Many authors put epigraphs at the beginning of their novels, a quote that foreshadows the story in some way. Does your story idea have an epigraph? If not, see if you can find/Google/make up something that might work. Now, write a scene that epitomizes the epigraph. What kind of scene goal does it suggest? What … Continue reading Scene Prompt #11: The Epigraph

I got this prompt from Amy Gottlieb, who's currently doing a (free!) four-class series on the story behind the story. She says our readers aren't necessarily reading to find out what happens. They're also (primarily?) looking for the interesting, unique way that YOUR (character's) mind works. The way you think. How your mind travels and … Continue reading Scene Prompt #10: I remember . . .

Last week we looked at Laura Whitcomb's Heartstorm tool. "If you're having trouble letting go and allowing your inner poet to babble on the topic of your scene," she says to "try this poetry exercise to warm up." Take as long as you like (it doesn't need to be limited to ten minutes) and write … Continue reading Scene Prompt #8.5: The Emotion before the HeartStorm

This one comes straight from Laura Whitcomb. I'm just gonna quote it: Set a timer and write as fast as you can about the scene for ten minutes. This is your heartstorm. Don't overthink it. Don't think at all. Feel the scene, the emotions, the sensations, the wonder. Don't judge what comes out of you. … Continue reading Scene Prompt #8: The HeartStorm

This one comes from Steven James. Think of the scene you want to work on. Now, from the perspective of the scene's point-of-view character: Tell us what went wrong. That's it. Books Mentioned in this Post That's it for me!

This one comes from Hemingway. I have this quote written on a post-it note next to my monitor. When I'm having trouble getting into a scene, I use it as a mantra: Do not worry. You have always written before and you will write now. All you have to do is write one true sentence. … Continue reading Scene Prompt #2: One true sentence

I got this prompt from a book by Laura Deutsch. To prep for this writing prompt, imagine your point-of-view character in the scene you're working on. Take a mental snapshot . . . Better yet, google "guy sitting on bus" or "lady posturing before a fight" or whatever your character is doing, click the "images" … Continue reading Scene Prompt #1: The still shot