So you want to write a novel? But you don’t know anything. Your life isn’t exciting. I beg to differ. But instead of trying to convince you that your life on the farm or in a van down by the river is very exciting, let’s just do a few exercises to get the old creative juices flowing.
Here’s a quick exercise I do when I can’t seem to push forward on my own novel. I pick up the News Time “This Week” newspaper –a four-page freebie I receive every Tuesday. Scanning the four or five articles printed, I choose one or a couple of related articles.
I read the article once and then I sit down and rewrite the incident as a short story — at least 500 words. I change the names, and add interesting tidbits to create a connection to the characters and the story.
Synopsis of an actual recent event:
A retired doctor and his two pets, a cat and dog, were sailing on a 38-foot wood sailboat from Lake Bay WA to “someplace warmer” when tragedy struck.
Article as posted in the Salem-News
Journey
Cocoa stood at the stern letting the salty breeze tousle her tawny and brown hair, periodically announcing the sighting of a gray whale with a soft meow.
“That’s a good girl, you tell ’em.” Dr. Higgns stood at the helm, his peppered beard wet from the misty rain. True to his form, an unlit pipe hung loosely from his lips. Habitually puffing he closed his eyes and sadly smiled.
These was an example of one of my writing exercises. Occasionally, I get ideas for a full novel from a newspaper articles or even a PBS documentary special; however, be aware of liabilities and copyrights when using names and actual events.
Prayers for Recovery
In conclusion, I thank the Lord for this gentleman’s remarkable survival during such a horrific event, and I pray for a speedy emotional and physical recovery.
