Writing Excercise
Posted: 05 Apr 2014, 18:51
From Nigel Watts' Writing a Novel:
Using these seven things:
1. Physical Description
2. Narrator's Statement
3. Action
4. Association
5. Revelation of character's thoughts
6. Speech
7. Other's thoughts or comments
Write a character study in 300 words.
Prompt:
An old woman is opening a letter from her son. He is suggesting she moves into a home for old people. She doesn't want to go.
Here's mine:
She sat down carefully, her feeble knees inching under the table's bottom. She squinted, the wrinkles around her eyes growing more pronounced. She grabbed the envelope in a rush of excitement, minding the stinging pain in her wrist.
"You'll have to watch what you do, and you'll need some help with the menial tasks of daily life from now on." Dr. Sullen's words. And just who exactly might that be? The letter was a single page, but she didn't care. She seldom heard from him, and though she wouldn't admit it, her days were rather empty.
Hello mother! I know it's been a while now since I have written, but work has been busy. I have recently been given time off, so I'll be able to fly down and see you. I received a call from Dr. Sullen last week, he said your condition is getting worse, and pretty soon, you won't be able to feed yourself, or stand in the shower. I think it's time we seriously consider HomeGroup. Think it over. We can talk more about it when I arrive. See you soon!
Love, your son James.
She let out a sigh, placed the letter in the envelope, and set it aside, next to the bulk of carry-out coupons and local cable ads. She pushed off the table as she struggled out of her seat. She proceeded to the bedroom, slowly, but deliberately. She found herself in front of the oval mirror, sitting above her cherry dresser. Her eyes fell on a picture of a man with white hair and a fulfilled smile.
"I won't go! It's bad enough one of us had to! I'm fine right where I am! What's it matter anyhow?" A tear fell through the crevices in her eyes, as she thumbed her wedding ring. The stinging pain returned. What's it matter now?
Using these seven things:
1. Physical Description
2. Narrator's Statement
3. Action
4. Association
5. Revelation of character's thoughts
6. Speech
7. Other's thoughts or comments
Write a character study in 300 words.
Prompt:
An old woman is opening a letter from her son. He is suggesting she moves into a home for old people. She doesn't want to go.
Here's mine:
She sat down carefully, her feeble knees inching under the table's bottom. She squinted, the wrinkles around her eyes growing more pronounced. She grabbed the envelope in a rush of excitement, minding the stinging pain in her wrist.
"You'll have to watch what you do, and you'll need some help with the menial tasks of daily life from now on." Dr. Sullen's words. And just who exactly might that be? The letter was a single page, but she didn't care. She seldom heard from him, and though she wouldn't admit it, her days were rather empty.
Hello mother! I know it's been a while now since I have written, but work has been busy. I have recently been given time off, so I'll be able to fly down and see you. I received a call from Dr. Sullen last week, he said your condition is getting worse, and pretty soon, you won't be able to feed yourself, or stand in the shower. I think it's time we seriously consider HomeGroup. Think it over. We can talk more about it when I arrive. See you soon!
Love, your son James.
She let out a sigh, placed the letter in the envelope, and set it aside, next to the bulk of carry-out coupons and local cable ads. She pushed off the table as she struggled out of her seat. She proceeded to the bedroom, slowly, but deliberately. She found herself in front of the oval mirror, sitting above her cherry dresser. Her eyes fell on a picture of a man with white hair and a fulfilled smile.
"I won't go! It's bad enough one of us had to! I'm fine right where I am! What's it matter anyhow?" A tear fell through the crevices in her eyes, as she thumbed her wedding ring. The stinging pain returned. What's it matter now?