#WritingExercises

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Conquering the Writing Slump: Reignite Your Creativity and Motivation

Every writer experiences it at some point: the dreaded writing slump. It's that sinking feeling when your creativity seems to have gone into hibernation, leaving you staring at a blank page. But fear not! In this blog post, I'll help you explore unique and effective strategies to help you break free from the writing slump and reignite your motivation to write. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, these carefully crafted steps will guide you back to your creative flow.

Step 1: Reconnect with Your Writing Purpose

Take a moment to reconnect with your writing purpose. What drove you to start writing in the first place? Was it the desire to tell captivating stories, impart knowledge, or share your unique perspective? Reflect on your initial motivations and remind yourself of the passion that ignited your writing journey. This reconnection will serve as a powerful source of inspiration to propel you forward.

Step 2: Embrace the Power of Mindset

Your mindset plays a crucial role in overcoming a writing slump. Instead of viewing it as an insurmountable obstacle, shift your perspective and see it as an opportunity for growth. Embrace the belief that challenges are stepping stones to success. Cultivate a positive mindset, affirming your ability to overcome the slump and rediscover your writing mojo.

Step 3: Rediscover Your Writing Identity

Sometimes, a writing slump occurs when you feel disconnected from your writing identity. Take the time to rediscover who you are as a writer. Reflect on your unique writing style, voice, and the themes that resonate with you. Reconnecting with your writing identity will reignite the spark of creativity and motivate you to put pen to paper once again.

Step 4: Set Realistic Writing Goals

Setting realistic goals is essential in reclaiming your motivation. Break down your larger writing projects into smaller, achievable milestones. By doing so, you'll experience a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task, fueling your motivation to tackle the next one. Remember, progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

Step 5: Cultivate a Writing Ritual

Establishing a writing ritual can work wonders in overcoming a slump. Designate a specific time and place for your writing practice. Create a personalized ritual that helps you transition into a focused and creative mindset. It could be lighting a scented candle, playing calming music, or even performing a short meditation. The familiarity of your ritual will signal to your brain that it's time to unleash your creativity.

Step 6: Experiment with Writing Prompts

Writing prompts serve as catalysts for fresh ideas and inspiration. Seek out unique writing prompts that resonate with your interests and writing style. They can be found in books, online websites, or even through random word generators. Embrace the challenge of writing within given constraints, and witness how it sparks your creativity and motivates you to write again.

Step 7: Engage in Stream-of-Consciousness Writing

Stream-of-consciousness writing is a powerful technique to bypass your inner critic and tap into your subconscious mind. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind without censorship or judgment. Allow your thoughts to flow freely, even if they seem disjointed or nonsensical. This exercise can unlock hidden ideas and awaken your creative energy.

Step 8: Seek Inspiration from Other Creative Outlets

Sometimes, finding inspiration outside of writing can reignite your creative fire. Engage in other artistic outlets such as painting, photography, or music. Immerse yourself in nature, visit art galleries, or attend live performances. These experiences will stimulate your senses, refresh your perspective, and infuse your writing with newfound inspiration.

Step 9: Collaborate with Fellow Writers

Collaboration can be a powerful motivator. Seek out fellow writers and engage in collaborative projects, writing circles, or workshops. Sharing ideas, receiving constructive feedback, and discussing challenges with like-minded individuals will invigorate your creative spirit. Embrace the sense of camaraderie and support that comes from being part of a writing community.

Step 10: Embrace Self-Care and Recharge

Self-care is vital for overcoming a writing slump. Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that recharge your creativity, such as practicing mindfulness, exercising, or immersing yourself in a favorite hobby. Prioritize self-care to create a balanced and nurturing environment for your writing to flourish.

Defeating the writing slump requires a combination of self-reflection, mindset shifts, and proactive steps. By reconnecting with your writing purpose, embracing a positive mindset, exploring new writing techniques, seeking inspiration from various sources, and nurturing your well-being, you will reignite your motivation to write and unleash your full creative potential. Remember, every writer encounters temporary setbacks, but it's your resilience and determination that will guide you back to the page. So, embrace these unique steps, trust in your abilities, and let your words flow once again. Happy writing!

[2soulscollide]

[FREE] The Writer's Workbook

Hello hello, it's me! Hope you're doing well.

