I’m Scared!

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            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.

My Old Friend

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            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.

Set the Monster Free

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            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.

Divine Act

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            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.

Sudden Death

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            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.

And the Winner Is!

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            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.

One Last Wish

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            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.

The Gift

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            Most people enjoy opening gifts, excited about what surprise hides under the wrapping paper. Big or small, young or old, eyes light up when a gift is presented.

            Not all gifts are equal, however. Imagine getting a doll at age seventeen, not a collector’s doll, but one geared for a ten-year-old. Most teens would politely smile in front of the giver, then return it to the store at the soonest opportunity.

            Imagine, on the other hand, being given an expense-paid trip to Italy! New York City! Yosemite!

            Or tickets to a Broadway play, or concert, accompanied by dinner at a high-end restaurant.

            Your task is to write a story in which your character receives an unusual gift, preferably one that isn’t wanted. Emotional reactions are key.

            Have fun with this one.

Letters From Camp

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            Imagine your character is a child attending camp or the camp counselor. The summer camp is supposed to be idyllic, nestled in a forest with a swimming hole, trails, horses and fun activities.

            Instead of a serene setting, however, the camp turns out to be a horror situation.

            Campers often write letters home, telling families about various activities they have enjoyed. In this case, however, very little fun activities take place. Your character writes home, talking about the strange happenings at camp.

            It might be interesting to include a bit of humor.

            Have fun with this one.

Fairy Tale Remake

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Imagine Cinderella on Mars or Pinocchio as robot. How would their stories change? What experiences might they have that differ from the original versions of their stories?

Would Cinderella still be human and Pinocchio a puppet? What other options are there that would make for an interesting story? Perhaps Cinderella is the Good Witch instead of the beneficiary of the Good Witch’s spell? What if Pinocchio had wings and special powers?

Your task is to select a fairy tale character and rewrite their story giving them different characteristics, powers, and even appearances.

Have fun with this one.