#WritingExercises

[saraswritingjourney]

15 Writing Challenges to Strengthen Your Characters and Plots

Writing a compelling story isn’t just about crafting beautiful sentences—it’s about developing strong characters and dynamic plots that keep readers engaged. Whether you’re a pantser who thrives on spontaneity or a plotter who loves detailed outlines, these 15 writing challenges will help you push the boundaries of your creativity. Character Development Challenges 1. The Silent Scene…

[jade-malay]

Jade Malay 4 Creative Writing Exercises You Need to Try

Join Jade Malay as she explores four creative writing exercises that can ignite your imagination and elevate your storytelling skills. From character development to vivid setting descriptions, these exercises are designed to enhance your writing journey. Perfect for writers of all levels, these tips will inspire creativity and unlock your potential.

[lifepoweredbyai]

What is a Prompt? Exploring Its Role in Writing and Creativity

Learn what a prompt is and how it can be used to encourage creativity in writing, art, and other forms of expression, helping you overcome creative blocks.

[whatiscalligraphy]

Calligraphy Practice Challenges: Test Your Skills

Calligraphy Practice Challenges: Sharpen Your Skills with Engaging Drills

Welcome to our article on calligraphy practice challenges, where you can test and enhance your calligraphy skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced calligrapher, these challenges will help you sharpen your skills, express your creativity, and bring your art to life. Throughout this article, we will explore various challenges and exercises that will help you take your calligraphy practice to the next level. From a 30-day calligraphy challenge to alphabet practice and script variation exercises, there's something for everyone to try. So, are you ready to test your skills and elevate your calligraphy game? Let's dive in! Key Takeaways: - Calligraphy practice challenges are a great way to enhance your calligraphy skills. - The 30-day calligraphy challenge can help you improve different aspects of calligraphy. - Alphabet practice challenges focus on refining letterforms and mastering strokes. - Script variation exercises allow you to explore different calligraphy styles and add flourishes. - Brush pen control challenges help improve brush pen calligraphy skills.

30-Day Calligraphy Challenge

The 30-day calligraphy challenge is a popular and effective way to improve your calligraphy skills. This challenge involves practicing calligraphy every day for 30 days, focusing on different aspects of calligraphy such as letterforms, stroke consistency, and composition. Each day, you can set a specific goal or task to complete, allowing you to gradually build your skills and confidence over the course of the challenge. During the 30-day calligraphy challenge, you can explore various calligraphy exercises that can help you enhance your practice. These exercises may include practicing different letterforms, experimenting with different scripts, or working on specific techniques. By dedicating time and effort each day, you can develop muscle memory and improve your control and precision in your calligraphy strokes. Furthermore, the 30-day calligraphy challenge provides an opportunity for self-reflection and growth as an artist. As you progress through the challenge, you can track your improvement and observe how your skills evolve over time. This can be a motivating factor to push yourself further and continue exploring new techniques and styles beyond the challenge. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced calligrapher, the 30-day calligraphy challenge offers a structured and focused approach to practice and improve your skills. It allows you to dedicate time to your craft, experiment with different techniques, and ultimately, elevate your calligraphy to new heights.

Alphabet Practice Challenge

Mastering calligraphy requires a strong foundation in letterforms and strokes. The alphabet practice challenge is designed to help you enhance your calligraphy skills by focusing on each individual letter. By dedicating time to practicing the alphabet, you can improve your letter shapes, spacing, and consistency. To participate in the alphabet practice challenge, start by creating a chart with all the letters of the alphabet. Use a calligraphy pen or brush to write each letter multiple times, paying close attention to its shape and stroke order. Experiment with different lettering styles and sizes to develop your own unique calligraphy. This challenge is an excellent opportunity to refine your technique and explore various lettering styles. Take note of areas where you may need improvement, such as maintaining consistent stroke thickness or achieving smooth transitions between letters. By practicing the alphabet regularly, you can build a solid foundation for your calligraphy journey. Benefits of the Alphabet Practice Challenge: - Improved letterforms: By focusing on each letter individually, you can refine your letter shapes and achieve consistency throughout your calligraphy. - Enhanced strokes: The alphabet practice challenge allows you to study different strokes used in calligraphy and develop a better understanding of how to execute them with precision. - Increased creativity: As you explore various lettering styles during this challenge, you'll have the opportunity to experiment and develop your own unique calligraphy style. - Developed muscle memory: Practicing the alphabet regularly can help train your hand and fingers to execute each stroke with ease and fluidity. Embrace the alphabet practice challenge to take your calligraphy to the next level. As you focus on each letter, your skills will improve, and you'll gain the confidence to create beautiful calligraphy compositions.

