In just 2 days I’ll be joining more than 30 other writers to take part in the Muskoka Novel Marathon 2024. For a 72 hour period (Thursday night at 8 pm ET to Sunday night at 8pm) we come together to write. Many are fiction writers, while others like me are non-fiction writers. The event is not just about writing, it’s also a fundraiser for adult literacy.
Learn more about the Muskoka Novel Marathon here – https://www.muskokanovelmarathon.com - and consider providing a donation to a good cause.
This is my 6th year participating and I’ve stepped into a volunteer lead role as the Hybrid Events Coordinator – supporting the logistics of both in person and online participants. We’ve got people as far away as Hawaii joining us for the 3 days.
Given my organizing responsibilities, this year my plan is to work on edits for a few manuscripts which I’ve been working on each year (to bring them over the finish line) and possibly a short novel based in Muskoka. We’ll see!
One of the areas I’ve been thinking a lot about is expanding some of the coaching for creativity I’ve been leading with writers and other creatives for many years now. Whether it’s incorporating visual cards OR charms, there’s often a new doorway into creating a boost, and focus, for ourselves as writers.
Here are a dozen ideas for boosting your creative writing muscle for a 72 hour period:
1. Story Cubes: Roll a set of story cubes, which have different images on each side. Use the images that come up to create a story. This exercise can help jumpstart your imagination by combining random elements.
2. Character Interviews: Write an interview with your main character. Ask them about their background, desires, fears, and motivations. This can help you develop deeper and more complex characters.
3. Dialogue Only: Write a scene using only dialogue. No descriptions, actions, or tags. This exercise helps you focus on character voices and how they convey information through conversation.
4. Object Writing: Pick an everyday object and write a short story centered around it. Describe its significance, history, and the role it plays in the story.
5. Flash Fiction: Write a complete story in 500 words or less. This exercise encourages you to be concise and focus on the essence of your story.
6. Random Word Prompts: Use a random word generator to get three to five words. Incorporate all of them into a short story or scene. This can help you think outside the box and connect disparate ideas.
7. Rewrite a Fairy Tale: Take a classic fairy tale and rewrite it with a twist. Change the setting, characters, or the ending to create something entirely new.
8. First Line Starters: Use a compelling first line (found online or created) and write a story that follows from it. This can help overcome the blank page syndrome.
9. Eavesdropping Exercise: Imagine overhearing a conversation in a public place. Write down the dialogue you imagine and build a story around it.
10. Write a Letter: Have one character write a letter to another character. This can reveal their thoughts and feelings in a personal way and add depth to your story.
11. Sensory Descriptions: Describe a scene using all five senses. Focus on what your characters see, hear, smell, taste, and feel to create a vivid and immersive environment.
12. Alternate Endings: Take a story you’ve already written and write three different endings. This can help you explore different narrative possibilities and understand the impact of various conclusions.
These exercises can help you break out of creative ruts, explore new ideas, and develop your writing skills in fun and engaging ways.
Learn more about the Muskoka Novel Marathon here – https://www.muskokanovelmarathon.com - and consider providing a donation to a good cause.
This is my 6th year participating and I’ve stepped into a volunteer lead role as the Hybrid Events Coordinator – supporting the logistics of both in person and online participants. We’ve got people as far away as Hawaii joining us for the 3 days.
Given my organizing responsibilities, this year my plan is to work on edits for a few manuscripts which I’ve been working on each year (to bring them over the finish line) and possibly a short novel based in Muskoka. We’ll see!
One of the areas I’ve been thinking a lot about is expanding some of the coaching for creativity I’ve been leading with writers and other creatives for many years now. Whether it’s incorporating visual cards OR charms, there’s often a new doorway into creating a boost, and focus, for ourselves as writers.
Here are a dozen ideas for boosting your creative writing muscle for a 72 hour period:
1. Story Cubes: Roll a set of story cubes, which have different images on each side. Use the images that come up to create a story. This exercise can help jumpstart your imagination by combining random elements.
2. Character Interviews: Write an interview with your main character. Ask them about their background, desires, fears, and motivations. This can help you develop deeper and more complex characters.
3. Dialogue Only: Write a scene using only dialogue. No descriptions, actions, or tags. This exercise helps you focus on character voices and how they convey information through conversation.
4. Object Writing: Pick an everyday object and write a short story centered around it. Describe its significance, history, and the role it plays in the story.
5. Flash Fiction: Write a complete story in 500 words or less. This exercise encourages you to be concise and focus on the essence of your story.
6. Random Word Prompts: Use a random word generator to get three to five words. Incorporate all of them into a short story or scene. This can help you think outside the box and connect disparate ideas.
7. Rewrite a Fairy Tale: Take a classic fairy tale and rewrite it with a twist. Change the setting, characters, or the ending to create something entirely new.
8. First Line Starters: Use a compelling first line (found online or created) and write a story that follows from it. This can help overcome the blank page syndrome.
9. Eavesdropping Exercise: Imagine overhearing a conversation in a public place. Write down the dialogue you imagine and build a story around it.
10. Write a Letter: Have one character write a letter to another character. This can reveal their thoughts and feelings in a personal way and add depth to your story.
11. Sensory Descriptions: Describe a scene using all five senses. Focus on what your characters see, hear, smell, taste, and feel to create a vivid and immersive environment.
12. Alternate Endings: Take a story you’ve already written and write three different endings. This can help you explore different narrative possibilities and understand the impact of various conclusions.
These exercises can help you break out of creative ruts, explore new ideas, and develop your writing skills in fun and engaging ways.
Jennifer Britton, MES, ACTC – PCC, CHRL, CPT
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/potentials-realized/group-coaching-essentials
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/potentials-realized/group-coaching-essentials
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