In this publication, I will include a writing prompt and writing exercise from me, and at least two personally curated content on the subject of creative writing. This can be anything from poetry, fiction writing, self-publishing, traditional publishing, specific genre, etc.
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Writing Prompt
Here is this week’s writing prompt!
One night, an entire town that vanished without a trace fifty years ago suddenly reappears.
Describe the town as it stands now, frozen in time from the day it disappeared. Are there old cars parked in the streets, shops with 50-year-old merchandise in the windows, or houses with dinner still on the table?
How do the townspeople react when reappearing? Were they aware of their disappearance or do they carry on as if nothing happened?
What personal stakes does your protagonist have in uncovering the town's mystery? Were they one of the vanquished? Or are they a descendant of one of those who disappeared?
Writing Exercise
Here’s your writing exercise that helps to explore your character's inner thoughts, aspirations, fears, etc.
Write an internal monologue from your character’s perspective, but they are imagining having a conversation with their future self. Select a pivotal moment in your character's life. It could be a moment of decision, reflection, or crisis.
Briefly describe the setting where this internal monologue takes place. Is your character alone in their room, walking through a park, or sitting in a café?
Imagery
Write about this car. Describe the inside of it. What make and model is it? Are the times the present and it was fully restored Or is this considered a modern day car? Who owns the car? The possibilities are endless!
Recommended
Don’t Start A Chapter Without These Six Essential Elements
A blog post from author Nathan Bransford where he discusses how each chapter is a mini-novel in and of itself and therefore should have these six elements in order to keep readers engaged.
Make Your Characters Leap Off The Page
A post written by Hugh Cook, who is a fiction editor. He gives good examples like books by Leo Tolstoy and Margaret Atwood and the methods they use to make their characters come to life.
Why Telling And Exposition Are Actually Good
A great video by writer Shaelin Bishop on why, sometimes, exposition is better than “showing.” It’s about 22 minutes long.
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Thank you for reading this FREE newsletter! The next issue will be out on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. I apologize for the lateness of this one. I had a crazy week and less time than I thought to get this one done!
My other publication, Bounty - A Western, is now also available as a podcast! You can find it on Substack, Spotify, and Apple Podcast! I’m new to narrating, so please excuse my nervousness!
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