Script Variation Exercises

Script variation exercises are an essential part of calligraphy practice, allowing you to explore different script styles and add beautiful flourishes to your work. By experimenting with various script styles, you can develop your own unique lettering style and bring more creativity to your calligraphy. There are numerous script styles to choose from, including copperplate, gothic, italic, and modern script. Each style has its own distinct characteristics and nuances, offering endless possibilities for artistic expression. By practicing script variation exercises, you can become proficient in multiple styles and expand your repertoire of calligraphy scripts. One way to approach script variation exercises is by selecting a word or phrase and practicing it in different script styles. This allows you to compare and contrast the visual impact and aesthetic qualities of each script. For example, you could choose a simple phrase like "hello" and write it in copperplate, italic, and gothic script, observing how the individual letterforms and flourishes transform the overall composition. Furthermore, script variation exercises can also help you enhance your calligraphy flourishes. Flourishes are decorative extensions and embellishments that add elegance and flair to your lettering. By incorporating flourishes into your script variation exercises, you can practice creating visually appealing and harmonious compositions. Script variation exercises are a valuable tool for calligraphers of all skill levels. They allow you to explore different script styles, develop your own unique lettering style, and add creative flourishes to your calligraphy. So, grab your pen and paper, and start experimenting with script variation exercises to take your calligraphy to the next level! Script Style Characteristics Copperplate Elegant and flowing script with delicate hairline strokes and broader downstrokes. Often used for formal invitations and certificates. Gothic Also known as blackletter script, gothic script features intricate and angular letterforms. It has a bold and dramatic appearance, commonly associated with medieval manuscripts. Italic Sleek and slanted script with flowing letterforms and a sense of movement. Italic script is often used for calligraphic handwriting and informal lettering. Modern Script A contemporary script style that combines the elegance of copperplate with a more relaxed and casual vibe. Modern script is versatile and can be adapted to various design projects.

Brush Pen Control Challenge

Mastering brush pen calligraphy requires practice and control over the brush pen. The brush pen control challenge is designed to help you improve your skills in creating thick and thin strokes, letterforms, and various calligraphy techniques using a brush pen. By honing your brush pen control, you can achieve bold and expressive calligraphy with ease. During this challenge, focus on maintaining consistent pressure and angle while using the brush pen. Start by practicing basic strokes to familiarize yourself with the brush pen's flexibility and responsiveness. Experiment with different levels of pressure to create variations in stroke thickness. Next, move on to practicing letterforms with the brush pen. Pay attention to the transition between thick and thin strokes, ensuring a smooth and fluid motion. Take your time to create each letter, gradually building muscle memory and control. As you progress, try incorporating different calligraphy techniques, such as flourishing or blending colors with the brush pen. These exercises will further enhance your brush pen control and broaden your artistic possibilities in calligraphy. Benefits of the Brush Pen Control Challenge 1. Improved control over the brush pen 2. Enhanced ability to create thick and thin strokes 3. Greater proficiency in letterforms and calligraphy techniques 4. Increased versatility in creating expressive and artistic calligraphy Quick Tips for the Brush Pen Control Challenge - Practice basic strokes daily to build muscle memory. - Experiment with different brush pen brands to find the one that suits your style. - Take breaks and stretch your hand to maintain comfort and prevent cramps. - Watch tutorials or take classes to learn new techniques and refine your skills.

