The Fourth Scribble Fest

Join me this Saturday for the fourth Scribble Fest! Here's how...

• Get out pen and paper, or start up your computer
• Randomly select five words from the dictionary (see below)
• Set a 10-minute timer
• Write as quickly as you can
• When the time is up, send your Scribble--just the way it is--to me (contact link in sidebar)
• I will post your Scribble on my blog
• Send friends and family to enjoy the fruits of your first Scribble Fest

The challenge this time is to include five randomly selected words in your Scribble. Before you set your timer, grab a dictionary. Now close your eyes, open the hefty book, drop your finger to the page, and read what it landed on. The word was "baboon"? Okay, that means you'll have to find a creative way to incorporate the word "baboon" into your Scribble! Repeat four more times; you should have a total of five randomly chosen words you must use. (In case you're wondering, you can re-do only if you land on a word that isn't G-rated. Then please try again if you want me to accept your Scribble. Otherwise, no picking and choosing; you're stuck with the words you get!) To read examples from previous Scribble Fests, select Scribble Fest 1, 2, or 3 from the tag cloud in the sidebar.

This writing exercise is quick and easy--perfect for even those who wouldn't consider themselves writers. You may be surprised by what you are able to write; so scribble with us this Saturday! I look forward to reading what you come up with!

- Giveaway!

I'm giving away two copies of the "Pearl's Practice" e-book. There are tons of ways to enter, and some you can do again each day to increase your chances of winning. There's even an option for Scribble Fest participants!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Scribble Fest on Saturday!

Yep! That's what I said: Scribble Fest this Saturday!

As usual, set yourself a 10-minute timer and write as much of a scene as you can in that amount of time; it's about quantity, not quality, so don't worry about rewriting. (To read more detailed instructions and examples from previous Scribble Fests, explore the tag cloud in the sidebar.)

But this time, let's shake things up a bit. Before you set your timer, grab a dictionary. Now close your eyes, open the hefty book, drop your finger to the page, and read what it landed on. The word was "baboon"? Okay, that means you'll have to find a creative way to incorporate the word "baboon" into your scribble! Repeat four more times; you should have a total of five randomly chosen words you must use. (In case you're wondering, you can re-do only if you land on a word that isn't G-rated. Then please try again if you want me to accept your scribble. Otherwise, no picking and choosing; you're stuck with the words you get!)

Does that sound crazy, zany, weird, fun enough for everyone? Good. Then I hope to see you and all your friends, relatives, and blog followers this Saturday for some scribbling!

The Third Scribble Fest & a Question

A huge round of applause is due everyone who Scribbled with us on Friday. We had excellent participation!

We had 13 Scribbles, about 69 comments, 6 new participants, and almost 300 total pageviews. "Every Last One" by Lisa D. received the most (47) pageviews of any one Scribble. (Congratulations, Lisa!) Our youngest participant was Pearl W. (8) with "Kitten," and I believe our eldest was Brooke C. with "Communism."

For your convenience, I have included links to all the entries in the third Scribble Fest:

"Communism" (Brooke C.)

"Promise Me" (Amy P.)

"Alex Briggs" (David B.)

"Every Last One" (Lisa D.)

"The Attic" (Sadie F.)

"For Her" (Aimee W.)

"The Hidden Man" (Kate W.)

"Revenge" (Paul W.)

"Confusion in the Woods" (Anna W.)

"Kitten" (Pearl W.)

"The Alarming Noise" (Sydney W.)

"Vietnam Baby Crib" (Jordanna P.)

"Autobahn Chase" (David R.)

Now for the question:
When do you think the next Scribble Fest should take place? Leave a comment and let me know!

Scribble Fest... Today!

Well folks (*momentous sigh*), it's nearly here. Yes, we're going to have a Scribble Fest today! Won't you join us? Bring a friend too!
Scribbling Instructions:

• Get out pen and paper, or start up your computer
• Set a 10-minute timer
• Write as quickly as you can (see challenge below)
• When the time is up, send your opening--just the way it is--to me
• I will post your opening on my blog
• Send friends and family to enjoy the fruits of your first Scribble Fest

The challenge this time is to write a story opening that has a sense of back-story. (Almost as if there should could be prequel that the reader is going to be dying to read.) Don't spell everything out, keep the mystery in it, but drop just enough hints.

We will be writing from 12:00 to 12:10 pm, PST, but you can choose any time that works well for you. I look forward to reading your Scribble!



Join the Third Scribble Fest!

Yep, it's that time again. Time to fire up the laptop or sharpen your pencil and settle down for some quick writing. Scribbling is simple...

• Get out pen and paper, or start up your computer
• Set a 10-minute timer
• Write as quickly as you can
• When the time is up, send your opening--just the way it is--to me
• I will post your opening on my blog
• Send friends and family to enjoy the fruits of your first Scribble Fest

The challenge this time is to write a story opening that has a sense of back-story. (Almost as if there should could be prequel that the reader is going to be dying to read.) Don't spell everything out, keep the mystery in it, but drop just enough hints.

