This is a short, fun exercise particularly good for a warm-up in a workshop or writing group setting, to lift energy, create laughter and get the little grey cells going. I use it if I’m working with a group who are a little bit shy, or to clear the air after an intensive spate of writing. It also has a hidden value which I’ll talk about later.

It’s inspired by the fabulous game from Radio 4′s ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue,’ idiosyncratically named ‘Cheddar Gorge.’ Two contestants take it in turns to compose a letter word by word and then draft the reply.

So that’s what you do with the group – go round the circle word by word. The key is to keep it snappy – avoid long deliberations if possible, although minds can and often will go blank! Just try and keep the pace up.

(more…)