Writing Exercises - Jacklyn and the Creative Beanstalk

Copyright 1999 by Lynne Remick

(Story Seeds to Jump Start Your Creativity)

Ghosts, princesses, horses, devils, monsters, dragons, witches, fairies pumpkins, and knights--Halloween is a holiday that celebrates and personifies the stuff that fairy tales, myths, legends (and GREAT stories) are made of.

There'll be no shortage of story ideas if you consider Halloween and all its trappings as a starting point for your next literary creation.

When crafting your stories, carve them as intricately as you would the Jack O'lantern that will sit on your porch this month. Make every line important to the story you are telling. Polish your pumpkins and put your best work out this month.

Here are a few Halloween-themed Story Seeds to get your creative juices flowing and to keep you writing this October :

BEGINNING BEANS

Explore and respond to any one of the following, in twenty-five words or less, by way of an answer or poem:

Describe the scariest monster that you can imagine.
Describe a creature that embodies goodness.
Describe the character or creature you would be for Halloween if you were a child again.

If you come up with a viable character or creature, use it as the basis for a poem or fiction or non-fiction story for children or adults.

MIXED BAG OF SEEDS

Write a story, in any genre, which includes a pumpkin, a monster, a knight, a maiden and a window.

PLOT POTIONS

Just add water and a little bit of creativity to the following and develop it into a story of at least 500 words.

After his prince turns into a stone, a court jester must find the source of the key to restoring his beloved, but selfish master.

Consider the following questions to allow your plot to twist and turn at the vine as it grows into a beautiful flower.

Why was the prince turned to stone?
Why does the jester love the prince so?
Who holds the key to the prince's freedom from stone?
What must the jester do to find this person?
What does the keyholder advise as a solution, when found?
Is there yet another person who must be involved to free the prince?
What manner of performance will free the prince?
Will the prince be worthy of freedom, and if so, what key action will make him worthy?

RECYCLED PLOTS

Some of the best plots have been done, again and again and again. With this premise in mind, write a story about a ghost who falls in love with a mortal being. Take this seed and run with it!

WEE WORD OF THE MONTH

Write a children's story, fable, non-fiction article or poem using the following word(s)/phrase :

Candy Corn - Orange, yellow and white, triangular shaped sweet candy.

WORD OF THE MONTH

Create a non-fiction article, fiction story, children's story or fable, children's poem, limerick, poem, haiku, or excerpt from a novel that includes the following word :

Skeleton (Noun) :
The hard framework of the body for supporting tissues and protecting the organs.

WORD WEAVING:

Create a short short story, story excerpt or poem that includes the following words :

Chains, Rattling, Bones, Screams, Spirits, Treasure, Tramp, Cemetery, Moon, Night. Bonus Word : Halloween

*.*.*.*.*.*.*

You will be surprised how your mental cogs will begin to turn as you weave a story from one word and then another and another.

REMEMBER, editors often work on a six to eight month lead time. Therefore, you should work on at least a one year lead time, to allow yourself the opportunity to research, review and revise.

*.*.*.*.*.*

I hope my magic beans are fostered and grow in your capable hands. Remember, all you have to add is a little water and creativity and you just might find you have not only a seed, but a full-grown story.

Let me know how these work for you. I look forward to your feedback, comments and suggestions. E-Mail : LynnRemick@aol.com

Yours in Writing,

Jacklyn

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