Today I am announcing a project I've been working on and is finally ready for you guys to download (for free!)

So, what is it, you ask me.

It's a digital WORKBOOK with over 90 pages to help you develop your new novel!

With clear instructions, plenty of examples, and helpful resources, I designed this workbook to be easy to use and accessible for writers of all skill levels. It has plenty of worksheets and templates to help you organize your ideas and plan your novel!

Over 60 exercises

Tips

Worksheets and templates

A comprehensive list of additional resources to help you continue your writing journey

You can download it as a PDF and use it digitally or print it out!

DOWNLOAD IT HERE!!

I hope this is helpful <3 have a nice day

[writeleg1ant]

How do you Structure a Creative Writing Workshop?

How do you Structure a Creative Writing Workshop?

Table of Contents

- Introduction - Understanding Workshop Objectives - 2.1 Defining Learning Goals - 2.2 Tailoring to Participant Levels - Essential Components of Workshop Structure - 3.1 Icebreaker Activities - 3.2 Writing Exercises and Prompts - 3.3 Peer Review Sessions - 3.4 Facilitator Guidance and Feedback - 3.5 Group Discussions - Balancing Structure and Flexibility - 4.1 Setting a Framework - 4.2 Allowing Creative Exploration - Choosing Appropriate Writing Tools - 5.1 Traditional vs. Digital Approaches - 5.2 Leveraging Online Platforms - Incorporating Genre-specific Sessions - 6.1 Exploring Various Writing Genres - 6.2 Genre-focused Workshops - Fostering a Supportive Workshop Environment - 7.1 Establishing Ground Rules - 7.2 Encouraging Constructive Critique - 7.3 Nurturing a Sense of Community - Adapting to Virtual Workshop Settings - 8.1 Challenges of Virtual Workshops - 8.2 Maximizing Online Tools - SEO Integration: Promoting Workshop Structures - 9.1 Crafting SEO-friendly Workshop Descriptions - 9.2 Optimizing Online Workshop Platforms - Conclusion - FAQs About Structuring Creative Writing Workshops