Gothic Script Drills

Mastering the art of blackletter calligraphy, also known as Gothic script, requires practice and precision. Gothic script drills are designed to help you improve your skills in this unique and intricate style of calligraphy. By dedicating time to these exercises, you can enhance your precision, consistency, and fluidity in Gothic script. During the drills, focus on mastering the angular letterforms that are characteristic of Gothic script. Pay attention to the spacing between letters and the overall balance of your writing. Consistency is key in this style, so practice until you achieve uniformity in your strokes. To get started with Gothic script drills, try the following exercises: - Vertical Line Practice: Begin by practicing vertical lines, ensuring they are straight and uniform in thickness. Gradually increase the pressure on the nib to create thicker lines, while maintaining the same angle and consistency. - Letterform Practice: Choose one letter of the alphabet, such as 'A' or 'E,' and practice creating it in various sizes and styles. Pay attention to the intricate details and angles that define Gothic script letterforms. - Word Practice: Select a short word, such as 'art' or 'flow,' and write it repeatedly in Gothic script. Focus on maintaining the consistent spacing and angle between letters, while adding your own personal flair to the word. Remember, Gothic script drills are essential for developing your skills and achieving mastery in blackletter calligraphy. Dedicate regular practice sessions to these exercises, and you will see improvement in your precision, consistency, and overall confidence in Gothic script.

Calligraphy Stroke Consistency

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R8IiWQ5JvQ Improving calligraphy stroke consistency is essential for creating visually pleasing and professional-looking letterforms. Consistent letterforms give your calligraphy a polished and refined appearance, making it more visually appealing to the viewer. One effective way to enhance stroke consistency is by practicing calligraphy stroke exercises. These exercises focus on developing control and precision in each stroke, ensuring that your letters have even thickness and smooth transitions between strokes. A popular calligraphy stroke exercise is the parallel line exercise. This exercise involves drawing parallel lines, paying attention to the distance between each line and maintaining a consistent width throughout. By practicing this exercise regularly, you can train your hand to execute smooth and uniform strokes. Benefits of Calligraphy Stroke Exercises Example Improves hand-eye coordination Parallel line exercise Develops muscle memory for consistent strokes Curved line exercise Enhances control over pen pressure Diagonal line exercise Another useful exercise is the curved line exercise. By drawing curved lines of various sizes and shapes, you can train your hand to create smooth and flowing strokes. This exercise helps you become more comfortable with the movement required to execute consistent curves in your calligraphy. Lastly, the diagonal line exercise is beneficial for honing your brush control and mastering the angle of your strokes. By drawing diagonal lines in different directions and lengths, you can develop a steady hand and achieve consistent strokes that enhance the overall look of your calligraphy. Remember: - Regular practice of calligraphy stroke exercises is crucial for improving stroke consistency. - Start with basic exercises like parallel lines, curved lines, and diagonal lines. - Gradually increase the complexity of the exercises to challenge yourself and further enhance your skills. By dedicating time to calligraphy stroke exercises, you can refine your skills and achieve consistent and visually appealing letterforms in your calligraphy. So grab your pen, practice diligently, and watch your calligraphy transform into a work of art!

Copperplate Precision Challenge

The Copperplate precision challenge is a fantastic way to enhance your skills in Copperplate calligraphy. This challenge focuses on improving your precision and accuracy by practicing intricate letterforms, flourishing, and delicate pen movements. By participating in precision calligraphy exercises, you can refine your technique and create elegant and precise calligraphy pieces. During the Copperplate precision challenge, you will have the opportunity to master the fine details of Copperplate calligraphy. The challenge involves practicing various elements of this beautiful script, such as thin hairline strokes, consistent slant, and precise spacing. By dedicating time to these exercises, you'll develop the necessary control and precision to create stunning Copperplate calligraphy. Engaging in the Copperplate precision challenge allows you to refine your skills in letter consistency, stroke weight, and overall craftsmanship. You'll work on perfecting each stroke and ensuring that your letters are consistent in size and shape. This attention to detail will result in visually pleasing calligraphy that exudes elegance and sophistication. By participating in precision calligraphy exercises, you'll gain confidence in your ability to create precise and intricate letterforms. These exercises will challenge you to pay attention to every detail and refine your technique, ultimately elevating your Copperplate calligraphy to a professional level. Take on the Copperplate precision challenge and discover the beauty in precision.

