Writing Exercise

The Power of Story Shapes

June 11, 2025

Writing Exercise Instructions

      Write a short story (300-1000 words) following one of the six story shapes discussed in The Power of Story Shapes. You may use one of the provided prompts or choose your own subject.

Guidelines:

1.    Select a Story Shape – Decide which emotional arc (Man in a Hole, Boy Meets Girl, Cinderella, New Testament, From Bad to Worse, Which Way Is Up?) best fits your story.

2.  Sketch the Arc – Before writing, draw a rough graph of your protagonist’s emotional highs and lows to ensure alignment with the chosen shape.

3.  Write the Story – Keep the emotional journey clear, even if the plot is unpredictable.

4.  Do Not Reveal the Shape – At the meeting, your story will be read aloud, and the group will discuss which shape they believe it follows.

Discussion Points (After Reading):

• Did the emotional arc feel intentional?

• Were there moments where the shape became unclear?

• How did the chosen structure affect engagement?

Bring a printed copy or equivalent be prepared to read your story aloud. Be ready to discuss why you chose your shape and whether you think it succeeded.

Ten Short Story Prompts

         Each prompt is designed to align with at least one of the six story shapes. Writers may interpret them freely, but the emotional arc should follow one of the prescribed structures.

1.    “The Last Transmission" – A stranded astronaut must repair their ship before life support fails.

2.  "The Forgotten Melody" – A musician rediscovers a lost love song but must confront the heartbreak that made them abandon music.

3.  "The Clockmaker’s Daughter" – A young woman inherits a magical clock that grants one wish—but at a terrible cost.

4.  "The Pilgrim’s Bargain" – A desperate traveler makes a deal with a mysterious stranger, only to realize too late what they’ve truly given up.

5.   "The Hollow Crown" – A deposed king’s attempts to reclaim his throne only lead to greater ruin.

6.  "The Lottery of Fools" – A man wins a fortune, loses it, wins again, and loses once more—each time in increasingly absurd ways.

7.   "The Lighthouse Keeper’s Secret" – A new keeper uncovers the tragic history of their predecessor, only to repeat their mistakes.

8.  "The Last Letter" – A soldier finds a love letter from a fallen comrade and must decide whether to deliver it—risking reopening old wounds.

9.  “The Alchemist’s Apprentice" – A student discovers the secret of immortality, but the price is more than they bargained for.

10.  "The Jester’s Revenge" – A court fool’s pranks escalate until they bring down the kingdom—but was it all just bad luck?

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