Last Line
Last Line is a game that a friend of mine, Taras, invented. This game is somewhat difficult, but also a lot of fun. Allow about 20 minutes for it to run its full length, maybe a little more depending on how the group is doing. This one can also be done by yourself.
Preparation:
- Go to your bookshelves and open a book to the last page. On a slip of paper, write down the last sentence of the book. You'll probably also want to record the name of the book and the author. Do this until you have about 10 lines that you feel are good story-enders. Put these in a hat or a plastic bag where the line that's on them can't be seen.
- On different slips of paper, write down the numbers 3 through 15. Put these in a separate hat or bag.
- Draw one piece of paper from each hat.
Your assignment:
The last line of the book is the last line of your story. The number you pulled is the number of sentences you write before you get to that last line. Tell a complete story in that number of sentences, no more, no less. When everyone is finished, and if people are curious, you can reveal what book you've been using the last line from.
Sound difficult? It is. But you'll know it's worth it when people start to share their stories at the end of the exercise. Some really fantastic ideas come out of this.
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