"One of life's quiet
excitements is to stand somewhat apart from yourself and watch yourself
softly becoming the author of something beautiful, even if it is only falling
ash."
-- Norman Maclean
1. Make a list of as
many cliche physical descriptions of excitement as you can think of. Next
to this list, start a second one containing fresh ways to show excitement
in your writing. Use physical description.
2. Choose a moment of
excitement. Describe it without controlling the tone or voice. Use dashes
and exclamation points. Make the language giddy and full of hope and anticipation.
3. Take the same moment
as in no. 2. Write it using great control. How will you show the reader
the emotion without spilling it all over the page?