finalists 2008 competition educational resource Metro Screen & NSW Health contact us

CREATIVE WRITING: Creative Starting Points

Exercise 1: Different Ending


Choose a story / poem from previous winners that you think has an unclear message. Re-write the ending of the story to convey a different and clearer message.

Discussion:
At the end of this exercise you may wish to invite participants to read their alternative ending and discuss their choices.

Exercise 2: Part 2


Choose a previous entry either your favourite or the one that you think is most unclear. Choose one of the characters in this story / poem and write the next chapter in that person’s life. Keep your story to 500 words or less.

Exercise 3: Personal Experience


Write a short piece in any genre about an experience you have had, or someone close to you has had, with alcohol or other drugs. What was the impact this experience had on you or the person close to you? Can you re-write your story to show what lessons were learnt from the experience?

It is important to note that if you choose to use this exercise, there should be no pressure placed on your participants to share their story or experience. This exercise could be used as a chance for personal reflection and learning, rather then a large group discussion.