Article

Introduction Unlocking creativity and honing writing skills, a well-structured creative writing workshop provides an immersive experience for aspiring writers. In this article, we explore the art of crafting an effective workshop, from defining objectives to incorporating flexibility and fostering a supportive community. Understanding Workshop Objectives Defining Learning Goals At the core of structuring a creative writing workshop is a clear understanding of learning goals. Define whether the workshop aims to enhance specific writing techniques, explore diverse genres, or provide a platform for collaborative storytelling. Tailoring to Participant Levels Consider the varied skill levels of participants. Tailoring the workshop structure to accommodate beginners and seasoned writers ensures an inclusive and beneficial experience for everyone involved. Essential Components of Workshop Structure Icebreaker Activities Begin with icebreaker activities to create a relaxed atmosphere. Icebreakers help participants connect, fostering a sense of camaraderie crucial for effective collaboration. Writing Exercises and Prompts Incorporate a variety of writing exercises and prompts to stimulate creativity. These activities encourage participants to explore different styles, break creative blocks, and discover unique voices. Peer Review Sessions Integrate peer review sessions for constructive feedback. This aspect of the workshop structure cultivates a culture of collaboration and allows participants to refine their work through diverse perspectives. Facilitator Guidance and Feedback Facilitators play a pivotal role. Provide clear guidance and constructive feedback to participants, offering insights that inspire growth and development in their writing journey. Group Discussions Include group discussions to encourage dialogue. These sessions allow participants to share insights, ask questions, and learn from each other's experiences. Balancing Structure and Flexibility Setting a Framework Establish a framework for the workshop to provide structure. A well-defined agenda ensures that essential components are covered, contributing to a comprehensive learning experience. Allowing Creative Exploration Simultaneously, allow room for creative exploration. Flexibility in the workshop structure enables spontaneous ideas, fostering an environment where imagination flourishes. Choosing Appropriate Writing Tools Traditional vs. Digital Approaches Consider the use of traditional writing tools alongside digital approaches. While pen and paper provide a tangible connection to creativity, digital tools can enhance collaboration and accessibility. Leveraging Online Platforms For virtual workshops, leverage online platforms to facilitate interaction. Utilize video conferencing, collaborative writing tools, and discussion forums to create an engaging online writing environment. Incorporating Genre-specific Sessions Exploring Various Writing Genres Dedicate sessions to exploring various writing genres. From fiction to poetry, genre-specific workshops cater to diverse interests, allowing participants to delve into areas aligned with their passions. Genre-focused Workshops Consider organizing genre-focused workshops. Whether it's mystery, romance, or fantasy, these specialized sessions provide in-depth insights and practical tips tailored to specific writing styles. Fostering a Supportive Workshop Environment Establishing Ground Rules Set clear ground rules to ensure a respectful and supportive environment. Guidelines on communication, critique, and inclusivity contribute to a positive workshop experience. Encouraging Constructive Critique Emphasize the importance of constructive critique. Participants should feel empowered to offer feedback that encourages growth without discouraging creativity. Nurturing a Sense of Community Foster a sense of community. Beyond writing, participants should feel connected and supported, creating a space where friendships and professional relationships can flourish. Adapting to Virtual Workshop Settings Challenges of Virtual Workshops Acknowledge the challenges of virtual workshops. Address issues such as technology barriers, time zone differences, and potential distractions to ensure a smooth online experience. Maximizing Online Tools Maximize online tools to overcome virtual challenges. Engage participants through interactive exercises, utilize breakout rooms for focused discussions, and leverage collaborative platforms for shared writing experiences. SEO Integration: Promoting Workshop Structures Crafting SEO-friendly Workshop Descriptions When promoting the workshop, craft SEO-friendly descriptions. Use relevant keywords related to writing, creativity, and the specific focus of the workshop to enhance online discoverability. Optimizing Online Workshop Platforms Optimize online workshop platforms for SEO. Ensure that workshop titles, descriptions, and content are enriched with keywords to attract writers actively searching for relevant learning opportunities. Conclusion Structuring a creative writing workshop involves the delicate art of balancing guidance and freedom, creating an environment where writers feel both supported and inspired. Whether in-person or virtual, a well-crafted workshop structure is the key to unlocking the full potential of participants. FAQs About Structuring Creative Writing Workshops - How do you organize a creative writing workshop?: - Organize a creative writing workshop by defining clear objectives, incorporating writing exercises, peer review sessions, and group discussions. Tailor activities to participant levels and create a supportive environment. - What is the format of writers workshop?: - The format of a writers workshop typically includes writing exercises, peer critiques, facilitator guidance, and group discussions. It follows a structured agenda while allowing flexibility for creative exploration. - What happens in creative writing workshops?: - Creative writing workshops involve participants sharing their work, engaging in writing exercises, providing constructive feedback during peer reviews, and participating in group discussions to enhance their writing skills. - How do you make a writing workshop fun?: - Make a writing workshop fun by incorporating diverse and engaging writing exercises, fostering a supportive and interactive environment, using creative prompts, and encouraging participants to share their unique perspectives and stories. Read the full article

[bitsandpiecesaworkinprogress]

More Drabbles Nanowrimo

It was the Sabbath and I knew that it was getting ready for meeting. The freshly laid out suit, complete with the lapel with my pins. It was special Sabbath today, the one where we would do the communion service, albeit a bit differently in space than on earth. Getting out of the sleeping suit was hard, and in such a small space was only achieved in the bathroom with everyone else. I had arrived late to the communal bathrooms and was greeted by a long line of women who had appeared to get a shower and change. Waiting in the line, I got more and more anxious about getting to church. Eventually I realised that nothing was going to make it faster and I watched as we inched closer to the front of the line. I thought about my mum and the worry started up again. I took a deep breath. And that seemed to be some relief from the worry. For a moment it was okay. Then my I went back to the thought that it wouldn’t be enough time to get my hair done. This was the only time that my mum made sure that it was brushed. It was thick and wavy and it always took a long time. I started breathing really heavily and I couldn’t control anything.

The line isn’t moving. My hair needs to be brushed and put up. The line isn’t moving. My hair needs to be brushed and put up and I can’t be late. I can’t be late.

The woman in front of me has a purple coloured loofah. Up ahead there is a woman with a multicoloured loofah. Some women were already in their curlers.

