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Exercise #373: Self Knowledge
Posted 6/18/10
Today’s exercise idea comes from Mellissa.
Are you in a creative mood? Great! We’re going to create an animal.
First, the reason. This animal’s purpose is whatever you want it to be: a companion for cozy evenings by the fire? a guard for home or life? a way to bring world peace? Whatever purpose you want. Got your purpose? Great!
Next, physical attributes. Combine any existing animal’s parts you want, or make up new ones. The various parts should all lend to the animal’s purpose. If you’re creating that guard, you might want big, sharp teeth.
Last, attributes of character. Again combine any existing animal’s characteristics or make up new ones to suit your animal’s purpose. If you’re creating a cozy companion, you might want your new animal to have a laid-back, anything goes attitude.
There! Now step back and review your animal. What do you think? Is it everything you always wanted in an animal?
Okay, finally the writing part. Show us your created animal in action. You’ve built it and now it’s performing the purpose you had in mind. Let’s see how it works!
You may, if you wish, show a character tackling this exercise instead.
Critiquers, with an exercise like this one, you might choose to answer these questions rather than using a different technique for critiquing the piece:
* Did you catch any spelling errors or other standard proofreading items? If so, note them for the author.
* Can you imagine this animal?
* Does it fit the intended purpose?
Word limit: 1200 for the two sections combined
Please use the subject line:
SUB: Exercise #373/yourname
Why this is a self-knowledge exercise: Likely you will find yourself going through much of the animal kingdom in search of parts and characteristics. What you like or dislike about animals can tell you a lot about yourself.
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