A favourite writing exercise
Writing Prompt
I like to use this exercise in writing workshops and courses because it requires the writer to consider a setting from a different point of view.* In other words, it stretches and flips your thinking!
Think of a place that is comfortable and familiar to you. A place where you love to spend time. It could be your house, or a room in your house. A local park, library. Your grandmother’s house.
Set your timer and write for ten minutes about this place. Why do you love being there? What is unique to you about it? What smells do you associate with this place? Any tastes? (the crunch of popcorn while watching a movie). Any sounds? Any textures? (the soft velvet feel of the chair). What do you see when you there? Any interesting architectural details or painting?
Set your timer for another ten minutes. An alien lands on earth and enters this place that you love. For the alien this place is a nightmare - describe why. Put yourself in the head of the alien and write from a first person point of view.
If you are writing memoir, instead of writing about an alien write about a friend or family member who has never seen this place. This could be a grandparent who lives overseas and has never seen your current home. Or a friend who has never been to your favourite holiday spot. Describe the place to them so that they fall in love with it too. Think about their likes and dislikes, what would appeal to them?
* this exercise is adapted from architectures of possibility by Lance Olsen (Guide Dog Books: 2012)
