Very often unexpected things happen. It might be a check in the mail, a phone call, a visitor that dropped in. Depending upon the person, such things might bring great joy, or, they might be quite upsetting.
Many don’t like surprises as they upset plans, while others ‘go with the flow’ and enjoy precious moments together.
Your task is to write a story in which something unexpected occurs.
Have fun with this one.
Have you ever noticed that when things are finally running smoothly, something goes wrong?
The car gets a flat. The washing machine overflows. A pipe bursts. A friendship self-destructs.
How you handle it, how you react, says a lot about your character.
The same is true for the people in your stories. When faced with difficulty, does your character run away or face it? Does he strike out with fist or walk away? Does she throw dishes against a wall or take a walk?
Your task is to write a story in which and obstacle arises, something large enough to cause a degree of unrest.
Have fun with this one.
Oh, dear! Monsters are outside. They’re walking down my street. Stomping on cars and bikes. Breaking down walls. Wreaking havoc.
What do you do? Who do you call?
Your task is to write a story in which a city or village faces a threat…the kraken is loose! The ogre is stomping down Main Street! The toddlers are tearing down the backdrop!
Have fun with this one.
There are so many things to fear: spiders, heights, flying, eating out, strangers. Sometimes those fears are crippling. The subject can’t leave the house because of the possibility of encountering his/her worst fear.
Then there are those who fear nothing. It must be terrifying as a parent to watch your child climb high into a tree or scale a pole or ride a bike down a steep hill when you’d never do those things yourself.
Your task is to write a story in which your character has a hidden phobia, which is revealed in a dramatic fashion.
Have fun with this one.
Nothing adds interest like an old acquaintance showing up.
Imagine standing in line t buy theater tickets when a voice from the past interrupts your thinking. You don’t recognize them at first as it’s been quite a long time since you last saw him/her. What happens? Who speaks first?
What does your character do when recognition blooms?
Your task is to write a story in which someone from the past, hopefully a long lost friend appears.
Have fun with this one.
Every good fantasy story needs a monster. It could be a kraken, huge shark, vicious hounds, or even destructive children.
They terrorize the village, devour pets, take bites out of boats, glom onto airplanes, and, if children, smear food all over walls.
They leave destroyed evidence in their wake. People hide inside when they are about. Some will refuse to fly or swim or sail. Some will refuse to bear children of their own.
Your task is to write a story in which there is at least one monster. The level of destruction should be sufficient enough to cause terror.
Have fun with this one.
Surprising things happen. Sometimes they turn out to be good, oftentimes not-so-good.
Perhaps you had a hint that it might happen, but many times you don’t.
Some people believe in miracles, in divine intervention, while others think things just happen, on their own.
Your task is to write a story in which something unexpected and uncontrollable happens.
Have fun with this one.
Someone must die.
We don’t like to kill our characters unless in a thriller, but people die in real life.
Good people and people with nefarious backgrounds. Kind people who give of themselves as well as their money. Evil people who rob banks and gas stations.
Your task is to write a story in which someone dies.
Have fun with this one.
The protagonist, of course! That’s what readers expect. She wins the lottery, pays off her parent’s mortgage, donates tons to charity, and opens up the retail shop of her dreams. He buys himself a home in the suburbs, moves in his brother and two kids. He enrolls in college, rents an apartment nearby, and puts money into college accounts for those two kids.
Good things for good people.
What happens if the antagonist wins? Unexpected twist, for sure.
In this case, what does she do with the prize? Build a secret castle high on a mountain? Adapt her personal vehicle with advanced protections in case of attack? Hire a cybersecurity hacker to steal money?
Your task is to write a story in which an unexpected person comes into a great deal of money.
Have fun with this one.
There are several charitable organizations who grant wishes to those with terminal conditions. We often hear about the recipient, whether young or old, but seldom learn almost nothing about the people behind the scenes.
These are the heroes. They find a way to fulfill dreams, despite cost, in many cases. They organize neighbors, communities, store owners, the police and fire, and many other citizens.
Your task is to write a story in which someone fulfills a person’s dying wish.
Have fun with this one.
Have Fun with This One 