Writer's Choice: Skeletons

Skeletons

Directions: A skeleton is the outline of a scene. You know what’s going on, but the scene lacks life. Add from one to three sentences before and after each sentence in the skeleton below. You may extend sentences or change vocabulary, but you should be faithful to the spirit of the scene. You might add ACTION, DIALOGUE, ENVIRONMENT, and/or THOUGHTS.

1.
*
Kids streamed into the courtyard for lunch.
*
Jake watched Daisy close her locker.
*
She turned and faced him.
*
She had that look in her eye.
*
They headed toward the snack bar.


2. “I never told anyone.”
“Oh, yeah? Then who did?”
“How should I know?”
“Shut up! Someone’s coming.”
“It’s not my problem.”
“You’re gonna be sorry.”

3. Steven tiptoed upstairs.
He heard the noise again.
At the top was a hallway, extending in both directions.
The corridor was dark except for a pinpoint of light emitting from a keyhole.

4. The tide crept in, erasing the footprints in the sand.
The beach curved away into darkness.
How long until the moon rose?
Another wave crashed against the nearby rocks.