8 Writing Exercises

Try these exercises for fun or to get started on a new project.

1. Create a scene using only dialogue for five minutes. Rewrite the scene for five minutes with no dialogue.

2. Think of a character from a book you like -- a minor character is best. Write for five minutes from the point of view of that character. The character can be in a prequel, sequel or in the novel already written.

3. Spend five minutes creating a character. First write down the facts of the character's life. Then give your list to a friend who’s also a writer and have them write a scene for five minutes using this character that you’ve created.

4. Write for five minutes from the point of view of an inanimate object.

5. Write a fairy tale for five minutes. You can use themes or characters from established fairy tales but tell it from a different point of view.

6. For five minutes write a story in a series of three postcards.

7. Write a ghost story. From the POV of the haunted for five minutes. Then write for five minutes from the POV of the ghost.

8. Six Minutes, Six Words - Write a story using these words: Wedding, Brother, Circus, Dog, Hospital, Florida.