Whether you’re between stories or stuck on the thorn-in-your-side-but-still-your-baby project, it’s normal to feel stuck sometimes.
As I’m sure you’ve heard, writing is a muscle. So let’s give it a workout.
I’ve compiled a list of 25 creative writing exercises below to help you do just that. Note that these are exercises, not prompts. Unlike prompts, exercises don’t have to turn into full-length stories or even readable pieces. They’re not about the final product. They’re about the process.
They’re designed to get you thinking about creative approaches, characterization, showing instead of telling, and using your five senses.
Describe someone you love through the eyes of a stranger.
Write 15 first lines of 15 different stories.
Write a love letter to one of your fictional/celebrity crushes. Dig deep into why you really connect with them.
Describe a holiday as though it were your first time experiencing its celebration.
Go somewhere new and sit. Write what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel.
Write the absolute worst poem you can and then describe why it’s terrible.
Find a photo on Pinterest/the Internet and write what’s happening in it.
Describe your dream meal in delectable detail.
Make an argument for why your favorite color is the best.
Write a critique/review of your most recent read and post it. (I suggest GoodReads or Storygraph.)
Describe the smell of something that makes you wrinkle your nose.
Narrate your day from the point of view of a stranger.
Write 15 final lines of 15 different stories.
Describe a sound you hear every day but never pay attention to.
Write a list of 15 unusual metaphors about objects in your room/office.
Write a letter to your future or past self.
Describe what silence tastes like.
Describe three different textures without using any adjectives relating to texture (i.e. smooth, rough, bumpy, etc.).
Go for a walk and write about your experience. Make it painfully detailed.
Write something based on how a song makes you feel.
Write about two characters arguing. You cannot use any dialogue tags.
Explain how to cook your favorite meal using a certain character's voice.
Describe an object without ever saying what it is.
Describe the body language of the rudest person you know.
Justify the horrific acts of a popular villain.
If you find any of these exercises helpful or you create something with them, please share and tag me on Instagram. I’d love to hear what you’re creating, and I’ll give you a personal shoutout!
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Write on the Exhale
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