Date Posted:12:46:06 12/06/11 Tue Author:Myxtress Subject: Homework Archives >>> In reply to:
Myxtress
's message, "HOMEWORK! for December 5, 2011" on 12:40:15 12/06/11 Tue
I keep saying homeworks do not expire, yet to-date, there is not a comprehensive list of past assignments. I have kept mine together, and post them here now for your reference. My aim is to update this list for all homeworks that have been assigned as far back as the archives go and to post this list occasionally when I post a new assignment. If anyone has a better idea, please let me know.
One word prompts – follow where they lead
- Instigate
- Resuscitate
- Storm
- Ancient
- Whet/wet
- Regret
- Innocence
- Passion
Let’s do something with POV. Pick a scene out of any you’ve written with interaction between two or more characters. Then switch it around, and re-write the scene from another perspective. Don’t forget to add in the details for setting and mood etc. etc. We are looking out of completely new set of eyes, and the more contrasts the better. Post both scenes so we can see the differences. This is like a two for one, so double the word count is acceptable.
Pick your favourite homework assignment that has ever been assigned, and post what you wrote. A brief note on why it appeals so much to you would be a great addition as well. And trust me, it doesn’t get any easier than this. If you meant to write something, but getting it done has provided its own challenges and opportunities, now is the time to do it.
Have one character observe another. Include physical detail and internal thoughts, but not any dialogue. See what you can convey through the senses.
Write a scene that deals with physical force and the aftermath of it. The possibilites are endless.
You know the blurb on the back of all those books we read? The one we scrutinize to discover if _this_ book is _THE_ book? Well…write one. Not only should these few paragraphs rivet us, but they should make us wish there was a way we could get an ARC in our greedy little hands.
Let’s ask a basic question. What if? That’s it. Go dig into your WIP and ask one of your characters. How would their story change? How would yours? Delve into the possibilities and show us the before and after.
Crossroads. Your character is at the infamous junction that can either lead him/her to salvation or down the road to darkness. Which way to go? What influences the choice?
Silence is golden. Write about a moment of serenity.
Ask yourself this question - Why do I write? This is a self-assessment exercise borrowed from Lady Lala. To this day, when I need to motivate myself, I revisit my response to her assignment. Even if you choose not to post it, I highly recommend writing out the answer.
If these walls could talk, what would they say? What secret could they reveal? What happens behind those closed doors?
During anything you do during the day, take a conscious five minutes to notice what's happening around you. It could be in the supermarket, your child's school, the dentist, while you're walking the dog, work, in the garden, etc. Describe how you perceive two things for each of the five senses.
Think of your favorite hero/heroine. What about them appeals to you? List ten things, whether positive or negative, that draws you to them and makes you remember them.
What about us as writers? Where do we stand? It’s time to take an inventory. What stories/prose unfold in our minds? How many have the written word to back them up? Where do they stand? Do you know the word count? The percent that’s remaining? The scenes to polish up? Has the editing process left you feeling like you’re leaving your best friend bleeding to death on the floor? And where do we go from here? Do we set goals? What would they be?
A day in the life…describe/live a typical day in the life of whomever you choose. If it’s anything like my experiences, something always happens. Take me away.
Must I? Yes, you must. Despite the feelings on this, whatever it is, it must be done. What is it? What approach is taken? Does it work? Any consequences or rewards?
On the road to nowhere. Even a journey to nowhere has to start someplace. Who is involved? Is it in the first person context, or is it a narrative of someone else? What events transpired that resulted with this end? Was it out of the characters control? When? Yesterday? Last year? Was it that decision in high school that dictated the path? An immediate consequence? Or is the focus on a date in the future where it all comes to a sudden stop? Where are they now? Physically? Emotionally? Why did they make the choices they did? And my favourite question – How. How do they deal with it? Do they face the consequence, or do they keep living with a delusion? Are there any personal costs/risks involved? How does it effect others? Is there a ripple effect?
Myxtress