By Ashley Lister
It’s not often that I share creative writing exercises on here. However, I figured the theme of ghostly goings-on would be appropriate for this one. Do you want to create a spooky creature from the darkest depths of your imagination? Do you want to create something truly scary?
You will need:A penA sheet of paper or a notepadA change of trousersAlcohol (for afterwards) to steady your nerves.
EXERCISEPick up the pen. Without turning around, write about the creature that is now lurking over your shoulder. Is it larger than a cluster of scurrying spiders? More dangerous than a rabid werewolf? More monstrous than any cinematic villain?
It’s about to reach out and touch you. If you listen hard enough you can hear the wet rasp of its breath. If you focus on the shifts in the air you can catch the fetid tang of its breath as it creeps closer and closer.
What is it?
Why is it there?Where will it start?
What could it do to you?
Write for five minutes. If you don’t write for that long the creature could get you. Write swiftly and without thinking. Describe the creature using all five senses. Develop its monstrous character by discussing what it does to its victims and why it’s motivated to strike again and again and again.
When you've finished you should have an original character caught on paper. Perhaps the beginnings of a short story, a novel - or fodder for a poem.
Of course, if you fancy sharing your monstrous creation in the comments box below, it would be fun to read someone else’s nightmares. Alternatively, if you don't want to try the exercise or share your writing, you could watch this video:
