Writing Ideas

May 2013

For Dialogue

1) Write a Conversation Story. Two people talking in one place. By the end, they have changed their opinion of each other.

• Father and son driving back from college. (They begin the trip respecting each other.)


• Two old friends meeting for coffee. They have not seen each other for twenty years (One used to idolize the other.)


• Editor interviewing a recent graduate. She'd like a job on his paper. (Editor has just received bad news from his wife.)

2) A three-sided argument.

• A recently retired, highly successful football coach


• a young, aggressive, idealistic school leader


• a successful local businessperson



QUESTION: Should students hire teachers?

 

3) Write a story that starts with one of these exchanges:

• "I thought I told you to be on time."
• "That's why I decided to be late."
• "The old guy worries me."
• "Don't worry. He's harmless."
• "I said I love you."
• "I know that's what you 'said."
• "How's Barney doing in your class?"
• "Struggling. Really struggling."

 

4) Write a mini story in which this quote is crucial.

• "I forgot my keys."
• "Let's not be friends."
• "I'm not sure if I care any more."

 

5) Write a conversation in which one person wants something from the other, but has decided to hint rather than to be direct.

• Jenny wants Otto to take her to the prom.
• Alfie wants Mr. Baxter to give him a higher grade.
• Randy wants to break up with Frieda.

 

---

Larson's Lodge:

• Red Sky at Morning
• Maycomb Moe
• Ötzi, the Iceman
• Roman Moe
• Welcome to Larson's Lodge



---





Read Bob's Previous Writing Ideas Columns:


• Nov, 2012
• Sept, 2012
• May, 2012
• January, 2012
• November, 2011
• September, 2011
• June, 2011
• April, 2011
• January, 2011
• December, 2010
• November, 2010
• October, 2010
• September, 2010
• June, 2010
• December, 2009
• November, 2009
• September, 2009
• August, 2009
• July, 2009
• May, 2009
• April, 2009
• March, 2009
• February, 2009
• December, 2008
• September, 2008
• August, 2008
• July, 2008
• June, 2008
• May, 2008
• April, 2008
• March, 2008
• February, 2008
• January, 2008
• December, 2007