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Exercise #450: Craft
Posted 1/6/12
Today, let’s explore the settings of our stories.
I get so involved in my characters I sometimes forget about where they are, what they’re doing, and the things around them. These details help the reader visualize the story. Without them, the reader will make up their own, sometimes leading to conflict with your storyline!
For instance, picture this . . .
You are visiting your mom’s house and your stepfather comes into the room.
Got it? (If you can’t visualize it for yourself, place a character in this situation.)
Continuing . . .
You flush the toilet, deciding to pretend you aren’t offended by his no-knock entrance.
Did your images fit with my continuation? My guess is no. What room were you in? Where did your stepfather come from? Sometimes the details are important.
Take one of the brief scenes below and fill it with a real setting.
* Stay at home mom has a relaxing moment alone.
* Soccer mom arrives at the playing field.
* Waiter takes the drink order for table twelve.
* Little boy hides something.
* Home alone pet gets into mischief.
Write a brief summary showing us what you learned, if you like.
Critiquers, along with the usual grammar, spelling, etc, review, consider these questions:
* Was the author filling in enough details so you didn’t have to guess?
* Was this helpful to you as a writer? Why or why not?
Word limit: 800 for setting piece, 200 for summary
Please use the subject line
SUB: Exercise #450/yourname
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