Writing Prompt: Back in the Day

 Writing Prompt: Back in the Day

 

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, use an older character's conversation with another individual to transition us between present and some time in the past when the character was in the prime of life. You should briefly ground us in your character's current condition¸ and then smoothly transition into a scene in the past - a time of particular importance in your character's youth.

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You might have an old pirate describing his or her days of glory to a recent recruit, an aged lawyer sharing a grueling court case with a reporter, a law officer reliving the takedown of a notorious criminal, a wartime veteran recalling a battle from years before. The possibilities are endless. 

Your goals are to perform a smooth transition, and to make us care about the character.

There's no need for the entire piece to be in dialog, unless you choose that approach.

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Critique:  In your critique, you might identify anything that strikes you – in a positive or negative way - about the contrast between old and young versions of the character. Did the transition work for you? If not, what might be done to improve it? Did the dialog and tale feel natural? Most importantly, did the character and the tale hold your interest? Would you want to read more?

 Some more writing prompts for you to try.