1. Write about a time you got in trouble, starting with some for of the sentence, "I knew it was stupid, but..."
2. Write about a character who begins at a standstill, works up to great speed, and comes to a halt again. The rush may be purely emotional, or it may represent the speed of the vehicle, of pursuit, of sport, or whatever you choose. The halt may be abrupt or gradual. In any case, let the prose rhythm reflect the changes.
3. Take as your title a common proverb or maxim, such as power corrupts, honesty is the best policy, walk softly and carry a big stick, haste makes waste. Let the story make the title ironic, that is, explore a situation in which the advice or statement does not apply.
4. Identity the belief you hold most passionately and profoundly. Write a short story that explores an instance in which this belief is untrue.
5. Write about a boring situation. Convince us that the situation is boring and that your characters are bored or boring or both. Fascinate us. Or make us laugh. Use no generalizations, no judgments, and no verbs in the passive voice.
Some of these writing exercises adapted from Janet Burroway’s Writing Fiction.