They had already prepped and I wasn’t prepped and it didn’t matter that the line wasn’t moving. The line isn’t moving. My hair needs to be brushed and put up. Mum isn’t going to be happy. She’s going to yell at me. Gammon doesn’t need to do their hair.

The thoughts were tumbling in a row and I couldn’t stop them. I could see Rebecca further down, at the front of the line and I was just about to see if I could get her attention but then she had spied an open stall and had taken herself off into. The thoughts continued to tumble forward. I was rocking back and forth until I noticed and I made myself stop that. Because even though I had these thoughts I had to make sure that nobody could see how much stress it was making me. In a fit of desperation I took a longer, deeper breath and I finally could stop the thoughts. And then the woman behind me tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I was okay.

“I’m okay. Just a bit frustrated that the line is moving so slowly.” “I think a lot of just were a bit lazy this morning sleeping in. You reap what you sow.”

So I was just supposed to get up far earlier to account for other women having long showers?

Trying to make this point delicately I responded.

“Its really hard to get up early when you have such a late finish to the vespers.”

“I reckon that because of laziness I think. I slept in and I’m going to be just as late you are. Maybe even later.”

And at this I almost lost my shit. This woman didn’t have a mother that insisted on doing my thick hair. Her hair was already in the shower cap and didn’t need to be washed and mine definitely did. Everything was working against me this morning. Mum had told me that when I didn’t have anything nice to say, that I shouldn’t say anything at all. And this would be seen as back talking. I was working on not back talking as a sin of youth and impertinence, and so I nodded my head and said nothing. I hoped that she would get the hint and not continue the conversation. She mercifully took the hint and some relief was had.

I could see that there were two, now three people coming out the shower. Having mentally taken the time that they had gone it, it must of been the real reason that the line was so backed up. Moving up the line was faster now because other women were more considerate and I got back to the pod, with my hair washed only ten minutes later than I thought I was going to be.

Mum was annoyed. She had to brush and it would mean that it wouldn’t get put up.

“But at least it’s washed and brushed. People wouldn’t think that I’ve raised a complete heathen. How you look reflects on the rest of the family and especially on me.”

Gammon was watching this whole exchange, having already gotten their Sabbath best on. Their hair looked like it needed to be brushed but didn’t need to be in the same way as mine. The reason that mum wanted to do my hair today because it was communion, and that happened only once a quarter. And it was special, it was when we used some of our precious resources and made tasteless bread which we at with little vials of grape juice and thought about the death of Christ.

Mum rushed out the door because she was running late for prepping, she would be doing the serving today and she also needed to get the foot washing water ready. Not much longer where we would be expected at church.

[exploresmallworlds]

Nano day 10

Writing exercise asked me to write a piece using the first and last sentence to write some stuff.

I chose #atelltaleheart by #edgarallanpoe. Having just read it for the first time a few days ago.

While it was interesting to write in a different style of writing and using the gothic horror elements that I want to emulate and iterate, it was enlightening to me what was the real horror.

I'm enjoying my journey through different writing exercises. If I create something that is worth publishing maybe I'll excerpt some of it.

Current total: 12 429 (25%)

[author-mandi-bean]

Celebrate #writerwednesday with me and check out my brand new blog post that includes #writingexercises ! Use this link: https://mandibeanwriter.wpcomstaging.com/2023/02/08/how-to-get-creative-6-exercises/?fbclid=IwAR0sFErRoCx_vBOUFeEUawnCN3OoXGSOluKJZslOX3hYOurFCov9OobronQ #mandibean #writer #creativewriter #writing #writinglife #writingtips #writingtricks #writingtipsandtricks #author #writersofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #herbeautifulmonster #martinsisterspublishing #moodyblue #genzpublishing #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #writersdigest #gabrielapereira https://www.instagram.com/p/CoaEGcErNCn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[dejodojo]

Writing attempt #1 - Sunshine

It was a sunny day. Many couples or even families were sitting in the shade offered by the trees, while some little children were playing in the pond. I probably should enjoy the weather while it lasts, as it has been cloudy for days on end, but I couldn’t get my mind to relax.

