First Exercise:

• Select a music playlist or cards with different prompts on them

• Start the shuffled playlist or select the top card of the shuffled deck

• Based on the song/card write a story for fifteen minutes

• I recommend doing this with a small group of people because after the fifteen minutes end you take turns reading your story aloud

• Take turns giving feedback and then play the next song/pick the next card

It’s pretty simple, but you can practice quick thinking and work with different genres, as well as getting used to sharing your writing. Please try not to skip the reading aloud!! It’s fascinating to see everyone’s different ideas from the same prompt or song. Maybe you will like your snippet so much you decide to write a whole novel about it!

Second Exercise:

• Pick a favorite book/movie/TV show of yours and write fanfiction!!

Yep, that’s the whole exercise XD. This exercise can strengthen basically all of your writing skills besides character creation. Not having to create the characters makes it easier to focus on the story and plot. Plus, now you have an excuse for daydreaming about your favorite series. 😉

Third Exercise:

• Go read your favorite book, or books with the genre you are writing about

• Have a notebook and writing utensil ready to write down any quotes, tropes, themes, or character quirks you think are interesting

Authors always try to be unique in their writing which is definitely important,(authenticity is part of Silver Arc’s mission after all) but I have to be honest, I have read multiple fairy tale retellings and enjoyed them all. I’m sure you can think of a similar situation, maybe you’ve fallen for every roguish character or loved the heartbreak of only killing off one twin. Even if you are retelling a story or “reusing” a character type, there are endless possibilities, motivations, and backstories that make every character unique. Don’t be afraid to bring a new twist to a classic character!

Bonus Exercise:

• Practice typing skills and/or handwriting

Do you struggle with forgetting your amazing ideas because you just can’t write them down fast enough? Or maybe you just can’t read what you wrote because when inspiration strikes nothing else matters, not even penmanship (I can relate). For those who type their stories, I would recommend typing.com where you can create a free account and quicken your typing skills and learn how to type without glancing at the keyboard for every letter. Make sure to get your parent’s permission before creating an account! For those who prefer to write by hand, write out the alphabet as many times as you have to in order to increase your speed and penmanship. Writing the alphabet once a day doesn’t take too much time.

All these exercises are also great when you are struggling with writer’s block. Keep the inspiration coming, and don’t give up on your writing or yourself! Readers, I wish you an amazing and productive week. Happy Valentine’s Day!! 💖💖💖