Start Writing: Writing Exercises to Get Words on the Page
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When it comes to writing, sometimes one of the hardest things to do is actually write. If you find yourself there or you’re in a writing slump and in need of a jump start, we’ve collected a few of our favorite writing exercises to get you going.
“The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better.”
― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Writing exercises to get you started writing
Freewriting
Freewriting is one of the easiest writing exercises you can do: Simply set a timer and write until the time runs out. To be the most effective, don’t stop writing. Don’t go back and read what you’ve written and don’t erase anything, no matter how tempting it is! You can write about anything you like, whether it’s the next scene in your book, a list of your main character’s favorite things, your to-do list—whatever is on your mind.
This is an exercise that helps you learn to push past the instinct to edit or overthink. If you’re having trouble getting to work when you sit down to write, try weaving this exercise into your daily routine. The longer you stick with it, the easier you’ll find it to start writing.
This exercise is most effective in short bursts, such as five to ten minutes. You can also use the length of a piece of music as your timer. Start writing at the beginning of the song and write until the end, jotting down what comes to mind as you listen (writing to music is one of our favorite exercises!).
Write about the word of the day
Merriam-Webster posts a word every day. You can use this word as a jumping-off point for a short writing exercise, such as writing a paragraph that uses the word or even crafting a scene inspired by the word. Like freewriting, this exercise can be limited to a set amount of time or a set number of words.
You can find the word of the day on the website or social media. If you find this exercise helpful or fun, you can even sign up to have the Word of the Day sent directly to your inbox.
Copy someone else’s style
A fabulous way to study another author’s style is to try your hand at recreating it. This will force you to consider how they’re using language and what techniques they’re using. If you have a work in progress, focus on a specific paragraph or scene and rewrite it in the style of a favorite author. If you’d prefer to start from scratch, pick an object or a feeling—such as a scarf left on a bench or anger—and try to write about it in the style of your chosen author.
Write a letter
Letter-writing is not only a lovely way to keep in touch with loved ones—it’s also a practical way to practice short-form writing. And the bonus is that when you’re finished, you always have the option of putting a stamp on your words, sending them away, and making someone’s day.
Writing a letter is a great exercise in considering audience, thinking of a specific recipient for your words and thinking of how best to communicate to them. Start by choosing a person to write to, such as a friend or family member. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could write to a stranger you saw in the park, someone you haven’t met yet, or even your past self. In your letter, you can tell them a story, share an opinion on a topic you’re both interested in, or talk about something that’s been on your heart lately. Keep yourself limited to a page (though the size of the page is up to you!).
Rewrite a favorite song
If you’re musically inclined, sit down with the lyrics of a favorite song and try your hand at writing a new version. Using the theme or central idea of the song as inspiration, rewrite the song with a different perspective (such as writing a love song from the perspective of the other person in the relationship) or a different point in time (what happened either right before or right after the song).
If you’re up to the challenge, you can use this exercise as a song-writing exercise, keeping rhyme in the lyrics and so on, but feel free to use the song as a starting point to write free-form.
Don’t forget to play
Each one of these exercises can help you push past some of the usual obstacles keeping you from writing, such as perfectionism, overthinking, fear, or lack of inspiration. Try to approach your writing with a spirit of play, freeing yourself from any expectations about what you create. Working on your writing with short exercises is just like playing scales or running drills. Practice hones your skills. And who knows? You might even spark a new idea or find just the right thing to get you unstuck on your current draft!
Thanks to Lesia and Serhii Artymovych at Unsplash for the photo!