I was sitting at the pond’s edge, looking in the direction of some children that were playing on the other side. My feet were dangling in the water, and I could feel some plants on the bottom of the pond, as it wasn’t that deep. If I was in a better mood, I would probably watching the children, how they were playing. I would’ve seen that they had brought a little bucket and shovel, and that they were trying to build sand castles with dirt. I would have seen that they were having a lot of trouble, as the dirt was too heavy for them to carry, which caused them to drop the bucket, which caused their clothes to get all dirty. If I were in a better mood, I would laugh, as their mother ran over to their side, both worried and frustrated at the same time. But I wasn’t in a good mood.

The problem was that I didn’t know why I was feeling this way either. Maybe if I did, I could’ve done something about it. If I knew why I was feeling this way, I could have maybe called a friend, or a family member, and told them what was going on. I could’ve gotten it off my chest, and maybe even ask them for a solution. I could find ways to resolve the situation, and feel better in the end. If I knew why I was feeling this way, I could fix it, and come out in a better mood, maybe a new perspective, and maybe even a better version of myself. But I didn’t know why I was feeling this way.

I tried to set it aside. After all, it was a sunny day, and there were couples and families sitting in the shade, and children playing in the pond. Their mother was helping them, and they managed to build something that resembled a mountain of dirt. I smiled at them. Maybe I wasn’t feeling too bad after all.

[chezagnes]

Mirando hacia arriba, en esta noche oscura, las estrellas brillaban titilantes. Un suspiro se escapó de mis labios mientras sujetaba mi manta con más fuerza. Era una noche preciosa, y las estrellas brillaban intensamente, haciendo que pareciera como si alguien hubiera derramado polvo de diamantes sobre el cielo negro. Busqué las constelaciones sobre las que solías contarme historias: Andrómeda, la dama encadenada; Acuario, El Portador de Agua o Casiopea, Reina del Cielo Nocturno. Localicé las 4 estrellas que marcan el Crux y los siete puntos de las Pléyades, Los Osos... con ellos volví a aquellas noches en la playa cuando me enseñabas sus secretos, y una lágrima caliente recorrió mi mejilla. #creativepromptsforwriting #writing #prompts #inspiration #writingprompts #writingadvice #writinginspirations #writingexercise #writingmotivation #writingcommunity #writeblr #writingprompt #writersoninstagram #october #writinginspo #ChezAgneswritings #chezagnesautumn #otoñochezagnes #quotes #frases #escribir #escritos #escrituracreativa #starrynight #nocheestrellada (en Madrid, Spain) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpYKhZoDdSr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[typingoverworld]

Writing Prompt:

I’d rather die trying to take them down, than die giving them what they want.

Quote from Cassian Andor, Star Wars

[fahmeenaodetta]

Plain Language Exercises

Practicing my plain language:

Oliver is employed at a nonprofit organization that is all about reducing (or works to reduce) waste from bodies of water, such as the lake, in the state where its headquarters is located.

The executives received a warning because they had recently changed a key environmental policy with the goal of reducing environmental waste, and that change was followed by the lead engineer reporting a potential environmental hazard to the facility manager.

Exercises by the Center for Plain Language. Page for Center for Plain Language in Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/plain_language

[introducingtay]

The room is hazy. I do my best to shake it off, eyes closed, praying that when I reopen them the vigorous back-and-forth of my head will have manually refocused my eyes. The eyelids flutter open. I drink in the scene. The lights were dim. Were they dim? Maybe they’re not dim. Maybe the edges of my sight were just fuzzy, dark, restricting. I felt my chest push out against the skin then retract back against my organs. More oxygen is good. The room is getting clearer. The lights balance out. I pass the sofa, careful not to step on the upholstery samples flowing to the floor. I can feel adrenaline fading. I’ll feel differently soon. The door slams behind me. I didn’t mean to slam the door, I don’t slam doors out of anger, I’m trying to convince myself it wasn’t intentional. I don’t expect to succeed. 

The slam makes me shake, as though my body momentarily conducts sound waves, feeling the reverberations in my stomach. My palms are damp. Are they cold? Or are they just damp? The edge of my t-shirt is rough. If it’s rough on my hands it’ll be rough on my face. Maybe staying damp is better. As long as it’s just salty water, I think I can handle it. I can feel the pressure building in my nose, though. Better not lie on my side, my nose will drip. I hate that. I was right, the t-shirt is scratchy against my eyelids. No more grating than the desperate, quiet, gasps for air. Are those footsteps? I think she just walked past. Did she hear the sniffling? I should’ve laid on my side. 

