Coffee break exercise: Poem

Use a poem as a prompt to create a new piece of writing in this week's workout

Choose a poem that you are not familiar with. Pick a line or phrase that interests you. Set the timer for five minutes and free-write.

Look at what you have written. Underline any sections you particularly like. For the remaining time, create the first draft of a new poem or flash fiction story.

If you want inspiration for writing a longer piece of fiction, read The Familiars author Stacey Hall's account of how she wrote her acclaimed debut in seven weeks.