Stretching my Writing Muscles 2

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Writing exercise no.2

Select an image that appeals to you. Now, write a short scene from the viewpoint of a character who has just arrived at this location and is seeing it for the first time. Describe the setting through the character's eyes, paying particular attention to the mood that this image evokes in you. Now, write a second scene, with the same or a different character - and evoke just the OPPOSITE mood.

 

She walks from the warm, Mediterranean sunshine into the darkness. Suddenly, it is cold. She smells stagnant water and cooking smells: a waft of garlic and olive oil. Her tummy barks at her: time for food but she has no time: she is looking for him. Which way to go? Which way did he go? Why did he unexpectedly walk out on her?  Her hands touch the cold stone guiding her. Her feet gingerly probe the uneven path.

An arrow.

Crude, white, painted pointing left, through a narrow doorway over a high step. Going forward very careful, hesitant even, she steps over the threshold. What would be inside?

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She dashes into the welcome darkness, away from the glaring midday sun. A waft of garlic reminds her of the lunch which waits for her in the small taverna. It will have to wait. Where has he gone? He has great timing; she gives him that.  Walking out on her just as the bottle of ice-cold white wine was opened and the first sip taken. She hurries left and right, not minding the uneven path, her hands touching the crude stones of the walls.

An arrow.

Great. It points left through a narrow doorway, over a high step. Will he be inside? She will give him a piece of mind, she will.

 

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Thank you! Be your nose a pointer for your brain! (OED)

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