10 minutes: This session I’m giving you a choice between two opening activities. Or do both if you’re keen! 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.

Option 1: 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.

Option 2: Look around the room in which you are writing in. Pick an object. Any object. Write everything you know about that object. Down to how it’s made, if you know. Or the history of it. Or why you’ve picked it. Everything that comes to mind. Don’t overthink. Just write down everything that flows through you.

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. Every story has some form of a person, place and thing inside of it. Last week, these were chosen for you? Guess what? This week they are, too, but this time they’re fictitious and out of this world!

A blue alien who speaks telepathically.

A ship orbiting a strange planet.

A strange message coming from the planet below.

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. #StoryStones