Suggested Writing Topics
Writing exercise presented by Holly Black
Take a fairy tale and break it down into the basic plot points and then reinvent it by working through those plot points with a character in a different setting. This works well because, in classic fairy tales, the characters are not very developed - they're just "the youngest prince" or "the goose girl" and so there is a lot of room for the stories to be retold in interesting ways.
Writing topic presented by Carmen Agra Deedy
One morning, when you are at the breakfast table, your dog talks to you. No one else in the room seems to hear him. It took all the telepathic energy he could muster to send you this one all-important message: what does he say?
Fun writing topics from Megan McDonald
- Bad moods
- Bugs
- Mysteries
- Sisters
- Secrets
- Sock monkeys
- Penguins
- People with wacky names
- Getting in trouble
- Famous girls in history
Writing topic presented by poet Jack Prelutsky
What's the funniest thing you've ever seen your brother or sister or dog or cat do?
Poetry exercise presented by poet Jack Prelutsky
Pick a poem you like, find a melody that works well with the poem's lyrics and then perform it for your friends and family. For instance, Jack Prelutsky's poem, "Deep in Our Refrigerator" from It's Raining Pigs and Noodles, can be easily set to the music of "The Yellow Rose of Texas," "The Wabash Cannon Ball," and "America the Beautiful."
Writing exercise from Cynthia Leitich Smith
For an exercise, write a description of your home and family from the point of view of a visitor from outer space.
Last Updated: 11/16/2007