Part 1: Writing Assignment
Between each paragraph of the second draft of your story, force yourself to write an additional sentence. When you’re done, do a word count (Tools > Word Count, in most word-processing software), and then cut away one third of the words in your story. Dare you try again and bring it down by one half? Or even two thirds? Sometimes an exercise like this will help you tighten. You are forced to make choices and move closer to the heart of what you have to say.
After you complete an exercise, post your results plus a paragraph explaining what you learned about your story or characters, and/or how doing the exercise may impact your final story.
Part 2: Peer Response
Respond to a peer’s posted revision exercise by suggesting another revision exercise from which their story might benefit. Explain why, in terms of craft, you think their particular story might improve if the author tried that exercise.
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