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National Novel Month Winner
Exercise #314

Exercise #314: Craft
Posted 5/1/09

Today’s exercise idea comes from Susan Frank.

The writing craft encompasses a broad range of not only genres, but also types of writing. One type is writing aimed at influencing someone’s decision. We see it everywhere: letters to the editor in our newspaper, in the courtroom scene of that fiction novel, even in the parting words of the hero as he rides off into the sunset. If we aren’t convinced the hero is right, the girl is beautiful, the cause is just, or the murderer needs to be caught, the book fails to capture us.

For this exercise, write a persuasive piece. Choose one of the following and write!
   * One spouse is asking the other not to leave
   * For or against the building of a new shopping mall on the corner
   * Asking another house occupant about getting a puppy or kitten
   * Getting a friend to try a certain soft drink
   * Deciding which new car to buy
   * One roommate is telling the other(s) about moving out

Critiquers, are you persuaded? If yes, what helped make up your mind? If not, why do you think the piece didn’t sway you?

Word limit: 1200
Please use the subject line
    SUB: Exercise #314/yourname

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