Priming the Pump: Writing Exercises

I don't know a writer who doesn't experience times when the ideas flow freely, and times when the creative juices dry up. We all need a kitbag full of strategies to prime the pump.

From writing groups, workshops, and other sources, I've come across a few good quick writing exercises here and there. I like to use them when I'm feeling stale and uncreative, when I need to solve a problem with a manuscript, or sometimes just for fun. Here are a few of my favourites:

1. Free writing. I think every...