Build a character. OK, I know a lot of people will say that they like to discover a character as they write them - they want the journey too etc etc but, I'm sorry, I prefer a destination when I set out. Maybe I'll plot Bournemouth in the Satnav and end up in Brighton but it helps to know what way to point the car when I head off.
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I read Stephen King's "On Writing" and he quite definitely doesn't agree with this. Not just prefers to follow the character but he considers plot stifling and the last bastian of the bad writer. Having said that he did write the Tommyknockers. Cheap jibe, I know - that fella has certainly sold a lot of books and I do so love The Stand.
Ultimately, it is what works for you but, I guess, if you're turning to prompting exercises then whatever you normally do isn't working.
Well... I find a mind-map of character details, getting as much down about the life story of a character, starts to lead to a situation, then a narrative and, ultimatley, the journey you want them to go down.
This will only work if you keep adding detail and keep asking questions of your character. Does the new detail fit with what you already know? Contradictions can be really helpful, they start giving you secrets about the person - starts to hint at conflict that might provide a story.
It wont always work but, if you get stuck, it's a good way to get the brain working and to push on and develop ideas.
.....................Father..........M
.........Job ..............................
Hobby................. Name................
..Likes/
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Anyway, have fun.
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