Tag: Reaction

An Influential Quirk

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A professor who’s right eyes twitches as he lectures. A ballerina who’s feet point inward. A flight attendant who’s hands tremble so strongly that fluids spill over the rims of cups. A mechanic who can’t pronounce the names of engine parts. An attorney who jitters and bounces around the courtroom.

These are quirks. Some might be considered disabilities. Some greatly influence what others think of them. Most cause others to tilt their heads in disbelief or a lack of trust.

Imagine a character in one of your stories having such a quirk. How would this affect how they appear to the public/ How would others react when seeing the quirk?

Your task is to write a story in which a quirk plays an influential role.

Have fun with this one.

Emotional Overload

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

            Some stories revolve around somewhat dry exchanges between characters. They talk about mundane issues, such as a car needing repair, a leaky roof, or an unsatisfactory meal at a new restaurant. The couples sit around a mahogany table, before a roaring fire, as a crystal chandelier glows overhead. The setting cries for something loaded to happen. Perhaps voices raised, or glasses thrown against a wall, but nothing happens. Not even a shout or a cry of alarm.

            Your task is to write the opposite story! Tell an event that is emotionally charged. Perhaps there are disagreements. Perhaps someone storms off. Perhaps the phone is tossed to the floor. Perhaps someone gets slapped or punched or pushed. Perhaps someone loses an election after insulting the opponent.

            In other words, make something interesting happen that drives actions and consequences.

            Have fun with this one.

Lost and Not Found

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            Imagine what might happen if your character lost something important, such as a wallet, passport, or credit card. How would she react? What would she do?

            Would she search through her purse, possibly dumping the contents onto the floor of a store? Retrace her steps? Call a friend to come help?

            There are countless numbers of scenarios to play out!

            Your task is to write a story in which something is lost.

            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.

Small Delights

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            Sometimes the smallest thing can bring great joy.

            Imagine being a child, someone who loves butterscotch candies. A visiting adult hands that child two pieces, to enjoy right now! The delight will be visible and a pleasure to behold.

            Or, consider an adult who is feeling down and out. Piles of clean laundry await, to be sorted, folded and put away. Meanwhile there’s dinner to prepare and the dog needs a walk. Someone rings the doorbell. There stands the next-door neighbor, offering help.

            Small delights can bring great joy to both giver and receiver.

            Your task is to write a story in which something quite small is given, bringing smiles all around.

            Have fun with this one.

Utter Chaos

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            Imagine a chaotic event. Storm, revolution, economic disaster. How does it impact a given city? What happens to the people? How do the banks respond? Are there protests? Do organizers help rebuild? Search?

            There are so many possibilities, especially when you factor in the bizarre or weird. Consider zombies, vampires, vultures.

            Your task is to write a story in which the world dissolves into utter chaos.

            Have fun with this one.

Thankfulness

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Being thankful isn’t always easy. It requires a genuine awareness of the gifts in one’s life, of being capable of thinking about those gifts in an honest, open manner.

Imagine a character receiving an unusual gift, such as a wilted potted plant or an album recorded by the giver (who has a terrible singing voice). The character must feign thankfulness so as to not hurt the other’s feelings.

Your task is to write a story in which the protagonist exhibits thankfulness after receiving an unexpected gift.

Have fun with this one.

Being Brave

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            Some people are naturally brave. They climb trees, strap on skates and speed down bumpy sidewalks all without an ounce of fear. Are they brave or foolhardy?

            Imagine your character participating in a frightening activity. How does she act?

            Your task is to write a story about a time when your character did something requiring bravery.

            Include emotional details.

            Have fun with this one.