(c) 2Passions_CVB

I find writing exercises to be amazing tools in developing writing skills. I am a creative soul, but I do love some order and organization in my life. Writing exercises have been successful in molding, but not limiting, my creativity. It gives order to the work of writing in a way that aids at all stages, but mostly when editing.

Writing exercises are most conducive when a good chunk of time is dedicated to it. I usually commit about 2 hours per exercise, so it is recommended to include them as part of a writing retreat.

This list will be update at each DIY writing retreat agenda I share.

1. Show Don’t Tell

• In your existing text, circle the first 10 sensory words (i.e. verbs that relate to the 5 senses like: smell, feel, hear, etc.)
• For each circled word, define exactly how your character is experiencing it: how do they feel it physically and mentally? Describe it in much detail. Go deep, imagine how your character would react in this situation. You can always compare their reaction to yours if it helps.
• Do this for the next 10 sensory words, and so on, until your time is up.

2. Slice of Life

• Pick one of your major or main characters. Prioritize your pick based on the character’s space in your story and how unfamiliar you may still be with them.
• Think about a defining moment or event in their lives, one that made them who they are. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something you intend to publish in your story, but it is a moment that would explain how your character acts in some situations.
• Write that moment or event from the point of view of the character.
• Join this Slice of Life to the character sheet (if you don’t have one, I suggest you make one) and refer to it whenever you are unsure about the way your character will act, react, or evolve during your story.
• If you wish, you can also write that moment or event from the point of view of a different character witnessing it (if it is relevant to your story or your character).
• You can repeat this exercise with however many characters you may need, and for however many important events you wish to have recorded.