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Start Writing Fiction - Exercise 13

Start Writing Fiction Ex13: Final Assignment @oufreelearning @Futurelearn #flfiction15 #mccarthymr

Picture © The Open University

Exercise 13 was definitely out of my comfort zone and I struggled to find a decent hook within 1000 words.  I used Gabriella Santinero, the character I’d created in exercise 12 which helped a little.  I did make it but I feel I could easily drag this out into a much larger, more punchy story.  this was also tough as this isn’t the type of story I usually write so it…

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Start Writing Fiction - Exercise 12

Start Writing Fiction – Exercise 12

Picture © The Open University

Exercise 12 was quite difficult for me as I’m not used to creating characters before I create a story.  I’m used to finding the characters as I write the story.

For this task, I was asked to create a character using a character sheet, then portray that character in four different summary ways.

  This was over a couple of days and the speech took a bit of time but…

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Start Writing Fiction - Exercise 11

Start Writing Fiction Ex11: character creation assignment

Exercise 11 was to create a 300-500 word story for my second peer review assignment.  Thanks to a bout of flu running rampage through my house, it took a few days before I could get to start writing this one.

It’s waiting for review right now on the course, however if you would like to read and comment yourself, I’d be happy to read your thoughts:

  “For the benefit of the tape, we are about to…

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[mccarthymr]

Start Writing Fiction - Exercise 10

Start Writing Fiction – Exercise 10

Picture © The Open University

For exercise 10, I have been tasked with writing a brief scene around 300-500 words, portraying a character in a complex way, going against usual expectations for such a character.

I chose to write about a policemen who enjoys committing crimes when off-duty.

I hope you enjoy reading my mini story.  please comment if you have any feedback.  it’s always welcome.

  Pe…

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[mccarthymr]

Start Writing Fiction - Exercise 9

Start writing fiction ex9: Generate something new #flfiction15 @futurelearn @oufreelearning

Picture © The Open University

Extra time on the train so had a go at exercise 9.  today I had to create something new from scratch that concentrate on creating strong characters that will be at the centre of the story.  The limit for this exercise was 200 – 350 words.

  I hope I did the brief justice.  please feel free to comment your thoughts in the comments.

  I paddled across the pool with my…

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[mccarthymr]

Start Writing Fiction - Exercise 8

Start Writing Fiction – Exercise 8

Picture © The Open University

Exercise 8 is all about editing practise.  I am given a piece of work and asked to edit it using the following prompts:

What really matters about this scene?

What ‘adds’ something to the scene?

What merely adds confusion, detracting from the main point?

The original and edited texts are below.  have a read and let me know your thoughts in the comments…

  Original…

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[mccarthymr]

Start Writing Fiction - Exercise 7

Start Writing Fiction Ex7: Ideas for a story #flfiction15 @futurelearn @oufreelearning

Picture © The Open University

And now we come to Exercise 7.  for this exercise, I had to turn on the radio and note down the first thing I heard.  then use it as either the start or basis for a 500 word story.

So in turning on the radio, my prompt became the lyrics of Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones – “Drums beatin’ cold, English blood runs hot.  Lady of the house wonderin’ when it’s gonna…

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[mccarthymr]

Start Writing Fiction - Exercise 6

Start writing fiction Ex6: familiar words in unfamiliar places #flfiction15 @futurelearn @oufreelearning

Okay, so for exercise 7 I’ve been tasked with trying describe something familiar with one or two ordinary words that you wouldn’t normally use in that context so, hear goes.

Let me know what you think in comments.

Close by, it started with some minor swirls of colour, very quickly blending into a myriad of reds and greens and browns appearing as streaks to the naked eye. Further away, it was a…

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