10 minutes: At this point, I’m hoping you’re used to this first task. If you’re new, that’s okay. I like to start the writing session pretty much the same way. Let’s empty out those brains!!

Set the timer when you’re ready. Once you start, don’t stop. I want you to forget spelling, grammar and formatting. That’s not important here. For 10 minutes I want you to write whatever it is you’re thinking. We’re always thinking. You might write down the word “nothing” and there might be a lot of repeating at times but that doesn’t matter. No rules. Just 10 minutes of free thinking and free writing.

After the time is done, don’t read it. This is important. You can read it later, but don’t read it now.

40 minutes: Time to get our creative juices flowing. Again no rules. Try and forget spelling and grammar and formatting. Just write. Here’s the task:

1. You’ve walked into an old fashion cafe. What does the interior look like? There’s a jukebox playing. What’s the song? Where do you sit? Does anyone approach you to order? If not, how do you order? What do you order?
2. As you sit there, someone walks in that seems to be out of the ordinary for others but fine with you. Who is it? Where do they sit?
3. The person is trying to order but it seems they’re being ignored. Why do you think that is? What do you do, if anything? If nothing, as time goes on, it’s very clear they’re being ignored. What do you do, if anything?
4. The jukebox suddenly goes quiet. Time to go pick a new song. What are your options? Which one do you choose? The person who had trouble ordering comments on your decision. It appears they have come up too. What do they say? How do you react?
5. You finish your order. It’s time to go. You have an appointment. What is this appointment? You have trouble paying. Why? How do you solve this issue? If you have time, discussing leaving the cafe and bumping into the person who was having trouble ordering. They appear to be having more issues with people. Explore this.

10 minutes: Read through what you’ve come up with. Does anything stand out to you? Anything you like you might want to expand on or use elsewhere? A highlighter would come in handy here.

How you going? How’d you find this session? Other sessions? You posting any of your writing up on a blog or vlog? Leave me a link in the comments below. I’d love to see it. Posting it on twitter? Use the hashtag #storystones and hopefully I’ll get to check it out. These exercises can be visual cues as well. Try going back and draw the ideas out!

Until next time, keep piling up those story stones!!