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IWW
Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Every picture tells a story (Version 2)
These exercises were written
by IWW members
and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its
members.
You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that
you found
them at the Internet Writers Workshop
(http://www.internetwritingwor
kshop.org/).
Prepared
by: Rhéal Nadeau
Posted on: March 8, 2003
Reposted on: January 11, 2004
Reposted on: January 16, 2005
Reposted, revised, on: March 25, 2007
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Exercise: In 100 to 300 words or less describe a single moment in
time--a snapshot
that tells a story without dialogue or action, but is capable of
capturing a revealing
moment that evokes an entire story. Use simple descriptive language,
and remember
to show, not tell.
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Often a scene, a photo, or a drawing, can tell an entire story without
any action,
words, interpretation, or explanation.
A walk can reveal a half-eaten orange lying on the ground, a gate
hanging from one
hinge, or an elderly gentleman standing at the corner of a busy
street. An empty
house with broken windows, leaves floating in a swimming pool, or an
abandoned
toy on a side walk--all lend themselves to this exercise.
With careful attention to detail, help the reader to see that defining
moment in time.
If you include people in the scene, remember to describe the scene as
if you were
looking at a snapshot.
-------------------------
Exercise: In 100 to 300 words or less describe a single moment in
time--a snapshot
that tells a story without dialogue or action, but capable of capturing
a revealing
moment that evokes an entire story. Use simple descriptive language,
and remember
to show, not tell.
-------------------------
Critiquing suggestions:
What is the single revealing moment you
take away from the scene’s
description?
What part of the writing helped you to see the moment hidden in the
picture?
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Gayle Surrette.
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