These types of exercises take a bit of mental energy but the result can be some quality writing.
Easy Descriptions
Try these:
- describe a tree without using the words green, bark or leaves
- describe a dog without using the words tail, ears or run
- describe a cat without using the words fur, sleep or chase
- describe the sky or ocean without using the words blue, endless or white
- describe a fire without using the words wood, burn or flame
Try doing them to a limit of about 50 words. This makes the exercise relatively easy. Then try doing them again writing at least 200 words. The more detailed the descriptions get the harder it is to avoid the restricted words.
Magic Letters
Describe an ordinary event, say, going to the beach, having a picnic or seeing a movie, without using the letter 'e'. It is the most common letter in the English language. Not being able to use it makes the writer reach for unfamiliar words.
It is possible to do the same with any writing exercise (restrict a letter). It can make the exercise more interesting if the letter that is to not be used is selected at random using the tiles from a game of Scrabble. Sometimes it may be a 'z' other times it might be an 'a' or an 'e'.
Need some more suggestions? Pick a letter not to be used then try describing
- the view from a window
- a bad night's sleep
- a favourite relative from childhood
- a famous landmark
- the first day at school, or a new job
- a visit to the zoo
Word Limits
- describe a small garden in exactly 75 words (not 74 or 76)
- describe a loving elderly couple in exactly 100 words
- write a complete story in exactly 200 words. Structure it well with a beginning, middle and end. Make it as stylish as possible. Remember 200 words exactly not 199 or 201.
Word Type
- write about a favourite house using words of no more than five letters
- write about a visit to the mountains limiting the number of words in each sentance to ten
- relate the story of some kind of accident (it can be as dramatic as a car accident or some small incident in the backyard) in which no word is repeated
Restricting Writing Options
- write a story that is told only in dialogue or conversation
- detail a disagreement between a married couple without using any dialogue or conversation
- describe a vase of dead flowers in a positive way
- describe a wedding cake in a negative way
Sharpen those pencils or dust off that keyboard and take up the challenge.
Try Character or Imagination and Invention for more exercises.
