ninja
Victim: a ruthless American businessman
Motive: to secure a company takeover
How the murder happened: a quick and easy assassination within the businessman's electronic fortress
The investigator: a cop of Japanese-American background
Motive: He knows people in the ninja organization: his family and theirs are rivals. He turned is back on evil, but the temptation is always there.
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Writing Exercise: 10 Favorite Novels and Common Elements
10 Favorite Novels and Why I Like Them
This writing exercise asks you to pick your 10 favorite novels from any genre and list why you like these particular books. Look over your list and lists the common elements that the books share. You might be surprised at the themes and images that recur, even if the books vary in tone and genre.
1) Serpent's Shadow by Mercedes Lackey
Why? Strong female character, elemental magic, Hindu theology and mythology, overcoming prejudice in Edwardian-era England.
2) The Lark and the Wren by Mercedes Lackey
Why? Music composition and performance, Bards and Bardic Magic, Lark overcomes odds to become a Master.
3) Honor Harrington: War of Honor by David Weber
Why? Military sci-fi saga. Honor is a brilliant but compassionate officer. She deals with dual cultures. Psychic abilities, Advanced technologies vs. religious doctrine
4) Mist of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Why? Based on Arthurian saga, but written from a feminist viewpoint. Christianity vs. Old Religion. fate vs. free choice. no "good" or "evil" characters, but all have their flaws and strong points.
5) The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
Why? Set in Australian Outback, coming-of-age story. Complicated family relationships, forbidden romance (Meggie and Ralph)
6) One by Richard Bach
Why? alternate universes, What does life teach us? love triumphs over death. Metaphysical ideas.
7) The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews
Why? Set in various historical periods, hope in adversity, lessons for life
'
8) Uhura's Song by Janet Kagan (Star Trek)
Why? Clues to disease cure in old ballads, music, different languages and cultures, prejudice between peoples, outdoor survival, friendships despite differences.
9) The Wounded Sky by Diane Duane (Star Trek)
Why? Different people work together to a common goal. Advanced technology doesn't always work. Life as a "game". Interesting aliens (glass spider!)
10) My Enemy, My Ally by Diane Duane (Star Trek)
Why? 'Enemies' work together to stop a possible galactic conflict, overcome prejudice on both sides, espionage mission, struggle with honor vs. what's right, focus on Romulan (Rihannsu) culture
Common themes in all these books:
a) strong characters (mostly female)
b) overcoming prejudice (either within yourself or towards others)
c) settings in foreign/fantastical locations
d) languages and culture (including different worldviews and attitudes, music)
e) relationships between people (love and friendship)
All original writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Writing Exercise: "My One True Love..."
My One True Love...
(if he actually existed)
will love and cherish me as I am and will not try to change me.
supports my choice of profession, no matter how "strange" or "penniless" it seems.
will read my writing and give me feedback
is cheerful and unafraid of the future.
believes in an equal partnership
does not dominate in word or action. His was isn't always the "right" way.
is willing to make sacrifices on his part and not just expects me to give up everything
is willing to be flexible, not rigid
doesn't only think about his stomach (or other parts...)
shares some of my interests
willing to stand alone, if needed
can be practical-minded, but not to the point where it becomes ridiculous
does not blindly follow tradition
is a risk taker
is not glued to the TV set most of the time
is wiling to dream
doesn't scorn odd ideas
likes social outings and doesn't want to be a hermit
spontaneous
stops harping about finances all the time
understands music and doesn't dismiss it as frivolous
likes to travel
refuses to give up
has a way with words
All writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Writing Exercise: "Your Life Guide"
If you were to have a guide, what would you tell them about how to communicate with you in a way that is most supportive?
Give me positive encouragement. Tell me what I'm doing right, but don't hesitate to tell me if something's not working. Give it to me straight and don't hide behind smoke and mirrors I want to work as an partnership with both of us equally learning from the other. If I have an idea, let me fully explain it before you jump to conclusions. Even it isn't feasible, some parts of it might still be possible. Make this a conversation; tell me what you think. If you're silent, I might assume you're not interested and I'm just talking to a wall.
Don't nag me. That's a surefire way to turn me off. Don't offer your advice from high above your pedestal. If you are manipulative, Ill break the partnership, no questions asked. But if you're willing to work with me, I'll try to honor our partnership as best as I can.
All writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Give me positive encouragement. Tell me what I'm doing right, but don't hesitate to tell me if something's not working. Give it to me straight and don't hide behind smoke and mirrors I want to work as an partnership with both of us equally learning from the other. If I have an idea, let me fully explain it before you jump to conclusions. Even it isn't feasible, some parts of it might still be possible. Make this a conversation; tell me what you think. If you're silent, I might assume you're not interested and I'm just talking to a wall.
