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IWW
Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Tongue Tied
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.internetwritingworkshop.org/).
Proposed by Sarah Corbett Morgan
Prepared by Kathy Highcove
Posted on: Sunday, February 4, 2018
Posted on: Sunday, February 5, 2023
In 400 words or less, write a story in which a character remains
silent during a conversation or discussion. Show how internal tension
builds as the character says not a word.
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There are times when silence seems to be the best policy. Sometimes a
person finds it preferable to keep quiet or to remain noncommittal.
For example, a person might become uncomfortable being with someone
who makes racist remarks. Or perhaps a family member feels like an
outcast when near and dear get into a political discussion.
Since your main character won't be uttering words, you’ll need to show
internal tension through other means. Find ways to show the range of
emotions that are being experienced as the discussion continues.
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In your critique, tell the author if you were able to relate to the
character. Could you feel the emotional tension? How was it shown?
Did this scene resonate with your own experiences, and were you drawn
into the drama? If not, tell the author where something pulled you out
of the scene.
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Greg Gunther.
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