Writing Exercise 13: Anniversary

This exercise involves using flashback - a helpful technique whether you are writing a poem, a story, a script, a memoir or something else.

 Stage 1.
Think of an anniversary you or a character might choose to celebrate. It should be the anniversary of an event that happened and that you were aware of when you (or the imagined character) were five years old or older. The event could be something personal, like the anniversary of a friendship or relationship, or the anniversary of a public event, like the first moon landing or a team winning the football league. Choose a joyous event.

 Stage 2.
Imagine how that anniversary might be celebrated today in a home or work setting. Describe how you or your character would prepare for the celebration. Would special food be necessary or particular clothes?

 Stage 3.
Now move into your memory or that of your character. Can you remember or imagine any previous celebrations of that event. If you can, choose one previous celebration and write down what you can remember or imagine about that. It doesn’t matter at all if memory and imagination get mixed up - it might even be a good thing for this exercise.

 Stage 4.
Go back to the day on which you or your character first became aware of the event. How did it seem to you or them at the time? Write down an account of the event as it seemed to you and the person on that day. Even if this is about you, let your imagination fill in any necessary gaps.

 Stage 5.
Return to the present day celebration. Now, unless you are writing a script, write about it in third person (as if happening to someone else) even if you are using your own memories. Write about the preparations for the celebration up to the moment the celebration begins. As you write, let elements of the preparation spark memories of a past celebration and the event itself. Make sure your writing ends in the present with the celebration about to start,
When you edit, see if the movement between past and present works smoothly and is clear.

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