Whether you’re a full-time writer or write as a hobby, there are always days when the ideas and writing just don’t come together. This is when it’s good to work on something a little different. Then you can go back to your writing feeling refreshed and ready to start anew. Here’s an exercise to give you that welcome break. It might also spark an idea in your mind. Even if it doesn’t, it’s fun and won’t take long:
Try writing a short story in no more than 60 words. Here’s an example to give you the gist, though I’m sure you can do better:
He was dead. Tears poured down her cheeks. How could he leave her like this? She stared at his handsome face, so full of life and love. This wasn’t supposed to happen.
A hand reached out and took hers. She pushed it away. No one could comfort her now.
‘For goodness sake, Sue, it’s only a film,’ her friend said.
Or if you want more of a challenge, try writing a story in 20 words. Remember that it must have a beginning, middle and end. An example for you:
The publisher sighed. He looked round at his threadbare room. If only. If only he hadn’t turned J.K. Rowling down.
Esther Chilton 
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