Category: Writing prompt

Dreams

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            Almost everyone dreams during sleep, but we don’t often remember the details. Did monsters attack or was it my sister? Did I slide down a waterfall or was I simply swimming laps? I might never know.

            Dreams are also about the future. Hopefully we recall these, as they provide guidance for who we want to be and what we hope to accomplish.

            Your task is to write a scene involving dreams. It can be the ones in our sleep, or the ones we carry in our hearts. Perhaps a teacher gives an assignment to write about dreams, but first has to explain it to students. Or maybe dreams are a topic at a conference, and participants are told to record theirs.

            Have fun with this one.

Masquerade

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            Imagine putting on a costume. You arrive at a party, the room alive with laughter. Groups of two or three gather, talking quietly or shouting at each other over the din.

            You enter, enjoying the mystery of being hidden, of others not knowing who you are.

            Consider how differently you might behave. If you’re normally shy, do you become outspoken? If loud, can you be shy and demure?

            Your task is to write the story about a masquerade party. Your character can be the host or a participant.

            Have fun with this one.

Chance Encounter

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            How many times have you run into someone you hadn’t seen for a long time while shopping for groceries? Or at the bank? At the doctor’s office?

            One time I was at a local store and ran into a friend from my soccer days. We talked for a bit, but then I began feeling odd and had to sit. Apparently I feinted. Fortunately she has a medical background and knew to call 911.

            That encounter renewed our friendship, which is still going strong many years later.

            Your task is to write a story in which a chance encounter brings together your character and someone from her past. It might not have a happy ending.

            Have fun with this one.

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.