Writers in Isolation

There are lots of stories in which one thing changes into something or someone else. This writing exercise is a way to have a go at writing a transformation scene. Stage 1. Think of a character - someone who lives only in your imagination. Think of that character only as they are seen by the people they encounter in a public role. You might choose a teacher, a politician, a sports person, a scientist, a performer — it doesn’t matter and they don’t have to be famous. Now imagine that character is being interviewed for the kind of magazine that publishes only complimentary articles about people. Write one or two introductory paragraphs and snippets from the interview. Stage 2. Now imagine that character alone, after giving the interview. What does your character think about their public self? What doubts and uncertainties does your character conceal? Write them down. Stage 3. What does your character want? This might be well known or secret - or a combination of both. Write a...

This writing exercise is about building a character from a few objects. It’s also about being a sort of detective - like Sherlock Holmes. Stage 1. Think of five objects that you could hold in the cupped palms of both hands. They should be: - something that can be eaten or drunk - something that can be worn - something that can be played with - something that can be treasured  - something that can be heard Spend time describing each object, using as many of the five senses as possible. Stage 2. Now imagine a bag which will hold all the objects together. What is it like? Imagine an unlikely place where you might find this bag. Stage 3. Become a detective. Using the bag and the objects as clues, work out what sort of person owns this bag. Describe the bag’s owner in detail. Stage 4. How did the bag come to be in the place where it is? How is it reunited with its owner. There’s a story to tell - so tell it, in any form you like. When you have written the story, rea...

This writing exercise comes in three stages and may lead on to a longer piece of writing. You can write in any form you like (poem, story, script etc.) Stage 1: Think of a small object that you particularly value. Imagine holding it in your hands with your eyes closed. What do you notice about it? Think about how it feels. Does it have a particular smell - or even a taste or sound associated with it. Write down all the words you can think of that express this. Finally - and only after you have explored all the other senses, consider what the object looks like and any special associations it has for you (e.g. a memory, a gift, the place where you first saw it). Stage 2: Think of a place you don’t know very well or where you feel just slightly uneasy. Imagine being there and turning round in a circle, taking in every detail. Once again start with sensations other than sight - how do your feet feel? what is the air like? what can you smell? what can you taste in your mouth? Write do...