Think of the most important object in your story. It could be the thing all the characters want that drives the story or just an item that acts as a metaphor–or both!–or anything in between.

Start by describing the object’s physicality and history from your protagonist’s point of view. Then go into what it means to the character. Why is it so important? (To take this deeper, do the same prompts for your antagonist and for any other characters who take an interest in the object.)

Now, to dig into your scenes, write about the object’s first appearance or mention in the story. If you’re stuck, consider the five Ws: Who b(r)ought it? Where is it kept? When is it noticed? Why is it important in this scene?

Later (or now, if you’re clear enough about where your story is headed), write about the object’s last appearance in the story. How has it changed?

If you want to, paste your scenes in the comment section so people can offer feedback.

That’s it for me!

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