Speed Writing Drills: Enhance Your Calligraphy Skills with Fast Exercises

When it comes to calligraphy, speed isn't always the first thing that comes to mind. However, developing fast and efficient writing skills can greatly benefit your calligraphy practice. Speed writing drills are a set of exercises designed to help you improve your writing speed and fluency in calligraphy, allowing you to create beautiful lettering more quickly and efficiently. These drills focus on writing words or phrases in calligraphy as fast as possible, while maintaining the quality and consistency of your letterforms. By practicing speed writing, you can develop a rhythmic and fluid writing motion, allowing you to meet tight deadlines without compromising the artistic integrity of your work. One effective speed writing drill is to set a timer and challenge yourself to write a given word or phrase within a specific time frame. Start with a longer time limit and gradually reduce it as you become more comfortable and proficient. This exercise not only helps you increase your writing speed but also trains your hand-eye coordination and muscle memory, making your calligraphy strokes more precise and controlled. Benefits of Speed Writing Drills in Calligraphy - Improved Writing Speed: By regularly practicing speed writing drills, you can significantly increase your writing speed, allowing you to complete calligraphy projects more efficiently. - Enhanced Muscle Memory: Speed writing drills help train your hand muscles, improving muscle memory and overall control over your calligraphy strokes. - Rhythmic Writing Motion: Engaging in speed writing exercises helps you develop a smooth and rhythmic writing motion, making your calligraphy more fluid and visually appealing. - Meeting Deadlines: With improved speed and fluency in calligraphy, you can work more efficiently and meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of your work. Remember, while speed is important, it is equally crucial to maintain the consistency and quality of your calligraphy. Practice regularly, start with simpler drills, and gradually work your way up to more complex words and phrases. By incorporating speed writing drills into your calligraphy practice, you can enhance your skills and become a more adept and efficient calligrapher. Speed Writing Drills Benefits Setting a timer and writing a given word or phrase within a specific time frame - Increases writing speed - Improves hand-eye coordination - Enhances muscle memory Gradually reducing the time limit as you become more proficient - Develops control over calligraphy strokes - Increases efficiency in completing projects - Helps meet tight deadlines

Creative Lettering Challenges

Take your calligraphy to new artistic heights with creative lettering challenges. These challenges are designed to push the boundaries of traditional calligraphy and allow you to explore new and innovative artistic styles. By experimenting with different materials, textures, colors, and techniques, you can create unique and visually captivating calligraphy compositions. Unleash your artistic expression by participating in these creative calligraphy exercises. Whether you want to incorporate illustrations, decorative elements, or experiment with unconventional writing surfaces, the possibilities are endless. These challenges provide the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity while honing your calligraphy skills. Embrace the artistic side of calligraphy and let your imagination run wild. Read the full article

[writeleg1ant]

How do you Structure a Creative Writing Workshop?

How do you Structure a Creative Writing Workshop?

Table of Contents

- Introduction - Understanding Workshop Objectives - 2.1 Defining Learning Goals - 2.2 Tailoring to Participant Levels - Essential Components of Workshop Structure - 3.1 Icebreaker Activities - 3.2 Writing Exercises and Prompts - 3.3 Peer Review Sessions - 3.4 Facilitator Guidance and Feedback - 3.5 Group Discussions - Balancing Structure and Flexibility - 4.1 Setting a Framework - 4.2 Allowing Creative Exploration - Choosing Appropriate Writing Tools - 5.1 Traditional vs. Digital Approaches - 5.2 Leveraging Online Platforms - Incorporating Genre-specific Sessions - 6.1 Exploring Various Writing Genres - 6.2 Genre-focused Workshops - Fostering a Supportive Workshop Environment - 7.1 Establishing Ground Rules - 7.2 Encouraging Constructive Critique - 7.3 Nurturing a Sense of Community - Adapting to Virtual Workshop Settings - 8.1 Challenges of Virtual Workshops - 8.2 Maximizing Online Tools - SEO Integration: Promoting Workshop Structures - 9.1 Crafting SEO-friendly Workshop Descriptions - 9.2 Optimizing Online Workshop Platforms - Conclusion - FAQs About Structuring Creative Writing Workshops

