Tag: humorous story

Things That Make You Laugh

On By Terry ConnellyIn prompt, Uncategorized, Writing promptLeave a comment

            Sometimes we need a good laugh, especially when our world appears overwhelming and out-of-control. Where do we go to find that which will lighten our spirits? Do you read the comics or watch a comedy? Go to a club and listen to comedians? Call up a good friend and swap stories?

            More importantly, what are the things that make us chuckle? A video of kids doing somersaults or dogs riding on scooters? Maybe it’s a cat trying to catch a fly or reading a funny story. What tickles our funny bones says a lot about who we are.

            Your task is to write a story in which a comedic event takes place. It can be side-splitting hilarious or just smile-producing. Begin by creating a list of different scenes that pop into your mind. Choose the one that you are most comfortable writing.

            You also need the perfect cast of characters to make the story work. They could be human or not, but quirky personalities are a plus.

            Have fun with this one.

Reality Show Mishap

On By Terry ConnellyIn Uncategorized, Writing promptLeave a comment

If you’ve ever watched one of the many reality shows on television, you know that despite careful planning not everything runs smoothly. Participants might use words that have to be deleted. They might remove sufficient articles of clothing that the censors would shut down the show.

While you might not have ever appeared as a contestant on a reality show, events in your life might have emitted the same feelings that contestants experience. When you were in elementary school did your teacher hold spelling bees? Did you audition for a play or for a chair in an orchestra? Was there a time when you submitted an application for a competitive position in a company?

All of these scenarios could become fodder for a story.

Your task is to write a story in which your character participates in some type of reality show type of competition. Begin by setting the scene. Does your character apply through a written format or by submitting a video? How does she react when she is accepted?

Does the show take place in a studio or on a remote island? Does it involve stunts that could cause harm or is it an intellectual pursuit?

As the story develops some type of tragedy takes place. It could be a broken hell or a shattered bone, but the most important thing is that it alters, in some profound way, the subsequent events in the story.

Have fun  with this one.

 

Coincidences

On By Terry ConnellyIn Uncategorized, Writing promptLeave a comment

Sometimes a series of unrelated things seem to happen at the same time, creating a situation that is both unexpected and mysterious. Often these events bring joy but they can also trigger unhappiness.

For example, let’s say that while on vacation in New Zealand you happen to run into a friend from high school that was unaware of you going there. You might say, “What a coincidence,” followed by shared laughter.

Perhaps you carried a load to laundry to the garage. The washing machine doesn’t get all the water out of the clothes and the dryer isn’t working properly either. Again you would declare that a coincidence.

Your task is to write a story in which a coincidence plays a major role in the plot. First barnstorm a list of possible occurrences that could be linked together. Then figure out a way to write them into a plausible story. You can choose fantasy or realistic fiction. Or, if you prefer, you can share with readers things that happened in your life.

Make the story interesting by including details that add a sense of humor, such as dialogue combined with narrative. You can play with setting as well by placing the event in an unusual location.

Have fun with this one.