A new writing exercise every month. When you focus on one aspect of writing at a time, you can concentrate on making it the best you can possibly create. That way you can reach a professional level that may be harder with longer works. We’ll explore one aspect of the craft each month.

If you comment on other writers’ efforts, they’ll usually comment on yours. So you get lots of critiques, advice, and encouragement.

Pleaase don’t post your entry in comments here. Create your entry on your own blog, and then click the little blue frog to join the link-up and read other people’s work..

1. Drawing from life

Observing and listening are key tools in a writer’s arsenal. Sit somewhere public and eavesdrop on a conversation.  Listen not only for interesting stories, but also turns of phrase and mannerisms.

Exercise

Turn some of what you hear into a short love story, not longer than 500 words. You may need to do a lot of twisting and reforging of the dialogue to make this work.