This week compose a short story arising out of a two-part exercise that illuminates a new side of the old “show, don’t tell” strategy. First, imagine that your main character has just experienced a significant change in their life, maybe something unexpected or even shocking: a sudden relationship breakup, news about a family member’s health getting worse, winning the lottery, or running into a long-lost love. Then write a short story that takes place the day after this revelation as they go about their day—whether looking out a window on a bus commute, walking in the neighborhood, or preparing a meal—but refrain from mentioning anything about what happened the day before. Instead, focus on how your character’s observations and feelings about their immediate surroundings might be colored by their current state of mind.
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