I feel the ice thrown down my back, overtaken by shudders when I hear those frantic breaths. The door is closed. Should I knock first? Should I just open it? What if I’m wrong? What if I’m right, and ignore it? He’ll have heard my footsteps, as well as hearing them stop. He must know I’m here. Has it been too long? The door feels abrupt against my knuckles, the knock feels like a trespasser as it travels through my ears despite barely being a whisper. The brass handle is cold. My hand feels stuck. Arms look so odd when the wrist is rotated. I push, keeping steady pressure against the door, willing it not to squeak.

The warmth is forceful, pushing against the barrier of disdain. The room suddenly feels full, intention tangible in the air, companionship bulging against the walls. The rough shirt is slightly softer when wet. It’s cold against my hands. My cheeks feel scratchy, stained, tense. My eyes stop feeling damp. It’s cooler now. There’s a sense of balance. 

Her shirt is soft. I don’t mean to get it damp. Maybe it’s not that much softer. Maybe the contrast of hers to mine is feeding me an illusion. The illusion brings back some warmth. A quilt wraps around me. The warmth is insulated. The room is insulated. It’s the same as sitting in a sunroom on a clear day. When she leaves, the quilt stays. The warmth does begin to fade, but much more slowly. 

Then I hear a door slam.

[jeffs-gamebox]

Fantasy TTRPG February Writing Prompts.

I'm going to be doing fantasy TTRPG writing prompts all month long. Stay tuned for more.

My apologies for running a touch late on this one. This month’s challenge will be to create a new character, spell, magic item, random encounter, monster, map, art, adventure idea, dungeon room, or short story around whichever prompt is given. There can be multiple interpretations of the prompts. Do whatever strikes your fancy. (Preempted by news) Today, this list. (Sorry for the late…

[6ninaph9]

A logline for the story, just practicing some basic writing exercises ✌️

[thesquidsink]

Daily #29

Tomas sat down at his usual seat in the lecture hall: a little left of centre, a little closer than halfway down. He liked to be close enough to read the slides clearly, but not to be the first student to catch the professor's eye when she asked a question.

Dr. Amara pulled a stack of papers from her briefcase and pulled up a slide that said "POP QUIZ" in big bold letters. The whole class groaned as the professor started handing out papers for everyone to pass around. "Please use a pencil and write your name at the top of the quiz. You have thirty minutes, and then we'll discuss together," said the professor. "Go ahead now." On the display, a timer started at 30 minutes and began to count down.

Tomas wrote his name in the indicated space, then held his pencil in his lips and scanned the sheets he'd been passed. Looked simple enough - true or false. He wasn't the best student, but he was far from the worst - attended every lecture, took notes, did the homework. He should be fine.

Question 1: Two plus two equals four. True or false?

Must be a control question. Tomas circled True.

Question 2: The following equation is balanced. True or false?

Okay this made more sense as a quiz question. Tomas spent a minute figuring out how to move some variables around, then circled True.

Question 3: The derivative of the following equation equals seventeen. True or false?

Tomas worked for a minute and circled True.

Question 4: You like math. True or False?

Tomas tilted his head, then shrugged and circled True. Odd question, but he did like solving problems.

Question 5: Your favourite equation is E=Gm/c. True or false?

Oddly specific. Why ask about, of all possible options, the equation to calculate the event horizon of a black hole? Strangely, though, it was Tomas's favourite equation. He circled True.

Question 6: You have never been in love. True or false?

Tomas snapped the lead of his pencil. It bounced off his other hand and rolled off the seat's fold-away table. What? Did he read the... no, it said what he thought it said. Frowning, Tomas reached for the pencil sharpener in his bag, and looked around as he fixed the tip of his lead. The other hundred-odd students in the lecture hall were bent over their quizzes, a normal class by all appearances. Was it just Tomas's quiz that was strange? He stared at the paper. He... circled true.

Question 7: Your parents' divorce was your fault. True or false?