This writing exercise is quick and easy--perfect for even those who wouldn't consider themselves writers. You may be surprised by what you are able to write; so scribble with us this Friday! We will be writing from 12:00 to 12:10 pm, PST. (Or choose your own time.) I look forward to reading your Scribble!

A Scribble Fest and a Week of What-ifs

Friday, March 2, 2012

scribble with us at 12:00pm, PST (or whenever works best for you)

Yes, it's finally time for another Scribble Fest!

What's a Scribble Fest?

It's a writing challenge in which participants set themselves a timer and scribble like mad, trying to write as much new material as possible in 10 minutes. It's really fun!

Even if you don't consider yourself much of a writer, this challenge is for you. And to help your brain get in the mood for effective creativity, between now and next Friday, I will be posting daily "What-ifs."

What's that?

Just something for your brain to play with while you're washing dishes or showering or riding in the car. Here's one for today:

What if...

a boy were called upon to do a man-sized job?

Now your job is to play with this in your mind. Don't write anything down, just play with the possibilities. It won't take you long to begin wondering if this might involve a blinding blizzard. Or maybe there's a battle happening outside his family's front door. Maybe he has to provide for his older sister who is terminally ill during the Great Depression. Maybe...

And then you have to wonder why he is being called upon to do a man-sized job. And then you have to duct tape your hands to your sides so you don't start writing another story! (Not that I'm speaking from experience, or anything.) Just take a deep breath, jot down the idea as an idea, and stash it away in a safe place. (I have an "Ideas" folder on my computer for just this sort of thing.)

So what does a week of What-ifs have to do with the Scribble Fest?

Been a Bit Busy

This has absolutely nothing to do with writing--just my absence from it. Enjoy...

And, beginning today, I will be picking up the pen again (okay, figuratively, since I do all my writing on the computer), and finishing some projects, prepare the code hunt, host a Scribble Fest, and give you all a bit of inspiration with some "What-ifs."

Writing Hats and Weddings

Avocado green, huge crocheted flower, cloche-style. I have a new eccentric writing hat. As a Christmas gift from my very best friend and fiance, it has quickly replaced my previous writing hat in rank. I haven't officially been able to use it as such, because I am super busy with our wedding. So...
I am finally giving notice that I intend to be on writing vacation until later February. Now you all know why I've fallen off the blog and seem to have quit writing. But I shall return! And when I do, we will get back to it with new and improved Scribble Fests and the promised Code Hunt.
I'll see you then!

The Second Scribble Fest

This weekend was a busy one for my family and for others. Still, we managed to get three brand-new characters out of it. Drop by the posts for "Hubert," "Sally," and "Arlen" and leave some applause!
As to future Scribble Fests, I have some really fun ideas, but we will wait until after the New Year. Subscribe by email so you will be sure to hear when the next Scribble Fest and the Code Hunt are under way.
Let's all continue writing good reading!

Let the Scribble Fest Begin!

Join us today for a Character Sketch Scribble Fest!

Take 10 minutes to describe a new fictional character in the most vivid, life-like way possible. Don't recycle a character previously used in a story; part of the challenge is creating a new character on the spot and capturing their essence in a quick paragraph. When describing, some like to loosly follow what the five senses might perceive. Think of writing a description that, through word choices in the visual description of the character, also gives insight into their personality.

Spread the word! Let's see if we can top the last Scribble Fest's number of participants!

I hope to see you and your character soon. Happy scribbling!

 

Links that might be helpful:

"Alicia"

http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com/2011/12/alicia.html

Scribble Fest Video

http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com/2011/12/does-this-look-fun.html

 

The First Scribble Fest

http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com/2011/12/first-scribble-fest.html

"Gavynn"

Previously, I described a character named "Alicia." Looking back over that scribble, I realized it is mainly a static description. Meaning, it isn't narrative. I wanted to do one that would better fit into the flow of a story. "Gavynn" was described under very noisy circumstances, so hopefully he makes some sense and seems ready to take his place in a narrative story...

In the dim corner of the room sat a figure. Firelight played upon his hawk-like face, shadows haunting the many wrinkles and the hollows of his deepset eyes. His silver beard spilled onto the dark green woolen cloak clasped about his shoulders. In the shadows, his eyes were on the merry feast before him, but he did not seem to really be seeing, because, in his rough, strong hands he held a small harp. As he looked before him, his mind was on the soft notes resonating through the smooth, curved wood. Resonating through the wood to his bones and into his soul. He played notes so soft only he could hear them. It had been this way for a long time. He did not mind, as he slowly play the chords of his favorite ballad. For all these years, as he had travelled the dusty roads and been received everywhere as an honored guest because of his music, it seemed that some part of his songs only he could hear. This feasting crowd, like the rest, would smile and dance and enjoy his music, but only he would understand the deeper, stronger pull of the ballads he loved so well.

Copyright 2011 Perry Elisabeth

Today's the day to spread the word about tomorrow's Scribble Fest. Let's see how many participants we can get this time!

Links that might be helpful:

"Alicia"

http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com/2011/12/alicia.html

Scribble Fest Video

http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com/2011/12/does-this-look-fun.html

The First Scribble Fest

http://perryelisabeth.blogspot.com/2011/12/first-scribble-fest.html

"Alicia"

By way of example for this Saturday's Scribble Fest, here is my 10-minute character description. As with all Scribble Fest writings, it is a very first, quickly-written draft and rough around the edges. That said, enjoy meeting "Alicia," a fictional girl I made up just a few moments ago...

