For this fiction exercise, take two or four characters and place them in a situation in which they must live a complete story in ten minutes. Since the entire duration of time within the story is ten minutes, first think about how much time that is realistically. What types of situations might allow for an entire story in that timeframe – an elevator ride, a radio phone scam?

Take your time. There is no limit to the number of pages you can write. Do not try to control your characters. Listen to them to see where they want to go. First time round do not edit yourself; later as you revise, try to make your writing clear and concise.

Copyright © 2004 Natasha Reilly.

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