Tomas gripped his pencil so hard that he snapped it in half. He rubbed his eyes, then raised his hand, staring at Dr. Amara, trying not to look as furious and confused as he felt. The professor was reading something and didn't look up. Tomas cleared his throat, but she didn't look up. "Professor Amara?" he called out, but she didn't look up, nor did any other students. Tomas licked his dry lips. The quiz timer had stopped.

Question 8: You're a fraud. You don't deserve to be here.

Tomas kicked reflexively and pushed himself against his seat back. He wasn't... that wasn't a question. He'd been trying to get the professor's attention, what - why had he circled true on Question 7? When had - what the hell was happening? Tomas circled True.

Question 9: They know what you are. You can't hide the truth. They're all looking at you. They see right through you. You'll never fit in. You're deluding yourself to think you could ever be like them. True or false?

The page blurred and wavered. Tomas rubbed the tears from his eyes, but he couldn't stop them from coming back. His throat was tight and dry; it burned as he tried to take in quick, ragged breaths. The quiz was right. He knew it, somewhere deep inside. They knew. They all knew. He'd never

Question 10: You should

"All right, time's up, turn in your papers please."

The other students passed their quizzes to the ends of the rows, then down towards the professor. They chatted and laughed and argued over the answer to Question 7, asked each other what Question 9 even meant, joked about how Question 6 was phrased.

Professor Amara frowned through her thick glasses. "Tomas, are you all right?"

He wiped his eyes and nose with his sleeve. "Sorry," he said, trying to force a smile. "Allergies."

______________

Based on prompt:

[bitsandpiecesaworkinprogress]

Drabbles from Nanowrimo (excerpts that were just about the characters)

Prompt: Your characters are in nature:

I hadn’t seen any nature for a while, that is what happens when you are stuck inside a metal spaceship for months on end. And everyone had become a little more jumpy that usual. It wasn’t strictly protocool but somehow we’d been able to organise a screening of a nature documentary. The screening was a big deal and a lot of the people on board were present. There had been nothing going on for months and although we were forced at meetings to see each other it didn’t mean that everyone liked each other. The mass numbers in the lounge presented some problems. There was overcrowding and the children were tired but there wasn’t any chance that the nursery would be open so the small children were running up and down the people making noise, their tiredness. Eventually a few of them fell asleep during the film. We were watching a nature documentary about the beautiful forests of Papua New Guinea. A few of the people who were in the audience had actually been there as missionaries and church workers. They had different stories afterwards. But as I watching the verdant greenery. Although I knew this was brain tricking me I had almost forgotten what it looked. I had strange feeling come over me. While there were problems with everything being affected by climate change, when I got to Mars it would be a long trip back. And that meant that I would very rarely ever see this vista in real life. I had lived in Australia and when I lived there I would have been very close. Gammon watched next to me. Reuben was tucked up next to them in a ball, contented and calm. “I am sad that I’ll probably never see this.” “Aren’t you coming back with me when we get to Mars?” “But’s still so far in the future and I don’t think I can think about that.” “You are going to see them again, and we are going back to earth.”

[exploresmallworlds]

Nano day 17

I've had a breakthrough yesterday, after a panic attack of course, that's required. And while it seems really obvious, I had been writing primarily to find the plot and that is part of it. But I had a moment where I just wrote silly titles on scrivener and just wrote some stuff that was actually based on things that I had actually seen and that was the catalyst for better and more extensive writing. I also had a go at writing some drabbles, using the Nanowrimo youtube prompts:

Put them in an environment that they don't feel comfortable and put them in an environment that they are comfortable.

Outcome: wrote some very character study based on the previous work that I had done on writing out what the characters were.

Put them in nature

Outcome: that was harder because its set on a spaceship heading for mars but I got them to watch a nature documentary about leaving earth.

Put them in a party and watch their reaction

Outcome: again pretty hard because it is a religious cult seeking to colonise Mars

I have an idea what the plot and the outcome - but the plot really is just there to explore character and I've not spent much time excited to explore that. I know that I can make it more plot related when I edit it. Up until this point I had been posting up the chapters as I wrote it. And honestly considering the quality of the writing that is coming out at the moment compared to that it feels like it isn't quite good enough to publish.

However, I have published the first and second parts to an old WIP that I did procrastiedit about rewriting a fairytale and its called the Green Dragon.

Here's part one

Here's part two