Circle writing inspires creativity in writers of all ages and experience. Circle writing enhances storytelling skills and an understanding of story structure. In more mature writers, circle writing cultivates skill in tone, mood and voice. For all writers, circle writing is great fun that inspires community and lots of laughs. So circle up and get started!
Instructions
1. Gather three to six writers around a large table or pull desks into a circle. Split a group of more than six writers into two smaller groups.
2. Discuss the rules of Circle Writing. Each writer will start the story by writing two lines on the paper. Explain that this can be one sentence or two. The next sentence does not have to be completed before passing the paper to the next writer. Each writer will add another two lines. Continue around the circle until every writer has contributed to each story.
3. Begin by handing out the lined paper. Instruct each writer to put her name at the top of the page.
4. Agree to "write into" the previous writer's premise to move the story forward. Encourage writers to first read what is on the page, and then continue the story.
5. Encourage originality and creativity. Younger writers have a tendency to add the same line to each page without consideration for the individual story. Suggest that writers respect the words already on the page and that they contribute as best they can.
6. Advise each writer to note when his entry will be the last before the page is "home" with the writer who started it. The last writer should do his best to conclude the story.
7. Read the stories aloud. Each writer has a part in each story that will be shared.
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