“The right constraints can lead to your very best work. My favorite example? Dr. Seuss wrote The Cat in the Hat with only 236 different words, so his editor bet him he couldn’t write a book with only 50 different words. Dr. Seuss came back and won the bet with Green Eggs and Ham, one of the bestselling children’s books of all time.” (Austin Kleon, Steal Like an Artist)
Writing Exercise: Constraint as a Catalyst for Creativity
Key Writing Practice Development Techniques
1. Using Constraints to Spark Creativity: Constraints challenge writers to think outside their habitual patterns and find inventive ways to convey ideas within limits.
2. Precision in Language: Limited resources force writers to select words carefully, leading to more concise and impactful storytelling.
3. Tension Through Restriction: Imposing boundaries (e.g., word limits or thematic confines) can create a sense of urgency and focus that enhances the narrative’s emotional intensity.
Writing Prompt
Prompt: Write a 500-word scene in which two characters are stuck in a confined space (e.g., an elevator, a closet, a lifeboat). The catch: You may only use 50 unique words throughout the entire piece. Repeated words (including articles, prepositions, and conjunctions) are allowed, but no synonyms or additional words may be introduced. The goal is to convey character dynamics, stakes, and mood despite this constraint.
Additional Guidelines:
• Focus on how the restriction shapes dialogue, inner thoughts, and action.
• Choose your 50 words carefully before starting, or refine your word choices during revision.
• Emphasize subtext, tone, and pacing to create a compelling narrative despite the minimal vocabulary.
Evaluation Criteria
1. Mastery of Constraints
• Strong: The writer successfully works within the 50-word limit while creating a coherent, engaging scene. Repeated words feel deliberate and purposeful.
• Weak: The piece fails to adhere to the constraint, or the repetition of words feels forced and detracts from the story.
2. Character Depth
• Strong: The characters are distinct and their emotions, motivations, or relationships are clearly conveyed despite the limited vocabulary.
• Weak: Characters feel generic, flat, or interchangeable due to a lack of precision in word choice.
3. Narrative Tension and Engagement
• Strong: The scene holds the reader’s attention, balancing stakes and pacing effectively.
• Weak: The narrative lacks conflict, progression, or emotional impact.
Example of Strong Execution:
“Stop.”
“No.”
“Look.”
Her eyes: wide, pleading. His hand: firm, unrelenting.
“Help.”
“Can’t.”
Shadows crawl. Breath quickens. The light flickers.
“Why?”
“Sorry.”
Her scream—muffled, then silence.
Example of Weak Execution:
“Stop.”
“No.”
“Stop.”
“No.”
Nothing happens. Repeated words feel monotonous, and the story lacks depth or intrigue.
Follow-Up Questions for Workshopping/Revision
1. How did the constraint shape your creative process? Did it spark any unexpected discoveries?
2. Are there places where repetition feels unintentional or redundant? How can those moments be refined?
3. Do the characters feel distinct and fully realized? How might word choices better reflect their voices or emotions?
4. Does the narrative maintain tension and stakes throughout? Where could pacing improve?
Recommended Reading
“Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway
This short story demonstrates how minimal dialogue and restricted language can convey complex emotional dynamics and subtext. Encourage students to analyze how Hemingway uses repetition and sparse details to imply tension and character depth.
By framing this exercise around constraint, writers learn how limitations can amplify their creativity and elevate their craft.
Regards,
RAR
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