|
|
|
IWW
Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Life Throws a Curve
These exercises were written
by IWW members
and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its
members.
You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that
you found
them at the Internet Writers Workshop
(http://www.internetwritingworkshop.org/).
Prepared by: Charles Hightower
Posted on: September 14, 2008
Posted on: September 26, 2010
Posted on: April 15, 2012
Posted on: June 9, 2013
Posted on: June 7, 2015
Posted on: November 11, 2018
Posted on: December 5, 2021
-------------------------
Exercise: In 400 words or less, let a character or characters fail in
an attempt to produce a desired outcome, and show how they react in the
aftermath.
-------------------------
Life often throws us a curve. When something unforeseen and
disappointing does occur, some people are overwhelmed and are swept
away by events. Others might flail away in a manner that does
little to better their predicament, while still others might discover an alternative solution that allows them to take charge.
For this exercise, give your readers a brief grounding in what was
attempted. Then show how your character(s) react when events go
awry.
-------------------------
In your critiques, note how well the writer has constructed the setting
and shown us authentic characters acting in believable ways. What do we
learn of the characters from their reactions to the failure? Would you
like to read more of the story? And, as usual, pay attention to all the
technical concerns that go into good writing.
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Gayle Surrette.
| | |