Tag: Relationships

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

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            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.

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.

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.

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.

Dear Diary

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            There was a time when keeping a diary was an every-day occurrence. Young girls, yes, it was always girls, were given journals in which to record personal thoughts, wishes and dreams. They were encouraged to write anything that came to mind, even the most personal thoughts.

Then, years later, many of these diaries were discovered, some by famous individuals.

Imagine reading the thoughts of Marie Antoinette or Madame Curie! What might they have been thinking as they went about their normal day?

Your task is to write a story in which a diary plays a key role. It could involve a character writing her thoughts, or a letter from your character’s POV.

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.

Defying Authority

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            From a young age we’re taught to do what we’re told, no questions asked. If a parent tells you to clean up your room, you go do it. Later on, if a teacher tells you to open your history book, you comply.

Then when your boss says to wipe out the computer’s memory, you stop and contemplate if that’s what you’re really being asked to do.

There’s a certain code drilled into us that tells us we must do what an authoritarian figure tells us to do. But when commanded to do something that feels wrong, seems illegal or questionable, we hesitate. When the act is discovered, who will be blamed?

Your task is to write a story in which defying authority plays a central role.

True Feelings

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            Honesty isn’t always the best policy. If someone asks if you like their new hairstyle, which you think is abominable, and you express those feelings, the friendship will be ended.

However, if that same person asks if you’d prefer Italian food or Mexican food, and you reply Mexican, they might laugh and say, “I knew that’s what you’d like!” Well, that’s okay.

            Your task is to write a story in which the expression of true feelings is a key part. Increase tension by making it a bit dicey for your character to speak the truth. Or by having him say what he really thinks, then having the other person become offended.

            Have fun with this one.