SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER!
At least it is for my kids. To celebrate, I’ve got a fun little writing exercise for you.
I’m going to give you a prompt sentence with fifteen words in it. Complete the prompt in this way:
Your next sentence must have fourteen words. The sentence following should have thirteen words and the next twelve words. Keep counting down until the final sentence in your excerpt has one single word. Make sense?
Leave your response here in the comments section and be sure to swing by throughout the weekend to see what your friends have come up with. We’re all about cheering one another on here at Go Teen Writers, and this should be lots of summery fun!
Here’s that fifteen word sentence to get you started:
Good luck, all! And happy summer!
Shannon Dittemore is an author and speaker. Her books include the Angel Eyes trilogy, a supernatural foray into the realm of angels and demons, as well as the fantastical adventure novel Winter, White and Wicked. Its sequel, Rebel, Brave and Brutal is due out January 10, 2023.
Shannon’s stories feature strong female leads grappling with fear and faith as they venture into the wilds of the unknown. She’s often wondered if she’s writing her own quest for bravery again and again.
It’s a choice she values highly. Bravery. And she’s never more inspired than when young people ball up their fist and punch fear in the face.
To that end, Shannon takes great joy in working with young writers, both in person and online at Go Teen Writers, an instructional blog recognized by Writer’s Digest four years running as a “101 Best Websites for Writers” selection.
For more about Shannon and her books, please visit her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Super fun! I love tinkering with words like this. Thank you for the prompt!
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. Many of days had I spent on that swing, soaking in the quiet solitude. When nobody said what to do, where to go, or who to be. Crouched down, I dipped my hand in water warm from the sun. If I remained still, not a ripple moved against my skin.
To be young again, without this prophecy dictating my ways… Would that life give me a chance to breathe? But I outgrew daydreams, so I’d been told. I rose and flicked away water droplets. Once, I’d imagined who I’d be. Now, others decided for me.
I left it all. The rope swing. The lake. Me.
LOVELY!
Thanks! :0)
Very good! I want to read more! I love your wordsmithing ?
Thank you, Amelie! :0)
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. Susanne looked out at that lake, sighing with the cool breeze in her hair. The sun was warm on her face, but the shade cooled her down. She looked across the lake, where her brother was fishing for dinner. If he could catch a few catfish, they would be fine. It wasn’t often fish would bite, but Susanne was hopeful. Her brother was a good fisherman, a better cook. His fish was always perfectly seasoned and flaky. Susanne was suddenly jolted from her thoughts. The clouds were rolling in again. It was another storm coming. Susanne got up and ran. And then it hit. The boat sank. Susanne screamed. Bam!
That took a terrifying turn! Good job!
You lulled me into a false sense of security, then bam! Nice twist to keep me on my toes. :0)
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. My toes dragged slowly through the rippling water, making oval rings as they went. The setting sun added an orange glow to the evening, bringing back memories. I was again the stricken teenager, weeping as I remembered my father. A soldier had brought the news, and with him, death. My heart wrenches still as I remember, sending tears falling. I wipe them away, but I can’t stop memories. My mother was the next to leave us. She died of a lost, broken heart. Then my brother, of a fever. At last I was alone. The years brought peace. But not hope.
Until today.
Love.
Ah! How sad! Well done!
Yes, give the girl some hope! :0) Like how you set the mood with her toes dragging in the water. Set the stage effectively for me.
Thank you!
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. Zarah’s stomach flipped in anticipation as she looked down and out over the lake. A light wind swept her hair into a friendly dance, cooling her face. Zarah grasped the old rope, its rough edges pricking into her palms. Her breath caught in her throat as she held on tightly. Her foot tipped over the edge of the tall platform. She couldn’t turn back, not with Sorren behind her. Zarah tucked her dress in between her legs. She crammed a breath of air down. Her fingers curled around the rope. She planted her foot firmly. She sprang forward quickly. Air rushed past. Zarah soared. Free.
Some beautiful, very accessible writing here. Well done.
This was so good! I enjoyed it a lot. Good job!
Ooh, I like the tinge of danger and suspense. It would be an awesome first paragraph of a fantasy novel! 😀 Very well done!
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. Beams of golden sunlight stabbed through the thick foliage of the withered old oak. So beautiful, made even more so by the collection of memories made there. This was the dear place where she had been born and raised. She’d seen the leaves fall and return every spring without fail. Over and over her world died around her, then returned. How could she bear to let it all go? But no matter, she could do absolutely nothing. It was time to break away now. To say goodbye to her home. They’d come to take her. She had to go. No turning back. Deep breath. Gone.
Poignant. And raises the question of who “they” are. Good job!
Who had come to take her? Oh the suspense!
Mysterious! Well done!
These are all so beautiful! I love how this exercise is so full of suspense because of the short sentences at the end.
One word has such a lot of impact!
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. She looked back, once, and jumped, leaving the solid security offered by the ground. Airborne, freedom, but at a price, pain mixing with relief as she fell. The water’s mirror surface released a spray droplets, covering a broken heart.
*************** A broken ripple lapped a footprint, slowly taking the sand away. Ahead, a figure in black, repeating a year long cry. Another joins her vigil and they walk on together. Pausing,the girl in black, clings to the newcomer. He tries to release himself, pushing her away. She points, fingers trembling, her face hidden. A shriek and he looks around. She presses closer to him. He sees the ragged bundle. She lets him go. He touches it. A body. Why?
