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IWW
Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Ultimatums
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/).
Created by: Alice Folkart
Posted on: 24 Jan 2010
Re-posted on: 12 February 2011
Re-posted on: 2 February 2014
Re-posted on: 16 August 2015
Re-posted on: 28 June 2020
Re-posted on: 24 April 2022
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In 400 words or less write a scene that either springs from or
culminates in one of the lines below. What in the world is
going on? Who has done what to whom? Show us. You may also
invent your own similar 'ultimatum' line, if you like.
"I'm never coming back!"
"That's my final word!"
"Get out and take your _________ with you!"
_____________________
Your scene or story will, of course, have at least two characters.
Show us what has happened or is about to happen. Show us where
these people are--at home, in a bar, on a boat, camping? This
might be a good opportunity to work in a little action. Is anyone
about to throw something? Are doors slammed? Is this serious? Or
is this something that happens frequently with these characters?
_____________________
In your critique consider whether the writer has caught our
attention immediately and whether the reaction which results in
one of the characters issuing an ultimatum seems justified. Does
the ultimatum show us something about one of the characters that
we might not have known otherwise, e.g., the meek little wife
finally telling the bullying husband where to go or the put-upon
worker telling off his/her boss? How well does the author use
action and scene to highlight strong emotions?
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Gayle Surrette.
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