Tell me you’re writing this summer, friends. If not, at least tell me you’re adventuring. Or thinking about adventuring? Maybe you have a summer job and you’re storing up life to later regurgitate on the page.

Maybe. Possibly. You are, yes?

Well, I was thinking, I know how summers can be. Your schedule is wacky and the writing isn’t nearly as routine. And since it’s been a bit since we’ve had a writing exercise around here, I think we should remedy that pronto!

How about something simple with a twist thrown in to get your brain working?

Yes? Yes.

I’ve got it!

I’ll give you an opening sentence and then three objects. Your job is to start with that sentence and write a paragraph somehow incorporating those three objects.

The twist: your point of view character has very recently lost their sense of sight.

Fun twist, yes? You’re going to have to dig into your character’s other senses so you can paint a picture for the reader.

Here’s that opening sentence:

I reached out a hand and pushed open the door.

And your three objects:

A high top sneaker.

A slice of pizza.

A broken window.

Now off you go! Leave me a compelling paragraph in the comments section and be sure to come back throughout the weekend to see what your friends have 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.