Writing Exercise(s) Found Online

I googled "writing exercises" and came across websites, with you guessed it, writing exercises upon writing exercises. I clicked on the very first link, and interestingly enough, came across a writing exercise for narrative prose. I haven't written much prose before, and thought I'd give it a try. Below is the prompt:

One of the mistakes beginning writers make is to think it is interesting to read about people being happy and having fun. In prose narrative, in general, negative events and situations are more vivid than happy ones. I think this is probably because narrative thrives on conflict, and conflict is sometimes-- not always-- expressive of negative emotions or situations. Perhaps it isn't so much sad versus happy or positive versus negative as it is dynamic versus static.

Write a scene with people doing something pleasant, enjoying themselves. Make it a real scene, with dialogue and action, not just a description of eating a delicious fresh cannoli! Have everyone happy and relaxed. Then, something bad or dangerous or confusing happens. The scene becomes full of strife or tension. It may not last, but it happens. Whether it is serious or funny is your business, and also whether or not things go back to the original serenity.

Photo credit: Tomatoskin

The two marveled at the rain from her office window. The down pour was quite lovely, romantic and cozy even, as they were indoors with their cups of tea.

"This is exactly what we needed. It didn't really rain like this last year either," said Lara as she took a sip of her tea.

"Uh-huh..." Danica agreed. "Look at how the rain turns into little beads traveling across the wire..."

They continue to gaze out the window. A bird flew right into the almost sheets of rain. The leaves are heavy and drooping downward. The constant stream pounds on the pavement. Solitaire drops hit the window sill and a puddle forms. The sounds and the sights of the rain are gifts for the senses.

The rain ensues, but the two had to return to work. Danica retreated to her desk to an email in her inbox. The subject title said, "Bad news". Her heart started to race. She didn't recognize the addressee's email. With little hesitation, she opened it.

Hi Danica,

I know this is not the best way to tell you, but Jordan was in a car accident. It happened earlier today during the morning rain storm. He was driving down 280 on his way to meet with a client, and he skid and lost control of his car. He hit the car ahead of him, and it resulted in a three car pile up. He was rushed to the hospital with contusions to his ribs and minor head injuries. He's unconscious right now, but the doctors say he'll wake up any minute. I know you haven't been close lately, but thought you'd want to know.

Call me if you want to stop by the hospital. I know it would mean a lot to Jordan if you stopped by.

Mark
555-5232

Danica had not seen Jordan in five months. Their breakup was amicable enough, but perhaps that what made it hard to move on. She still loved him, and wondered if he still loved her. She didn't know if showing up at the hospital was a good idea. They said that with time, they'd try to be friends, but it hasn't materialized yet. She needed reassurance, so she called Mark.

"Mark, it's Danica. Is he awake yet?"

"No, not yet." Mark answered. "Are you coming by the hospital?"

"I think so. I'll stop by after work. Is he at CPMC on Webster?"

"Yes. Room 2433. You'll have to register at the nurses station for a visitor pass, but they should grant you one."

"Okay, sounds good. I'll see you soon. Mark, I'm scared. He's going to be okay, right?"

"I hope so. He's in stable condition as far as the doctor's say. He just needs to wake up."

"Okay. I'll see you."

She became somber. Every other email in her inbox seemed unimportant. Meeting on Thursday. Deadline next Monday. She could barely stay focused enough to process any other information. She packed her bag, turned off her computer and bid farewell to Lara.

"What's wrong kid?" Lara asked.

"Something big. Jordan's in the hospital. I have to go. We'll chat tomorrow. Stay dry and take care."

"Oh no. I'll be thinking of you. Take care and call me if you need to, honey."

"Thanks, I will. Good night."

The next 20 - 30 minutes in transit were a blur. Her mind raced. She was so full of different emotions. Scared. Sad. Anxious. "He has to be okay...he has to be okay," she almost chanted.

At the hospital, Mark greets her. "He's awake. Literally after I got off the phone with you, he opened his eyes."

"That's great news. So, he's okay?"

"Yes...but he has amnesia. He doesn't remember the accident. And the doctors don't know how far back of his memory he's lost. As far as they know now he doesn't remember anything that happened today. Do you want to go see him?"

"Sure. Come in with me?"

"Sure thing, Danica."

The two walked slowly into the room. Nurses and doctors were prodding and poking him. Jordan swatted the nurse. "I'm fine. I'm fine. I feel great." He looks up and sees Danica.

"I'm better now that my girl friend is here," he gestured and pointed to Danica.

Danica and Mark stop dead in their tracks and both shared a look of bewilderment.

"Huh?" said Danica. "He doesn't remember that we broke up..."