Tarot for Storytellers is a full-color eBook written by author and narrative designer Monica Valentinelli (World of Darkness, Cyberpunk RED, Shadowrun, Firefly, Mistborn). The eBook is jam-packed with prompts, guidance, and examples to teach you how to develop new characters, plots, and setting using a deck of tarot cards. Enjoy this sneak peak at a fun writing exercise from the eBook and a special price for June!

Writing Exercise Using a Tarot Card

This writing exercise uses a single tarot card and is completed in five minutes.

1. Character Sketch

The Character Sketch is a timed exercise that’s great to warm up your creative muscles. It works best with a tarot deck that is visually interesting. Similar to The Picture Game, designed by authors K Tempest Bradford and Alethea Kontis, you’ll use the card’s illustration as your writing prompt.

Shuffle your tarot cards, then pick a single card. You’ll use this card to write about a character you plan to include in a story or campaign. If your deck doesn’t have a lot of character art, my recommendation is to skip shuffling the cards and pick one that inspires you for this exercise. When you’re ready, set a timer for five minutes and write!

New Character

If you’re developing a new character, briefly look at the card you’ve drawn. Then, start a timer for five minutes. Using the card as inspiration, take this time to freely explore who your new character is and what they want. Treat this exercise as the creative spark of a new character. Just go with it!

Existing Character

If you’re pulling a card to flesh out one of your existing characters, that’s great! Look at the card you’ve drawn. Use the events of the card as inspiration to flesh out your character further. If your selected character is already fully developed, treat the card as a catalyst that will change something for them.

The 5 of Cups, for example, often depicts a person who’s crying by the side of a riverbank. Three of the cups are empty, and two remain upright and full. What happens when your character suffers an unexpected loss? On the other hand, say you draw The Sun. Typically, this card is full of light, splendor, and positive vibes. What happens when your character succeeds? Do they welcome overwhelming success and revel in that joy? Or do you decide their positive feelings are premature?

Inspired by Monica Valentinelli’s popular writing workshop presented at the Gen Con Writer’s Symposium, the Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers, and Clarion West, this how-to book is beginner-friendly and can be used by authors or game masters. Find Tarot for Storytellers on DriveThruFiction.com.

Tags | nonfiction, previews, storyteller, tarot