Category: prompt

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,.

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.

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.

Without a Trace

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Great mysteries employ the disappearing act: someone or something goes missing. Either have to be consequential enough to warrant fear, anxiety, or desperation.

In a child’s story, a favorite stuffed panda might have gone missing. Or a toy truck left out front overnight. Or the new bike, a gift on a birthday. Perhaps instead of an object, it might be the best friend who moves away with promises to stay in touch.

Adult versions should have more importance, such as secret files detailing hidden expenditures, the blueprints for a new supercomputer chip, or an outline for a recently deceased author’s last novel.

The most important element is that it disappears, and no one seems able to find it.

Clues are uncovered that might lead to its whereabouts but also might be herrings distracting searchers away from the hiding spot.

Your task is to write a story in which something of importance disappears and cannot be easily found.

Have fun with this one.

The Search

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            You lost your glasses. Look for them everywhere. Retrace your steps. A friend drops by for a visit. Sees the frantic look on your face. Laughs. Points to the top of your head.

            Let’s make it something more serious, say the memory card from your camera that holds all the photos from your last vacation. You took it out of the camera and left it on the computer desk. Thinking it might get lost (after all, it’s quite small) you put it someplace safe. Then don’t have time to download photos for a couple of weeks. You open the drawer where you keep things, but it’s not there. A frantic search begins, opening drawers, getting rid of junk, but can’t find it. You’re despondent. A week later, looking for something entirely different, you find the memory card in a small, clear bag, in the drawer where you keep important things.

            We lose all kinds of things, some more important than others. The search can be rewarding if we find it right away, but frustrating if we don’t.

            Your task is to write a story in which you have misplaced something or someone extremely important. Write the search, including the emotional ups and downs.

            Have fun with this one.

Description of a Setting

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            Setting is important. It tells the reader where the story takes place. It can control action, especially if the setting is in a challenging area, such as a craggy mountain, a muggy swamp, or a busy city.

            Some authors begin with a detailed description of setting. Pages cover everything from the buzzing of insects to the sound of a river tumbling over rocks. If in a Victorian mansion, the author might describe the heavy furniture and drapes, the gilded pictures hanging on the walls, the curved staircase rising to the second floor.

            However, do so with caution. Today’s readers like action. They want to “see” something happening at the beginning and continue throughout the story.

            Your task is to write a description of a domestic space in 150 words, maximum. Include at least five sensory details that hint at story or action, that suggest history. As the details are exposed, there should be an accompanying emotional weight.

            Have fun with this one.