Novel Kicks Writing Room: The Object

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room. 

Today’s exercise is about looking at something a different way.

First, choose your object –

Look around you right now. Pick the first object that catches your eye. It could be anything — a mug, a set of keys, a book, a pen, a candle. Don’t overthink it. Just choose.

Observe it –  

Take a few minutes to study the object closely. Notice the details you’d normally overlook — the texture, the weight, the colour, the wear and tear. Does it have a scratch, a chip, a stain? Write down five specific physical details about it in short, precise sentences.

Now it’s time to give it a history – 

Now, imagine this object belongs to a fictional character. Write a short passage (150–250 words) from that character’s perspective explaining how they came to own it and why they could never throw it away. Think about:
Who gave it to them, or where did they find it?

What memory is attached to it?
What would losing it mean?

Don’t worry about perfection. Just write.

Once you’ve done that, shift the lens – 

Now write a second short passage (150–250 words) from the perspective of someone who wants to get rid of the same object. Perhaps they’re clearing out a house, ending a chapter of their life, or the object represents something they’d rather forget. What does it mean to let it go?

Fiually, reflect – 

Read both passages back. Whilst you do, consider the following:

How did the same object take on completely different emotional weight depending on the character’s perspective?
Which passage felt easier to write, and why?
Is there a story forming between these two voices?

As always, have fun.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.