Writing Prompt: Alien Encounter

 

These exercises were written by IWW members and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its members. You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that you found them at the Internet Writers Workshop.

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 Exercise: In 400 words or less, create a scene where your character encounters something completely outside his or her frame of reference. The experience may force the character to reevaluate prior beliefs or assumptions.

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Imagine how your character might feel upon encountering a 10-foot Kodiak bear face-to-face. A young child meeting someone with a severe medical condition, or watching an unusual animal for the first time. Someone's response to an initial view of the Grand Canyon. A hunter's first kill. A soldier's first taste of battle. A mortician's assistant on the first day of employment.

Help us to feel the character's range of emotions in assimilating the new experience: wonder, awe, fear, amusement, disgust, what have you.

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Critique: In your critique, tell the author whether the description was such that you could visualize the scene and experience the character's emotions. If the scene fell short, be sure to tell the author what could be improved.

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 Some more writing prompts for you to try.