A few weeks ago I visited Karratha to present a Memoir and History Writing workhop. It was so productive (and fun) that I wanted to share some of the writing prompts and tips we explored. These ideas, and others, are included in my newsletter which comes out every few months. You can sign up here to receive it. The next mailout has a competition to win a signed copy of the latest Lighthouse Girl edition.
Reading across genres is a great way to broaden writing skills.
- Try dipping into a genre you rarely read. Has the author shaped the story arc and characters differently to the way you write?
- Are there useful takeaways from this genre to help hone your craft?
- Sensory writing brings stories to life. Try using different senses (not just sight) to show how things feel, sound, taste, smell … Your readers will feel they’re right there with the characters.
- Choose a winter weather word prompt (rain/storm clouds/thunder) and create an original simile using one of the senses. Try other seasons.
Write about a favourite piece of clothing, it might be a hat, sunglasses, shoes, a ribbon, something you wore as a child … Try giving the item to a character in your story. Or create a new character for the piece of clothing. Write a scene showing why they love it. What makes it special for them? You can use clothing to ‘show’ interesting aspects of historical settings. Everyday objects, different to those we use today, add colour to a scene, drawing readers into your story.
Happy writing. I’ll be adding more writing ideas, tips and prompts in the next few months.
Dianne Wolfer 