By Melissa Stoller
This June, jump into writing practices that will make your stories soar.
Here are a few exercises to get you started:
This June, jump into writing practices that will make your stories soar.
Here are a few exercises to get you started:
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1) Jump into five minute brainstorming sprints. Set a timer, and write down all the story ideas that come to mind.
2) Jump into ten minute writing sprints. Set a timer, and write without editing yourself. Just write.
3) Jump into fifteen minute revising sprints. Pick one story and revise for big picture items like theme, plot, and pacing, as well as small picture items like grammar, syntax, and word choice.
4) Jump into twenty minute research sprints. Research more about your topic, whether it’s a fiction or non-fiction story. Dig deep and follow tangents – you might just be able to infuse your story with more authentic details.
This month, jump into timed sprints that will help you expand your writing potential. Let me know in the comments if these exercises helped. Happy writing!
1) Jump into five minute brainstorming sprints. Set a timer, and write down all the story ideas that come to mind.
2) Jump into ten minute writing sprints. Set a timer, and write without editing yourself. Just write.
3) Jump into fifteen minute revising sprints. Pick one story and revise for big picture items like theme, plot, and pacing, as well as small picture items like grammar, syntax, and word choice.
4) Jump into twenty minute research sprints. Research more about your topic, whether it’s a fiction or non-fiction story. Dig deep and follow tangents – you might just be able to infuse your story with more authentic details.
This month, jump into timed sprints that will help you expand your writing potential. Let me know in the comments if these exercises helped. Happy writing!
MELISSA’S BIO:
Melissa Stoller writes to bring connection, joy, and a bit of magic to her readers. Her newest picture book, Hazel and Mabel, illustrated by Anita Bagdi, releases from Gnome Road Publishing in Fall 2025. Melissa is also the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island, and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush; Ready, Set, GOrilla!; Sadie’s Shabbat Stories; Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom; and Building Bridges: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (co-written). Melissa is a Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Rate Your Story Judge, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, a Book Meshuggenahs member, a Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Trustee, and a past school and Synagogue Trustee. She also interviews authors and offers resources on her blog. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer/editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and Central Park walks.
CONNECT WITH MELISSA:
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