Article

Introduction Unlocking creativity and honing writing skills, a well-structured creative writing workshop provides an immersive experience for aspiring writers. In this article, we explore the art of crafting an effective workshop, from defining objectives to incorporating flexibility and fostering a supportive community. Understanding Workshop Objectives Defining Learning Goals At the core of structuring a creative writing workshop is a clear understanding of learning goals. Define whether the workshop aims to enhance specific writing techniques, explore diverse genres, or provide a platform for collaborative storytelling. Tailoring to Participant Levels Consider the varied skill levels of participants. Tailoring the workshop structure to accommodate beginners and seasoned writers ensures an inclusive and beneficial experience for everyone involved. Essential Components of Workshop Structure Icebreaker Activities Begin with icebreaker activities to create a relaxed atmosphere. Icebreakers help participants connect, fostering a sense of camaraderie crucial for effective collaboration. Writing Exercises and Prompts Incorporate a variety of writing exercises and prompts to stimulate creativity. These activities encourage participants to explore different styles, break creative blocks, and discover unique voices. Peer Review Sessions Integrate peer review sessions for constructive feedback. This aspect of the workshop structure cultivates a culture of collaboration and allows participants to refine their work through diverse perspectives. Facilitator Guidance and Feedback Facilitators play a pivotal role. Provide clear guidance and constructive feedback to participants, offering insights that inspire growth and development in their writing journey. Group Discussions Include group discussions to encourage dialogue. These sessions allow participants to share insights, ask questions, and learn from each other's experiences. Balancing Structure and Flexibility Setting a Framework Establish a framework for the workshop to provide structure. A well-defined agenda ensures that essential components are covered, contributing to a comprehensive learning experience. Allowing Creative Exploration Simultaneously, allow room for creative exploration. Flexibility in the workshop structure enables spontaneous ideas, fostering an environment where imagination flourishes. Choosing Appropriate Writing Tools Traditional vs. Digital Approaches Consider the use of traditional writing tools alongside digital approaches. While pen and paper provide a tangible connection to creativity, digital tools can enhance collaboration and accessibility. Leveraging Online Platforms For virtual workshops, leverage online platforms to facilitate interaction. Utilize video conferencing, collaborative writing tools, and discussion forums to create an engaging online writing environment. Incorporating Genre-specific Sessions Exploring Various Writing Genres Dedicate sessions to exploring various writing genres. From fiction to poetry, genre-specific workshops cater to diverse interests, allowing participants to delve into areas aligned with their passions. Genre-focused Workshops Consider organizing genre-focused workshops. Whether it's mystery, romance, or fantasy, these specialized sessions provide in-depth insights and practical tips tailored to specific writing styles. Fostering a Supportive Workshop Environment Establishing Ground Rules Set clear ground rules to ensure a respectful and supportive environment. Guidelines on communication, critique, and inclusivity contribute to a positive workshop experience. Encouraging Constructive Critique Emphasize the importance of constructive critique. Participants should feel empowered to offer feedback that encourages growth without discouraging creativity. Nurturing a Sense of Community Foster a sense of community. Beyond writing, participants should feel connected and supported, creating a space where friendships and professional relationships can flourish. Adapting to Virtual Workshop Settings Challenges of Virtual Workshops Acknowledge the challenges of virtual workshops. Address issues such as technology barriers, time zone differences, and potential distractions to ensure a smooth online experience. Maximizing Online Tools Maximize online tools to overcome virtual challenges. Engage participants through interactive exercises, utilize breakout rooms for focused discussions, and leverage collaborative platforms for shared writing experiences. SEO Integration: Promoting Workshop Structures Crafting SEO-friendly Workshop Descriptions When promoting the workshop, craft SEO-friendly descriptions. Use relevant keywords related to writing, creativity, and the specific focus of the workshop to enhance online discoverability. Optimizing Online Workshop Platforms Optimize online workshop platforms for SEO. Ensure that workshop titles, descriptions, and content are enriched with keywords to attract writers actively searching for relevant learning opportunities. Conclusion Structuring a creative writing workshop involves the delicate art of balancing guidance and freedom, creating an environment where writers feel both supported and inspired. Whether in-person or virtual, a well-crafted workshop structure is the key to unlocking the full potential of participants. FAQs About Structuring Creative Writing Workshops - How do you organize a creative writing workshop?: - Organize a creative writing workshop by defining clear objectives, incorporating writing exercises, peer review sessions, and group discussions. Tailor activities to participant levels and create a supportive environment. - What is the format of writers workshop?: - The format of a writers workshop typically includes writing exercises, peer critiques, facilitator guidance, and group discussions. It follows a structured agenda while allowing flexibility for creative exploration. - What happens in creative writing workshops?: - Creative writing workshops involve participants sharing their work, engaging in writing exercises, providing constructive feedback during peer reviews, and participating in group discussions to enhance their writing skills. - How do you make a writing workshop fun?: - Make a writing workshop fun by incorporating diverse and engaging writing exercises, fostering a supportive and interactive environment, using creative prompts, and encouraging participants to share their unique perspectives and stories. Read the full article

[exploresmallworlds]

Nano day 10

Writing exercise asked me to write a piece using the first and last sentence to write some stuff.

I chose #atelltaleheart by #edgarallanpoe. Having just read it for the first time a few days ago.

While it was interesting to write in a different style of writing and using the gothic horror elements that I want to emulate and iterate, it was enlightening to me what was the real horror.

I'm enjoying my journey through different writing exercises. If I create something that is worth publishing maybe I'll excerpt some of it.

Current total: 12 429 (25%)

[typingoverworld]

Writing Prompt:

Her knight in black disguise

[scriptwriters-network]

Creative Writing Challenge – January

This MONTHLY challenge is for those who want to work on writing new ideas and who would like to maintain a continuous creativity flow with your writing.

More Info.

[dejodojo]

Writing attempt #1 - Sunshine

It was a sunny day. Many couples or even families were sitting in the shade offered by the trees, while some little children were playing in the pond. I probably should enjoy the weather while it lasts, as it has been cloudy for days on end, but I couldn’t get my mind to relax.

I was sitting at the pond’s edge, looking in the direction of some children that were playing on the other side. My feet were dangling in the water, and I could feel some plants on the bottom of the pond, as it wasn’t that deep. If I was in a better mood, I would probably watching the children, how they were playing. I would’ve seen that they had brought a little bucket and shovel, and that they were trying to build sand castles with dirt. I would have seen that they were having a lot of trouble, as the dirt was too heavy for them to carry, which caused them to drop the bucket, which caused their clothes to get all dirty. If I were in a better mood, I would laugh, as their mother ran over to their side, both worried and frustrated at the same time. But I wasn’t in a good mood.

The problem was that I didn’t know why I was feeling this way either. Maybe if I did, I could’ve done something about it. If I knew why I was feeling this way, I could have maybe called a friend, or a family member, and told them what was going on. I could’ve gotten it off my chest, and maybe even ask them for a solution. I could find ways to resolve the situation, and feel better in the end. If I knew why I was feeling this way, I could fix it, and come out in a better mood, maybe a new perspective, and maybe even a better version of myself. But I didn’t know why I was feeling this way.

I tried to set it aside. After all, it was a sunny day, and there were couples and families sitting in the shade, and children playing in the pond. Their mother was helping them, and they managed to build something that resembled a mountain of dirt. I smiled at them. Maybe I wasn’t feeling too bad after all.

