I've been feeling like warm-ups would serve my writing. So, enjoy a compilation of writing warm-ups, from the internet, various craft books, and the recesses of my own brain. These exercises are intended to last 5-10 minutes and are meant to help get those writing gears oiled and turning.
- 'Spinning down the page:' Using short lines and line breaks, write alternating actions and images. it will look more like poetry than prose. (Source: The Weekend Novelist)
- Worldbuilding flash sessions: Expand upon a small detail in your worldbuilding, preferably one you have not yet expanded on.
- Dialogue snapshots: write a short dialogue between two characters who never met- bonus points if they don't even come from the same work in progress (WIP). Focus on distinct voices, cultural backgrounds, and how their worlds influence their conversation
- Sensory scene setting: Using all five senses, explore a scene in one of your stories.
- Mythopoesis: Invent a myth or legend from one of your worlds. Ideas include a creation story, a tale of an ancient hero, or the origin of a magical artifact.
- Artifact archaeology: Write a detailed description of a mysterious object or artifact in your story. Focus on history, purpose, and the emotions it evokes in those who encounter it.
- Fish out of water: Write a short scene of one WIP's world from from another WIP's character's point of view.
- Alien/creature perspective: Get into the head of a non-human character (alien, fantasy creature, mundane creature, sentient AI, etc). Write a short scene exploring their way of thinking and interacting with the world.
- Conflict in a bottle: Create a quick scenario where two characters are trapped in a confined space with limited resources. Write about escape attempts or conflict resolution attempts.
- Mini adventure: Write a self-contained flash fiction piece detailing an adventure that takes place over the course of a single day. Focus on journey, obstacles encountered, and the resolution. Don't forget; both you and the story are on a timer!
- Magic/Tech fusion: Write a paragraph blending technology and magic in a unique way. How does magic influence tech, or vice versa. Explore the harmony or conflict between these two forces in your world.
- Hamlet it up! Have one of your characters deliver a monologue about their deepest fear, greatest ambition, or a moral dilemma they face. Bonus points for iambic pentameter.
- Ceremonies: Describe a ceremony unique to one of your cultures/species/WIPs. Focus on significance, participants, and atmosphere. Write a little vignette about it!
- Freewrite! À la Julia Cameron's morning pages, set a timer and freewrite. Don't let your pen stop moving- wiggle it if you must.
- Movie opening: Imagine your book as a movie. What's the most iconic cinematic scene you can imagine for this part of your book?