Good morning, friends!

I have a fun writing exercise for you today. It’s one I do with my kids all the time, but I don’t think we’ve ever done one like this before here at Go Teen Writers. Which, honestly, is a bit of a tragedy because it’s simple and so good for stretching those creative writing muscles.

Here’s how it works. I’m going to give you a picture and an opening sentence. Using the picture and your imagination, you’re going to give me a paragraph in the comments section that opens with the sentence I’ve given you.

To force your imagination to get used to writing with structure, I’m going to ask you to follow these two rules:

  1. Keep your paragraph less than eight sentences.
  2. Write in first person, past tense.

And don’t forget to come back throughout the weekend to cheer on your friends and see what they come up with.

Here’s your sentence: I haven’t always been a tree.

And your picture:

Now, off you go! Write, write, write! I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

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 websiteInstagramFacebookTwitter, and Pinterest.