What Are Research Writing Exercises?

Research Writing Exercises are writing explorations that help you to discover the truth about your characters, story, structure, themes and plot. When we don't know what happens next in our story, or why our character does something, or how two characters feel about each other or what the whole point of a script or manuscript is, it is because we just haven't learned enough about the character/s and the world of our stories. 

FOR EXAMPLE

Let's say you have a roommate. A roommate who refuses to wash her own damn dishes. You could continue to leave passive aggressive notes, or your could ask about her past. Perhaps you will discover that her mother you used to punish her by making her do the dishes while being lectured. This causes her to becomes overwhelmed with shame and guilt every time she does the dishes.  This may point to more story or structure.  How can she overcome this wound from her past? 

Discovering these truths about your characters will give you greater insight and ability to; arc your characters, tell universal stories and stand out as a writer who truly understands the nature of human behavior. 

WEEKLY INSPIRATION

So each week a new Research Writing Exercise will be posted so you always have a place to go to get the assignment you need to move your work forward. 

WHEN YOU WRITE

Don't THINK or DECIDE what happened. Simple connect to your character and let them take over your pen, let them show you the truth. 

OH, AND SET A TIMER

Set a time for 10 - 30  minutes each time. The timer will give you permission to get fully submerged in your writing without worrying about whether or not you need to go to work/play/school/date.