Hey y’all!
Keeping with my new YouTube upload schedule here is my latest writing advice; exercises to improve your writing.
This week I discuss a few, (well 5 to be precise) writing exercises for beginners or those perhaps with a case of writers block, or for anyone that just wants to improve your writing. Read along or you can see the video version here:
Otherwise here are the 5 writing exercises:
1. Read your writing out loud – Better yet, have your word processor or someone read it to you! Among other things, hearing your work is immensely helpful by:
- You will hear the mistakes.
- Improve pacing.
- Help fix clunky dialogue.
2. Create a character profile – Know who you are writing about!
- Write an in-depth profile for you MC and other mains.
- Write more than just a physical description. Write their hopes, dreams, faults, personality traits, etc.
- Then as you write you can reference this to know how they would react in various situations, you know how they think!
From The Crimson Gods:
“So, what shall we do brother?” Amari asked. “Ethan here seems to have your best interest at heart, I have only known you for thirteen years. He’s known you for what? A few hours at best?” He noticed Amari cutting his eyes at the man only to see him wearing his usual smile.
“What can we do but wait Doc? “And what the hell is that supposed to mean?” he snapped back at him.
Amari from The Crimson Gods3. Write a short scene from your favorite movie
- Reverse engineer a scene from a screenplay.
- Paint the picture with words.
- Include dialogue.
- If someone reads it and recognizes the movie/scene…you’re getting somewhere!
My example. Do you recognize this movie scene opening:
He walked in grateful to escape the sands outside. He had never seen so many different types of beings in one place. Tall, short, hairy. Some smoked their pipes alone, some laughed among themselves, but they were all drinking. The band swayed in unison playing their horns. The upbeat song didn’t match the grim outlook of the situation, they had to get off of this planet. His companion came in behind him and scanned the room, seemingly noticing the diverse cast as well. The old man who had entered before him was already at the bar talking among them, looking for passage.
“Hey!” The bar tender pointed at him. “We don’t serve their kind here.”
4. Describe a setting with only senses
- Pick a setting and describe it with only the senses, don’t tell us what the place is.
- For example you pick a fair, don’t tell us its a fair, only describe the sights, smells, noises, etc.
- For the fair example you would hear crowds, kids, laughter, etc. You might smell pizza and hotdogs, or see flashing lights and spinning wheels…you get the idea!
5. Work from your own memories
- Write a scene based off a memory you have that was perhaps emotional or had a big impact on you.
- Write that as a first person narrative scene, where you are the protagonist.
- This could give you insight to apply to your characters and situations to help your story or novel feel more authentic.
I hope this helps! Also be sure to sign up for the newsletter to be updated on The Crimson Gods and other content!
Keep writing!
~Chris
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