Bizarre Behavior

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We expect the character to behave in a certain way, once we’ve been introduced and spent time with him. If he’s the serious type, then we expect serious behavior, not a stand-up comedian.

If she’s happy-go-lucky, then if she delivers a serious speech, we might be thrown off track.

On the other hand, if something or someone causes the character to change behavior in an understandable way, then we adapt to the temporary change.

Your task is to write a story in which, after you’ve introduced your protagonist, he changes behavior in a drastic, unexpected way.

Have fun with this one.

A New Power

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Your character can do many things: fly, destroy buildings, bake a cake.

There are tons of powers still out there, waiting to be developed.

Your task is to write a story in which your character discovers that he/she can do something new

and different. Make it something consequential, something that changes lives, for good or bad.

Have fun with this one.

Fight Time

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Every now and then a fight ensues. It can be caused by a misunderstanding, an incursion into someone’s

space, or an attempt to cause harm. The individuals involved see no recourse except to fight.

They might use words alone, or a push and shove, or fists, or, in worse case scenarios, a weapon.

Sometimes a person gets injured, either in spirit or in body.

Hurts of the heart might take forever to heal, if at all.

Physical injuries will heal, given time, but might leave lasting scars.

Your task is to write a story in which a fight happens. Make it consequential so that there is a cost to objects

or bodies.

Have fun with this one,.

New Person Enters

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            The story is progressing nicely. Things are happening. Tension is building. The setting does its job. The door opens and in walks someone unexpected, perhaps even unknown to some of the people in the room.

            The quiet ones will withdraw physically. The extroverts will greet this person enthusiastically. Or will they?

            Your task is to write a story in which someone unknown enters an established scene/

            Have fun with this one.

Teller of Tales

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In many cultures, the elders are the keepers of tales and history. They share with the youngest members to keep that history alive. Many times those records aren’t written down, but transferred from the teller to the listeners.

Your task is to write a story in which one of your characters is a teller of tales. Create the setting in which sharing feels natural. Gather listeners around the teller. Not all people enjoy listening, so mix in a few agitators.

Have fun with this one.

Opening Their Hearts

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            At some point during most stories, the main characters share how they really feel about someone or something. It doesn’t come as a huge reveal, but as more of a subtle reference.

            Imagine bearing a family secret for years, a secret that might have altered the beliefs of generations. Then a long-lost cousin appears, shattering the secret held that Uncle John did, in fact, father a child with another woman.

            Or a deep reveal that Aunt Priscilla filed bankruptcy three times. Or that Zack fell in love with Joe at the family reunion.

            Your task is to write the story in which at least one main character opens their hearts, letting loose a deeply held secret.

            Have fun with this one.

Weird Hobbies

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Characters need interests outside of the mundane. They can’t just be friends or mentors. Chefs or accountants. They might enjoy hiking, swimming, or reading. Hobbies help define a character by giving something that interests them.

Characters come to life when they have odd quirks. For example, what if they play in a heavy metal band, while presenting themselves as proper office secretaries. What if they collect hairy spiders yet seem to not like being outdoors? What if they are graffiti artists despite seeming to have no artistic talent?

Your task is to write a story in which a person’s hobby or interest contradicts the image they present to the world. Consider dropping them into a situation in which their interest is revealed to the surprise of others.

Have fun with this one.

Revenge

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            Revenge is a powerful motivator. It can inspire someone to commit murder, steal something valuable, or destroy someone’s reputation.

            A person who’s been hurt might not think clearly or rationally. They might contrive ways to hurt the person who hurt them. And the pattern might continue, with one person causing hurt and the other responding equally until something breaks the pattern.

            Your task is to write a story in which revenge plays a starring role.

            Have fun with this one.

Animating Inanimate Objects

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            In cartoons, anything is possible. Dishes can sing, crickets can sew a fancy dress, and mice can cook in a four-star restaurant.

            Vases can repel the addition of flowers they don’t like, cars have personalities that override drivers and televisions can take over houses.

            Your task is to write a story in which an inanimate object assumes a personality and becomes the protagonist. Consider using other inanimate objects as supporting characters, as villains, even as narrators.

            Have fun with this one.

Choosing Fate

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            One way to get started is by making a chart. Use the following one as a guide.

Mood               Genre              Setting                         Character

Cheerful          Romance         Beach                          7-year-old boy

Thoughtful      Horror             City                             60-year-old working artist

Romantic         Sci-Fi               Woods                         28-year-old teacher

Ominous          Mystery           Office Building           90-year-old veteran

Tense               Fantasy            Hospital                       15-year-old athlete

Humorous       Nonfiction       Cruise ship                  47-year-old Activity Director

Select one from each category, but you do not have to work across in a straight line.

            Your task is to write a story using what you have selected.

            Have fun with this one.