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Steering the Craft, Chapter 5 Exercise
- Jennifer Peaslee
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Today, I am on Ch. 5—Adjectives and Adverbs.
Write a paragraph to a page (200–350 words) of descriptive narrative prose without adjectives or adverbs. No dialogue. The point is to give a vivid description of a scene or an action using only verbs, nouns, pronouns, and articles. Adverbs of time (then, next, later, etc.) may be necessary, but be sparing. Be chaste.
A guard shoved Sandy out of the tower and slammed the door, leaving her blinking in the sunlight in solitude. She raised a hand to her eyes so they could adjust; months had passed since she’d seen the sun. Her eyes strained until she could make out the desert that doubled as her prison. A handful of cacti dotted the waves of dunes. The sky lacked birds and clouds. In the distance, she glimpsed the Tower of Rhollock, a wizard of renown. If she could reach the tower, she could beg for refuge; rumor was that Rhollock had a fondness for prisoners.
Squaring her shoulders, Sandy stepped onto the sand, then marched, slipping at times but rediscovering her footing. The journey was a tribulation. The sun shone without mercy, burning Sandy’s skin with its kiss. She ignored the heat and focused on her trek. Hours passed; her legs cramped; her skin burned; she continued walking. She promised herself that she would reach her destination. What was her destination? The tower in the distance grew and grew. What did it mean? She had lost her senses under the sunlight, but she walked and walked, feet stumbling over each other.
The moon rose; she walked.
This was a fantastic chapter, and the exercise makes you think twice about what words to use.
Also, I'm kinda interested in Sandy (I just realized I named her Sandy and she's in a desert omg that was not intentional) and her journey to Rhollock. What will happen when she reaches the tower? I may have to find out.
If you complete the exercise, I encourage you to post and share your responses.
Writing without a paywall is important to me, but writing is work. If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I would be honored if you would consider donating.
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