Darkly interesting! Good job.
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. Her tiny toes curled as the air flew up between them, making her giggle. I pushed her back and forth on the swing, ignoring my aching arms. The sound of her laughter filled the air and made me smile. It seemed like nothing could go wrong and ruin that moment. Just my sister and I playing as the sun set. But things oftentimes aren’t what they seem to be. The wind started blowing faster, swirling around us. The tree branches creaked, bent, and snapped. My sister’s hand clung to mine. The sky turned slightly green. I hugged my sister. “No,” I whispered. “Tornado.”
Oooo! Tornado! That changes everything!
Aw, I love the family dynamic! And the tornado at the end is a terrifying twist!
Love the family-like atmosphere too! Good job!
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch swinging out over a crystal clear lake. I stand where I once stood with you, barefoot and gleaming wet with sunlight.
It was June, two weeks after graduation, and we were awaiting our summons.
We swung out over the water, flipping and diving like war planes.
Today my fingers caress the frayed rope of red and white.
The fire-blue sky reflected in the waters enthralls me still.
For some it was duty, for us glorious delirium.
Every day our tin cans bore us heavenward.
We were guarding freedom and having fun.
When friends went down it changed.
Eventually the thrill wore off.
That day…my God…
I came home
You didn’t.
Brother.
Heartbreaking! Well done! And the format gives it a lovely poetic vibe.
I love your choice of words. You really did a great job evoking emotion, and it leaves me wondering at the end. Amazing job
This is really excellent. Each word is fantastically picked to convey the emotion and backstory. Well done!
That is AMAZING!
That’s beautiful!!
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. I couldn’t hear Emerin’s voice anymore through the pain racking my heart and soul. So this relic from my childhood was the only thing that had remained. How could it have survived after the mass burning of the town? How could the marauders be so cruel as to wreck families? They killed as though they had hearts of firm stone. My hands shook from the anger swelling inside me. I fingered the frayed rope of the swing. Emerin’s hand fell lightly upon my shoulder. I looked over at his face.“I am so sorry, Kella.” His words were sincere.
My voice cracked. “It’s gone. Completely.”
How tragic! Hope they bring those marauders to justice! The swing being all that’s left has good emotional payout. Nice work. :0)
Feels like there’s an entire fantasy world behind this excerpt. Well done.
Thank you!
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. I took a running leap and grabbed the rough rope, closing my eyes tightly. When I finally opened them, I gasped at the beautiful scene far below. The cobalt lake rippled gently and a cooling breeze tickled my face. Swans trumpeted and called to each other, rustling their white feathers. A stag lifted its head after drinking at the shore. I looked past the lake to the mountains beyond. Their whited tops sparkled vibrantly in the sunlight. Bristly green pines dotted the ragged slopes. I smiled happily at the scene. It was so peaceful, beautiful. Suddenly, my hand slipped. I was falling. I gasped. Splash!
This is really good. You did a great job giving it a careless, fun, and kind of a stunning feel.
Lovely description of the scenery! And a heart-pounding turn at the end! Very nicely done!
The beauty of your words caught my breath
Thank you so much!
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. The sun sparkled on the water, making it the perfect day for a swim. She hesitated and wondered if she should try a swing on the rope? Was there anyone around to see this responsible adult acting the idiot? Sara was past childish things, but the rope beckoned to her. She took a step back and took a flying leap. She was a bird, flying out over the lake. She was free, unfettered, nothing to worry about. The rough rope caught in her hands. She swung out over the water. This was so much fun. Enjoying the warm sun. The beautiful lake. The tree!
Wham!
Love it! Especially the ending 😉 Good job developing your atmosphere and character!
Wow, very creative! And intriguing ending!
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. I reached out a hand to steady it, curling my fingers around the fibers. It was good to be alone, beside the lake, dazzled by the sun. Out here in the mountain stillness there was nothing to disturb me. There was nothing to pull me back to the unending struggles. All my memories, all my scars were wrapped in tranquility. The madness, the weariness–none of that reached here. There was me and–someone was behind me.
I did not turn, did not speak.
“You are needed,” he said.
I knew the voice. “Needed for what?”
“You know.”
…War.
Mysterious and intriguing! Very good choice of words
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. He looked up from where the picture lay tattered and torn in his lap. The brutal conditions about him contrasted starkly with the serenity in the image. He folded the paper and stuffed it in his pocket once more. He rose to embark on the long, weary march before him. He barred his emotions for the time being, moving on. He had to keep moving on, unhindered by weakness. Here, his emotions proved to be his weakness. At nightfall he sank to his knees. The weight he carried broke him. He removed the little picture. He held it tight. Sleep overcame him. He dreamed. Peace.
The rope swing dangled from a tree branch, swinging out over a crystal clear lake. I had been here many times before in my lifetime, though on happier terms. They forced me to my knees on the bank, hands bound behind me. Sweat dripped from my brow, Marian crying, the children screaming behind me. They tilted my head back, forcing a flask into my mouth. I jerked as the draft burned my insides like fire. Harsh words were spoken, and my family fell silent. My mind clouded over; I no longer trembled. A cruel hand tore my shirt open. Cold steel met my bare skin. I set my shoulders back. More words were spoken. The man plunged. I lurched. Fell.