EXERCISE: where am I?

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original posting 15 April 2009

Writer's Digest, December 2008, page 12 offers this writing prompt:

"You awaken with amnesia in what looks to be an igloo. You have $4 and a rock in one pocket, and a toothbrush in the other. Someone is staring at you. Write this scene."

They note that you might visit forum.writersdigest.com and click on "Writing Prompts and Challenges."

I might also note that editors say waking up with amnesia in a white room is one of the beginnings that they don't really like. Apparently a fair number of writers feel moved by a blank page to try to do a metaphorical exploration. Of course, you do have four dollars and a rock and a toothbrush, so it isn't completely blank?

Anyway, who is staring at you? How did you get there? What will you do with your pocket possessions? What happens next?

Go ahead and write.

EXERCISE: Hunting the Antihero?

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original posting 16 April 2009

Writer's Digest, December 2008, page 11 offers an exercise with the title Crafting Your Antihero:

"Reflecting on people you've met over the years, slip into your most judgmental state of mind and make a list of the many habits, addictions and behaviors that drive you crazy. If you're allergic to smoke, add chain smoking to your list. If you're uncomfortable with people who drink too much, add that trait. If people who never exercise get on your nerves, or people with poor hygiene drive you up the wall, add those traits, too. These habits can be large flaws, such as lying, or smaller ones, such as slathering on too much aftershave. Considering the people you have met, do you especially dislike liars, racists or an adulterers? Do stingy people drive you crazy? How about people who are financially irresponsible, or who brag too much? From this list, you'll have a resource of flaws to build your antiheroes."

Excerpted from Bullies, Bastards & Bitches: How to Write the Bad Guys of Fiction by Jessica Page Morrell

There you go. Something for your journal perhaps. Keep a little list of all those things that irritate, that make you feel like hitting something, that set off all the alarms in your mental house. And then use those for the antiheroes.

Write?