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A Writer's Block Writing Exercise
Telephone Directory
It is commonly known that a telephone directory might be the most boring text in the entire world. Here is your challenge: write a page of a telephone directory and figure out SOME way to make it interesting.
Respond to this exercise
Feel inspired? Share your story below.
Similar exercises
Get your creative juices flowing with these similar writing prompts.
Flowers
Pick one of the following flowers: Camellia, Azalea, Persimmon, Marigold, Holly, Elder, Ulmus, Verbena, Zinnia, Jonquil.Now locate it in the list below to find out the symbolism behind your flower. Write a short story based around that meaning as a theme. Specifically mention your flower in passing in the story at least once.
- Azalea: Fragile passion
- Camellia: My destiny is in your hands
- Persimmon: Bury me amid nature's beauty
- Marigold: Grief
- Holly: Foresight
- Elder: Compassion
- Ulmus: Royalty, age
- Verbena: Pray for me
- Zinnia: I mourn your absence
- Jonquil: Desire
One Word
Open a dictionary, close your eyes, pick a random word, and write about it. Go on, see how much you can write about one word in thirty seconds. It doesn't matter if you think it's great or silly or you think it's a beautiful word that everyone should use in every conversation. Write it!
Positive Reinforcement
Make a list of the things that make you feel guilty about your writing. (For example: "I haven't written in 10 days even though I could have made the time.") Call yourself out. Then, go through each point and write a goal or accomplishment to challenge that guilt. (For example: "I have already written more than I did last month", or "I will set aside 30 minutes to write today.")
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The 81-Word Story
This exercise encourages you to write a complete story using very few words, and helps you learn how to avoid overwriting. When undertaking this exercise, it's essential to edit your work carefully. Strip out anything unnecessary and make every word count. Here's how it works:
- Take any novel from your bookshelf
- Turn to page 9
- Take the 9th word from the 9th line on the page
- Use that word to start a story
- Write a story that is exactly 81 words long
- If you're feeling particularly clever, use 9 sentences that are 9 words long
Advert
Write an advertisement putting your 12-foot long crocodile on the market. Then write the story behind why you had to sell your pet crocodile in the first place.
