Block Buster
Ideas To Thwart Writer's Block Boo! Spooky Special! Welcome all, it's Halloween, so how better to celebrate than a spooky Block Buster  - a short exercise to either bust your writer's block, or just a fun writing challenge to practise your skills?
As writers we are sometimes accused of having over-active imaginations. Today's exercise involves giving free-reign to our fears and crafting something suitably creepy or scary.
First, choose one of the following story prompts.
It's the dead of night. The house is empty when you awaken unexpectedly. What was that noise? It sounds like a floorboard creaking!You're standing at the kitchen sink. It's dark outside. The security lights come on unexpectedly and you see a shadowy figure.You're out shopping. Across the store you lock eyes with a stranger who looks familiar. A person who died many years ago…It's the middle of the night. You live alone or with a partner. You have no children. So why is there the sound of a baby crying …If none of these prompts grab you, take a look at this webpage from MasterClass.com
Now write a story using that prompt.
Things to consider:
First person or third person? (ie are you the star of the story, or are you writing about a different character?)Will it be a horrible gore fest, or are you more interested in a psychological thriller?What will the resolution be - is there a straightforward explanation, or is it something more sinister?Or will there be no resolution, leaving it up to the reader's imagination?Remember the rules:
Set yourself a time limit.Write without stopping, editing or overthinking.Write whatever comes to mind and don't worry if it doesn't make sense.It doesn't matter if it has nothing to do with the scene that you are stuck on.If you are a writer with a tip to share, or fancy writing a fictional interview between you and one of your characters, please feel free to email me.
Until next time,
Paul