[lichofthewoods]

Writing Prompt #6: Bitter Nostalgia

“A feeling of love and nostalgia gripped her heart every time she looked at that photograph of …. “ A feeling of love and nostalgia gripped his heart every time he looked at that photograph of the two of them, crinkled at the edges in spite of his care over the years. It was a sharp feeling, bittersweet at best, and it always eventually left him breathless with pain. He didn’t think it would…

[jeffs-gamebox]

Fantasy February Blogging Schedule.

Because GMuary maybe didn't go as well as planned, I'm going to work off of this schedule in February. Please note any given day is subject to change depending on TableTop RolePlaying Game industry or Internet shenanigans.

Every day in February devoted to having fun with fantasy TTRPGs. Greetings! Here’s my plan for February. Things seem to run better when I have things scheduled out, so let’s give it a try. Today. This article here. Maybe another short one if I have time. Where Did D&D’s Half-Species Go? (and How To Get Around it.) Monday Monster. Torch Rules from Shadowdark into Dragonbane. Worldbuilding…

[brigittas-writing-nook]

Writing Prompt Exercise: When Happiness Happens

I wrote about my "writing prompt exercise" in my welcome post, and here is another one! It talks about compersion, which occurs when you feel joy in someone else's happiness. Enjoy.

Writing prompt

The moment compersion happens

Writing prompt exercise

I walked up to the house, excited. My cousin from Pennsylvania was visiting family here in Indiana, and I had driven up to Kokomo to see them. She rounded the corner of the house just as I stepped onto the house’s steps. “Hey, Cuz,” she said softly, her eyes soft and her smile wide. We hugged each other close. It felt so good to see her. We chatted as we walked around the house to the backyard. A few pop-up tents were set up over the food and seating. I quickly set up the chair I had brought and went to get food. A mutual friend of ours was coming up with her family, as well. While we all met in college, Belle (my cousin) and ‘Chelle (our friend; yes, the rhyme has amused us all in the past) met and became friends before I came onto the scene. However, over the years, Belle and her family eventually moved to Pennsylvania, while ‘Chelle’s family had moved around before settling back in Indiana. Since then, we have become much closer. I have struggled with jealousy my whole life, so I was a tad mildly concerned about how I would feel about them seeing each other. I also wasn’t proud of that feeling. Belle turned around and yelled, “Michelle!” and ran over to ‘Chelle as she and the family rounded the corner. ‘Chelle picked up the pace and ran towards my cousin, where they met in a tight embrace. I could see from where I was sitting that their faced beamed joyfully. When I learned about compersion years later, I realized this was the first time I had felt it. I wasn’t jealous about their joy. I was happy!

Purpose of this prompt I wrote about why I'm doing this exercise in a separate post. But what purpose does this writing prompt exercise serve? Well, it serves three purposes by: - Keeping me in the practice of writing. - Helping generate story ideas. - Offering you sneak peeks into what I might be working on next. This piece is raw and unedited. I have made no changes from the words I wrote long-hand in my notebook. Why would I do that? Because I want to show y'all that what you write doesn't have to be perfect the first time. Don't let perfect get in the way of getting things done. Listen to GraphicAudio award-winning audiobook entertainment including full cast dramatizations, cinematic music and sound effects

Got any ideas for writing prompts you would like to see me use in a writing prompt exercise? Drop them in the comments. I can always use new ideas. Also, if you want to support me, visit my Patreon or Buy me a Coffee. I like coffee; it keeps me going. Patreon That's all for now. Stay fabulous, y'all! Read the full article

[fahmeenaodetta]

Plain Language Exercises

Practicing my plain language:

Oliver is employed at a nonprofit organization that is all about reducing (or works to reduce) waste from bodies of water, such as the lake, in the state where its headquarters is located.

The executives received a warning because they had recently changed a key environmental policy with the goal of reducing environmental waste, and that change was followed by the lead engineer reporting a potential environmental hazard to the facility manager.

