This is part of my writing exercises workbook, available to members.
This exercise is intended to focus on the details that bring important objects within a story to life and make the reader care. Making it come alive to the reader is important because it forces writers to focus on their observational skills and use vivid language that engages readers' senses. By taking an ordinary item and breathing life into its description, we can improve our ability to create rich, immersive settings and bring characters and storylines to life. Additionally, this exercise encourages creativity and imagination by challenging us to think outside the box and see even the most mundane objects in a new light. Ultimately, making mundane objects come alive through writing helps us develop our craft and connect more deeply with readers.
To start, look for something near at hand, like a pencil, your computer, your favorite coffee mug; anything nearby. Now come up with five different adjectives to use while describing it. Then take these inputs and craft a single paragraph narrative that you could drop into your story, if the object was important to your characters or the plot overall.
Here are some objects and adjectives to spur your imagination, but feel free to come up with your own as well.
| Objects | Adjectives |
|---|
| 1. A pen | 1. Sharp |
| 2. A paperclip | 2. Rough |
| 3. A pencil | 3. Smooth |
| 4. A piece of sandpaper | 4. Shiny |
| 5. An old pair of shoes | 5. Dull |
| 6. A brick | 6. Worn |
| 7. A plastic straw | 7. Tattered |
| 8. A rubber band | 8. Frayed |
| 9. A leaf | 9. Dusty |
| 10. A button | 10. Sleek |
| 11. A coin | 11. Glossy |
| 12. A bottle cap | 12. Matte |
| 13. A pebble | 13. Lumpy |
| 14. A twig | 14. Bumpy |
| 15. A piece of lint | 15. Craggy |
| 16. A hair clip | 16. Tiny |
| 17. A paper napkin | 17. Huge |
| 18. A candy wrapper | 18. Weighty |
| 19. An empty plastic bag | 19. Lightweight |
| 20. A worn-out sock | 20. Heavy |
Here's my example, using an old coin as the object:
The ancient coin was worn and tattered, its surface roughened by time and use. A layer of dust coated its dull, faded surface, adding to its air of mystery. Yet there was something intriguing about this humble relic - a glimmer of shine beneath the grime hinted at a once-brilliant sheen, while its weighty presence in the palm suggested a value beyond mere monetary worth. It was as if this forgotten coin held secrets from ages past, whispering tales of forgotten empires and lost civilizations.
Remember, these exercises are not supposed to be the opening to the next Great American Novel, they are about practicing the craft of writing and helping breakthrough any blocks you may be feeling.
Good luck, and have fun writing.
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