Inspiration from imitation

Choose an author whose writing you admire -- or at least would like to imitate for this exercise! Then pick five sentences or so -- it can be the first lines, or from a favorite scene or any that strike you.

Use the sentences as a template to write about your own character, setting and situation. If you need an idea, try writing fan fiction: take your favorite characters from books or TV or movies and put them in a new situation.

Now use the pattern of your author's sentences to write about the subject you chose. Use a noun or verb or preposition where the author did. You don't need to keep any of the words the same, just their type.

You may not need a timer for this one since it's already limited by only having 5 sentences.