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.
Thanks for joining me for the 15th issue of Write On! I’m so glad to all my subscribers who enjoy reading this newsletter every week!
If you you’ve found my prompts or excersises helpful, I’d love to be able to share some of your works that have been inspired by Write On! If you’re interested, let me know and I will be happy to feature you and provide a link to your website or newsletter in a future issue!
Writing Prompt
In a future where humanity spans the universe, a scientist discovers anomalous signals from a distant galaxy. Leading the research vessel, the doctor assembles a diverse team to investigate. Their journey gets the attention of a shadowy organization pursuing the anomaly's power. Racing against time and facing adversaries, they confront the truth: the anomaly holds the key to cosmic secrets and the fate of all they hold dear.
Writing Exercise
Choose a basic plot structure to work with for this exercise. You can use a traditional three-act structure (beginning, middle, end), a hero's journey, or any other plot structure that appeals to you.
Start by brainstorming key plot points or events that will drive your story forward. These could include moments of conflict, revelation, character development, or plot twists. Write each plot point on a separate index card or piece of paper.
Once you have a collection of plot points, spread them out on a table or flat surface where you can see them all at once. Take a moment to arrange them in chronological order, considering how each event leads naturally to the next and builds momentum toward the climax.
Now, challenge yourself to identify any gaps or missing pieces in your plot. Are there any transitions between scenes that feel abrupt or disjointed? Are there any plot threads that need further development or resolution? Use additional index cards or scraps of paper to jot down ideas for filling in these gaps.
Experiment with rearranging your plot points to create a more satisfying narrative arc. Try moving events around, adding new scenes or subplots, or cutting unnecessary elements that don't contribute to the overall story. Pay attention to pacing, tension, and character development as you refine your plot.
Once you're satisfied with the structure of your plot, write a brief synopsis or outline of your story, summarizing the major plot points and character arcs. This will serve as a roadmap for your writing journey and help you stay on track as you flesh out your story.
Imagery
What is this mushroom? Is it glowing crystals or are they edible? Is it genetically engineered? Or is it naturally found in your fantasy world? What are its properties? Is it poisonous? Is it used for healing? Write about the significance of this mushroom and how someone might use it.
Recommended
Series Vs. Standalone: Cage Match
A great post by author Chuck Wendig on his blog that talks about writing a series vs. writing a standalone book.
25 Podcasts for Authors on Writing, Publishing, and Book Marketing
A great resource for all of us that lists podcasts. There’s one I’m going to check out that talks about the latest self-publishing trends!
Writing and Producing A Low Budget, Independent Film
Usually I focus on creative writing in the aspects of novels and short stories, but screenwriting is also another form of creative writing. This video is put out by The Creative Penn. It’s about an hour long but it has a lot of great information!
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Thank you for reading this FREE newsletter! The next issue will be out on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
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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