As I've mentioned before, I'm thinking about taking some ABRSM piano exams next time around; so to that end I've started working at the previous exam papers.

I'm finding the rhythm composing section quite tricky; can't quite come up with anything when orphaned from melody and away from the keys. Does anyone know of any books that deal with this area?

The rest of my music theory is coming along nicely and I do compose little things now and again so I'm a little surprised to be having such problems.

Thanks.

I find that it helps to play 'question and answer' rhythm games.
If you can hear the given opening and clap/tap back an answer then write that down it's better than a set of rules.
If you can't clap the rhythm you've written down then maybe it's too complicated (happens when my students try to get too clever ).
Start simply and don't try too hard, just go for whatever feels right.

Last one I did was in 9/8 - I could scarcely clap the question let alone clap out an answer.

I hate compound time.

Didn't like to mention that sometimes you get one you just can't seem to get your head around.....

Imagine it has a tune. That's what I had to do until grade five when suddenly I did have a tune (got full marks for it too!!)

Away from the keys is tricky - if you can hear it, happy dys. If you can't, does it help you to draw a piano out? Sounds daft but I've always done it, to make sure I'm drawing scales and counting intervals correctly! If you imagine you're playing your rhythm (which now has a melody ) it may seem easier to imagine how to continue it...

Maybe.