Writing Exercise

This writing exercise can be found in Chapter 4 of The Writer’s Compass: From Story Map to Finished Draft in 7 Stages.

You are enjoying yourself on a cruise ship when an unexpected storm comes up and a wave washes you overboard. You manage to cling to a life preserver that went over with you and finally float to a small deserted island. You remain alone on the island as the days and weeks and months turn into years. You have now had plenty of time to reflect on your life and the future and the things you would like to say if you had anyone to talk to.

One day debris floats to the shore that includes a corked bottle. By now you realize that there is no way you are going to be found or return home. You down the contents of the bottle and carefully peel off the softened label. As it dries you think about what is important to you and what you want to say to the world. You have just enough room to write a single message. You think about who you hope will find that message. When the label is dry you pick up a piece of charcoal and write …

1. What is your message?

2. Who do you hope will find it?

3. Why that particular person/s?

If you would like to share your exercise, please use the comment section below and briefly write your answers.