Category: Writing Journal

Your gamer protagonist discovers that the person he’s been talking to in a chat room is a murderer. Worse, the person seems to know his real name. Write the exchange and your protagonist’s reactions and thoughts. 

One Stop for Writers

Guidance & Tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your character undergoes hypnotherapy and uncovers one of her past lives. Write the scene as this happens. 

One Stop for Writers

Guidance & Tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

After a big argument with his spouse, your character goes for a walk and witnesses a crime. Describe your character’s dilemma choosing between doing something to stop what’s happening or remaining hidden to stay safe.

One Stop for Writers

Guidance & Tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

While taking a young nephew to the park, your character notices something half-covered in the sand box. What it is, and what the character does next, is up to you. 

One Stop for Writers

Guidance & Tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your character is on a dive trip while on vacation. When he surfaces, he discovers that the boat is gone. He’s alone. Describe what happens next.

One Stop for Writers

Guidance & Tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your character moves into a home that has been passed down through the generations. On her third night, she discovers something hidden behind a loose baseboard that changes the way she views her family, for good or ill. Write the scene, showing what she finds.

One Stop for Writers

Guidance & Tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your character broke both legs in a water skiing accident and is bedridden for the next month. Bored with TV, she sets up her telescope to watch the happenings in her neighborhood and witnesses a crime in the home across the street. 

 Guidance & tips

One Stop for Writers

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your protagonist is flipping through a book at the library when a note falls out. It contains a message from someone begging for help, along with an address. What does your character do? 

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

As he’s taking out his garbage before work, a neighbor kicks your protagonist’s dog. In a twist of fate, the neighbor forgets to close his garage door as he drives off. How might your character get revenge?

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your protagonist is enjoying a bonfire with friends when he spots lights in the sky. Describe what happens next. 

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway