Novel Kicks Writing Room: Things Left Behind

Published August 26, 2026 | By Laura

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

Today’s writing exercise is all about “the thing left behind”.

Write a short piece of fiction inspired by this sentence:

When they opened the door, everything was exactly as they had left it—except for one thing.

Write for 20 minutes.

Use either first person or third person.

Set the scene in one location.

Include at least one object that carries emotional significance.

Let the reader discover what has changed gradually.

End with a revelation, decision, or unanswered question.

If you want to make it a little bit more challenging, here are some optional extras –

Begin with dialogue.

Include a character who is hiding something.

Use all five senses.

Do not explain the central mystery directly.

Write the piece in no more than 500 words.

As always, have fun.

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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.

Novel Kicks Writing Room: Things Left Behind

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