Don't nag me. That's a surefire way to turn me off. Don't offer your advice from high above your pedestal. If you are manipulative, Ill break the partnership, no questions asked. But if you're willing to work with me, I'll try to honor our partnership as best as I can.
All writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Writing Exercise: "If I were..."
If I were...
a color, what color would I be? Purple.
What shape? An arrow.
What movement? A gliding wave.
What sound? A harp arpeggio
What animal? A phoenix.
What song? A lullaby.
What number? 7
What car? A jeep.
What piece of furniture? A rocking chair.
What food? Chocolate
What musical instrument? A violin.
What place? The beach.
What element in nature? A waterfall.
What kind of tree? Cherry blossom.
Something I'm afraid of? Disappointment
What are the words hiding behind my eyes? Nebulous silk.
All writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Writing Exercise: "100 Things I Love"
100 Things I Love
writing
drawing/doodling
playing piano
playing guitar
listening to music
Celtic music
anything by John Williams
scented candles
bubble baths
colored pencils
brush pens
chocolate
root beer
reading
books by Mercedes Lackey
books by Rita Mae Brown
watching the news
my teapot
ice cream sundaes
banana splits
St. Bernard puppies
watching people
walking by the beach
canoeing
hiking
martial arts
Oriental philosophy
visiting a good bookstore
getting letters
getting E-mail
driving
going shopping
traveling
horses
solitude
teaching
languages
coin collecting
roses
going to a music store
cruises
quaint inns
sailing on the ocean
the smell of the tide
fresh fruit
eating out
going to a party w/friends
holding a kitten or a puppy
a good soaking rain
smiling
trees in bloom
dogwoods
the smell of honeysuckle
carnivals
amusement parks
historical sites
working w/kids
making ATCs
anything by SARK
my kids
my computer
singing
making love
cooking
roller ball pens
unexpected gifts
nice dresses
clothes that fit, period
puzzles
hearing my kids laugh
seeing my kids triumph
Emeril Live!
acting (improv)
glass statuettes
sunsets
sunrises
rainbows
Irish dance
coffee
Starbucks
Greenberry's
action movies
Star Wars
Star Trek
anything by Julia Cameron
teddy bears
blue birds
panda bears
koalas
Australia
Great Britain/Scotland/Ireland/Wales
Doctor Who
Torchwood
meeting new people
gardening
Japanese gardens
dancing
sun sparkles on the water
a nice dinner
a great party
peace and quiet
love
All writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Writing Exercise: "Word Choices"
Writing Exercise: "Word Choices"
Directions: Start with a simple sentence, then transform it by adding and subtracting details. Kind of like the kids' game "Telephone".
1) I drank a cup of coffee.
2) He drank a can of soda.
3) He drank a large can of purple soda.
4) He threw the dirty can and the orange soda.
5) He angrily threw the dirty can and the orange soda.
6) He angrily threw the smelly, dirty can and the flat orange soda.
7) He angrily threw the smelly, oversized socks and the flat green pie pan.
8) He playfully threw the smelly, oversized socks and the large green sweater.
Use your last sentence as the first sentence of a paragraph.
He playfully threw the smelly, oversized socks and the large, green sweater, She dodged the dirty barrage by diving over the side of the bed. It missed her head by mere inches. Then she grabbed the grimy pair of blue sweatpants and hurled it in his general direction. The laundry fight had begun, and no one wanted to stop it, as childish as it seemed.
All writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
Directions: Start with a simple sentence, then transform it by adding and subtracting details. Kind of like the kids' game "Telephone".
1) I drank a cup of coffee.
2) He drank a can of soda.
3) He drank a large can of purple soda.
4) He threw the dirty can and the orange soda.
5) He angrily threw the dirty can and the orange soda.
6) He angrily threw the smelly, dirty can and the flat orange soda.
7) He angrily threw the smelly, oversized socks and the flat green pie pan.
8) He playfully threw the smelly, oversized socks and the large green sweater.
Use your last sentence as the first sentence of a paragraph.
He playfully threw the smelly, oversized socks and the large, green sweater, She dodged the dirty barrage by diving over the side of the bed. It missed her head by mere inches. Then she grabbed the grimy pair of blue sweatpants and hurled it in his general direction. The laundry fight had begun, and no one wanted to stop it, as childish as it seemed.
All writing and art copyright A. Dameron 2000-2010
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