Tag: prompt about adventures

Unusual Meal

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

            Think of a meal you planned for a group. Most likely there were appetizers, a main course that consisted of a variety of dishes, followed by dessert.

            The quantity depends upon how many invited. If it’s a meal for two, you didn’t need large dishes. But, if you invited ten, then you need casseroles, cakes, and bowls of fruits and salads.

            Your task is to write a story in which your character prepares a most unusual meal, one that consists only of desserts.

            Perhaps there are cupcakes in the shapes of stuffed mushrooms and cookies that look like crackers layered with slices of cheese. The entrees are pies that resemble different types of pizza and cheesecakes molded into meatloafs.

            Imagine what the guests will say! In your story, show your character cooking the items as he talks to someone. Through dialogue we see into the protagonist’s mind as she explains what she’s doing and why.

            Descriptions will show the setting, which includes the table, decorations, and the overall depiction of the room.

            Have fun with this one.

Roadside Meal

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

            How many times have you been away from home and stopped to eat? What types of places do you normally choose? Fast food chains? Sit-down restaurants? Or something in between?

            When you scan the menu, do you have go-to preferences? Some go for hamburgers, while others choose salads. Some like sweet potato fries, eggs over-easy, chocolate cream pie.

            Your task is to write a story in which your character is traveling and stops for a meal. Depending upon the restaurant, she either reads from a menu board or from a handheld menu.

What does she order? Is it served cold or hot? How does it taste? From her reactions, you tell if it’s as she expected and whether or not she’s satisfied.

If there’s waitstaff, when someone checks in, your character responds by saying what she likes or doesn’t like, whether she’s satisfied or might like to order additional items.

To make it interesting, have someone strike up a conversation with your character. A little tension builds because this person is annoying or clinging and doesn’t take the hint that she’d like to eat alone.

Have fun with this one.

Winter Storms

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

            Some winters are rather mild: little precipitation and temperatures not too extreme.  When it’s like this, we can walk outdoors, work in the garden, go hiking in a nearby park.

            Then there are winters in which there’s nonstop rain, tornadoes, hail and snow that grows deeper by the day.

            It’s frigid indoors and out. Even when bundled up from the tops of our heads to the tips of our toes, we freeze. We put electric blankets on our bed of layer so many blankets that the weight presses down on our stomachs.

            Some days we don’t leave the house. The roads are slick with ice or flooded with still falling rain. Snow is piled up over the tops of cars and streets are impassable. Trees whose roots are loosened by rain, topple over. Winds blow and howl like a banshee.

            Winter storms impact what we can do and how we go about doing it.

            Your task is to write a story in which a storm plays a major role.

            A good place to begin is by narrowing down what type of storm happens. Choose something familiar. If you live in tornado alley, then a tornado might be the first choice. If you are plagued by downed power lines whenever a stiff wind blows, then include that in your story.

            Make the effects extreme in order to build tension.

            Have fun with this one.

Camera Shoot

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

            Imagine a time when you toted a camera along on a trip. Did anything exciting happen? Did you catch a hawk mid-flight with a mouse in its talons? Did a bear rise up on its back legs or a buffalo wander into the scene? Perhaps a group of tourists balanced precariously on a wall or ledge, trying to get the perfect background shot?

            Think of all the things that could have happened, things that were potentially perilous. There are all kinds of stories to be told, whether real or imagined.

            Your task is to write a scene in which someone is taking pictures and then an accident occurs. The photographer doesn’t have to be the victim, but could be in the right place to capture what went wrong.

            Begin with setting the scene. Does your character go out alone or is he part of a group? Is it a photography club or a bunch of friends?

            Next consider the possible things that could happen. Which one would make for the most interesting story?

            Narration is obviously critical. Dialogue, if your character is not alone, would add depth of detail.

            Have fun with this one.

House Hunting Escapades

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

            You’ve saved up enough for a down payment on a house, so you begin the search. With the help of a realtor recommended by a friend, you visit potential properties. What could possibly go wrong?

            Perhaps you imagined pristine properties ready for immediate move-in. Instead you find holes in walls, floors that creak and stove burners that don’t work. Maybe the current residents littered the yard with discarded appliances and rusted-out tools. The backyard pool is green and water pressure is low. Oh, my!

            Things could be even worse if you use your imagination.

            Your task is to write a scene in which house-hunting is a nightmare. To tell the story lots of description will be necessary. Readers will want to see the damage through your character’s eyes, hear what she has to say, smell the odors and perhaps touch grimy surfaces.

            It might be interesting if she visits several properties that each have major issues, rather than putting all the problems in one house. Think about where she will look and what type of residence she’s searching for. It could be a condo in a ritzy building or a single-family home tucked behind a larger house.

            Imagine the street, the location, the amenities nearby. Through in a quirky local to add some interest.

            Have fun with this one.