She had a spring in her step and a spring in her hair. There was nothing quite stunning about her except her hair. It hung long and loose in perfectly natural black curls, which—when they were behaving themselves—were glossy and smooth. She could have looked distinguished if it weren't for her nose. It was a small one, pert and inquisitive, sprinkled liberally with freckles. Below were pink lips, often widening into an accepting and somewhat toothy smile, and above were brown eyes so warm they snapped and crackled, darting in interest at the life all about her. She walked with a lilt as if the day was set to some delightful soundtrack. At times, however, the lilt was gone and she would sit pensively, large eyes contemplating the treetops. There would be thoughts swirling at great speed in her dark head, and sometimes, if there was some injustice or wrong to be made right, she would leap to her feed, head erect, eyes blazing. In these moments, she would utterly forget her small height and few years.

Copyright 2011 by Perry Elisabeth

Will you have 10 minutes this Saturday? Join the Scribble Fest and send in a character description of your own!

We will take 10 minutes to describe a new fictional character in the most vivid, life-like way possible. Don't recycle a character previously used in a story; part of the challenge is creating a new character on the spot and capturing their essence in a quick paragraph. When describing, some like to loosly follow what the five senses might perceive. Personally, I like to read descriptions that, through word choices in the visual description of the character, also give insight into their personality.

I hope to see you and your character this Saturday. Happy scribbling!

Does this Look Fun?

You know how embedding a sliver of wood in your finger hurts? (Commonly known as a splinter.) Well, embedding this video in your blog won't hurt--guaranteed! And you will have my deepest gratitude. If this looks interesting, help spread the word about Saturday's Scribble Fest!

The First Scribble Fest

Thank you, everyone, for participating in the Scribble Fest. Was that fun? The writing was great and the commenting was very fun and encouraging, I am sure! Many people received cries for story completion. I would like to encourage anyone who is considering finishing the story they started yesterday. Sometimes your best work will be born in a moment (or 10 minutes). If you feel your Scribble Fest story deserves finishing, then be sure to give it what it deserves. What I mean is: plan it out. Yesterday's exercise was simply to throw something slightly cohesive on paper as quickly as possible. Now, if you want to develop your story, you must do just that--develop it. I speak from experience. I am the queen of beginnings that fizzle out because I do not take the time to plan and plot. So, do finish your story, but make it really great by taking the time to plot its course and figure out what it's all about!

Now, if you're wondering whether we'll ever do a Scribble Fest again, the answer is YES! And we're going to try something a little different. Join us Saturday, December 10, 2011 for a Character Sketch Scribble Fest. We will take 10 minutes to describe a fictional character in the most vivid, life-like way possible. This one will be fun, I'm sure. So, in the meantime, go read some great writing for examples of terrific character development. (Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, and C.S. Lewis are personal favorites of mine when it comes to quickly and poignently depicting characters.

Oh, and spread the word! Let's see if we can top this Scribble Fest's number of participants! See you on Saturday, or any day you leave a comment...

Join the Scribble Fest!

Will you be available for 10 minutes tomorrow? I want to invite you to join me for a 10-Minute Scribble Fest this Saturday.

It's simple...

• Get out pen and paper, or start up your computer.
• Set a 10-minute timer.
• Write the opening of a story as quickly as you can!
• When the time is up, send your opening--just the way it is--to me.
• I will post your opening on my blog.
• Send friends and family to enjoy the fruits of your first Scribble Fest!

This fun writing exercise is quick and easy--perfect for even those who wouldn't consider themselves writers. So scribble with us this Saturday! We will be writing from 11:00 to 11:10 am, PST. (Or choose your own time.)

I hope to see your story opening!

Join the Scribble Fest!

A 10-minute Scribble-Fest

Last night, my sisters and I decided to sit down and take 10 minutes to each write as much as possible of a story opening. The idea was to get it written down as quickly as possible instead of getting hung up in technicalities and writer's block.

Here is what I came up with. Enjoy, and bear in mind it was quickly written in 10 minutes...

Rain lashed at the windows and trickled down their faces. It was as if the house was crying. The black tree tops were scarcely visible against the dark night sky, but just visible enough that Adam was staring at them. They waved and tossed, like giant, pine fingers pointing upward with charisma. Footsteps sounded, and then there he was: cold and arrogant and—of course—champing at the inside of his own cheek. Adam rose, dislike showing in his movement, from the ladder-back chair he had occupied. Bolton must have the only chair in the sparsely decorated room. “It’s done,” he said, somewhat wearily and expectantly.

“So it’s done,” said Bolton as if reading a textbook. That was all.

“I need to go,” Adam said after a painful pause. He waited again.

Bolton shifted, making the chair complain. He rubbed the cold window-pane with the edge of his white sleeve, contemplating it with equal coolness. “You know, Adam, it’s over with you.” If he hadn’t used the man’s name, he could have been talking to the window, or the crying rain, or the storm outside.