Exercises by the Center for Plain Language. Page for Center for Plain Language in Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/plain_language

[introducingtay]

The room is hazy. I do my best to shake it off, eyes closed, praying that when I reopen them the vigorous back-and-forth of my head will have manually refocused my eyes. The eyelids flutter open. I drink in the scene. The lights were dim. Were they dim? Maybe they’re not dim. Maybe the edges of my sight were just fuzzy, dark, restricting. I felt my chest push out against the skin then retract back against my organs. More oxygen is good. The room is getting clearer. The lights balance out. I pass the sofa, careful not to step on the upholstery samples flowing to the floor. I can feel adrenaline fading. I’ll feel differently soon. The door slams behind me. I didn’t mean to slam the door, I don’t slam doors out of anger, I’m trying to convince myself it wasn’t intentional. I don’t expect to succeed. 

The slam makes me shake, as though my body momentarily conducts sound waves, feeling the reverberations in my stomach. My palms are damp. Are they cold? Or are they just damp? The edge of my t-shirt is rough. If it’s rough on my hands it’ll be rough on my face. Maybe staying damp is better. As long as it’s just salty water, I think I can handle it. I can feel the pressure building in my nose, though. Better not lie on my side, my nose will drip. I hate that. I was right, the t-shirt is scratchy against my eyelids. No more grating than the desperate, quiet, gasps for air. Are those footsteps? I think she just walked past. Did she hear the sniffling? I should’ve laid on my side. 

I feel the ice thrown down my back, overtaken by shudders when I hear those frantic breaths. The door is closed. Should I knock first? Should I just open it? What if I’m wrong? What if I’m right, and ignore it? He’ll have heard my footsteps, as well as hearing them stop. He must know I’m here. Has it been too long? The door feels abrupt against my knuckles, the knock feels like a trespasser as it travels through my ears despite barely being a whisper. The brass handle is cold. My hand feels stuck. Arms look so odd when the wrist is rotated. I push, keeping steady pressure against the door, willing it not to squeak.

The warmth is forceful, pushing against the barrier of disdain. The room suddenly feels full, intention tangible in the air, companionship bulging against the walls. The rough shirt is slightly softer when wet. It’s cold against my hands. My cheeks feel scratchy, stained, tense. My eyes stop feeling damp. It’s cooler now. There’s a sense of balance. 

Her shirt is soft. I don’t mean to get it damp. Maybe it’s not that much softer. Maybe the contrast of hers to mine is feeding me an illusion. The illusion brings back some warmth. A quilt wraps around me. The warmth is insulated. The room is insulated. It’s the same as sitting in a sunroom on a clear day. When she leaves, the quilt stays. The warmth does begin to fade, but much more slowly. 

Then I hear a door slam.

[6ninaph9]

A logline for the story, just practicing some basic writing exercises ✌️

[bitsandpiecesaworkinprogress]

Drabbles from Nanowrimo (excerpts that were just about the characters)

Prompt: Your characters are in nature:

I hadn’t seen any nature for a while, that is what happens when you are stuck inside a metal spaceship for months on end. And everyone had become a little more jumpy that usual. It wasn’t strictly protocool but somehow we’d been able to organise a screening of a nature documentary. The screening was a big deal and a lot of the people on board were present. There had been nothing going on for months and although we were forced at meetings to see each other it didn’t mean that everyone liked each other. The mass numbers in the lounge presented some problems. There was overcrowding and the children were tired but there wasn’t any chance that the nursery would be open so the small children were running up and down the people making noise, their tiredness. Eventually a few of them fell asleep during the film. We were watching a nature documentary about the beautiful forests of Papua New Guinea. A few of the people who were in the audience had actually been there as missionaries and church workers. They had different stories afterwards. But as I watching the verdant greenery. Although I knew this was brain tricking me I had almost forgotten what it looked. I had strange feeling come over me. While there were problems with everything being affected by climate change, when I got to Mars it would be a long trip back. And that meant that I would very rarely ever see this vista in real life. I had lived in Australia and when I lived there I would have been very close. Gammon watched next to me. Reuben was tucked up next to them in a ball, contented and calm. “I am sad that I’ll probably never see this.” “Aren’t you coming back with me when we get to Mars?” “But’s still so far in the future and I don’t think I can think about that.” “You are going to see them again, and we are going back to earth.”