Tag: Relationships

Something to Fear

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

            Everyone is afraid of something. It might be failure or of being left out. It could be heights, spiders, or driving on freeways. Some are terrified of crowds, especially after the pandemic.

            Using fear as a trope can lead to interesting stories, especially when the antagonist is quite terrifying to behold in terms of appearance as well as behavior.

            Your task is to write a story in which fear is the predominate emotion. Begin by creating a list of possible things to fear, thinking outside the box: nothing triggering, such as a fear of clowns. Then imagine the setting in which the story takes place. It could be the principal’s office, a cabin in the woods, a crowded shopping mall.

            Consider first person POV so that readers will experience everything through your character’s emotions. Next, think about changing perspective, writing in the voice of the person who causes the fear. How does this alter the story? Or, perhaps write in the eyes of a bystander who witnessed the event.

            Have fun with this one.

Group Dynamics

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            Call to mind a time when you participated in a group. It could be playing a sport, something that involves more than one player. Or it could be a meeting, either professional or for pleasure.

            Shortly after the group was formed, the dynamics began to play out. The leader might now really be the leader. Instead, it’s the know-it-all at the opposite end of the table who quickly spouts her opinions as gospel, overriding the actual leader.

            There are the meek, who sit with heads down, slopping shoulders, trying to blend in with the chair, hoping not to get noticed. When called upon, they offer brief, concise statements.

            And then there are those who really, really want to be recognized, but who sit with smiles and wide-open eyes, waiting for the leader to see that they have something to offer.

            Your task is to write a story in which a group meeting is held. Because dialogue will be crucial in establishing dynamics, include lots! Description is crucial as well so that readers can see how participants are acting.

            Have fun with this one.

The Grab Bag

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            Many times events such as carnivals and fund-raising events sell tickets for an opportunity to stick your hand in a bag and pull out a prize. Imagine what emotions your character will experience contemplating putting their hand inside a closed-off bag or box.

            He might be a bit scared, wondering if he’ll touch something slimy or gooey. Or he might be in for the fun, no worries, no concerns.

            Perhaps he’s got a few friends watching. Imagine what they’d say, how he’d react. Is he the kind who accepts friendly ribbing or would he get angry?

            When his fingers touch whatever is there, what reactions does he have? Does he make a face or laugh? Retract his hand without taking anything?

            Your task is to write the story of the grab bag.

            Establish scene and circumstances through a few descriptions of setting. Identify major characters though one of two details at most. Let there be dialogue.

            Have fun with this one.

The Company Banquet

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            Your boss loves a good party, especially when it’s held in her honor. She’ll sit at the front table, surrounded by dignitaries from the county, state, country. Praises will be sung, lots of applause after each of her accomplishments are named and a toast will be offered.

            All will go smoothly, right?

            Your task is to write a story in which a banquet is held, either in honor of your protagonist or that she has to attend.

            Identify what type of banquet, where it will be held, what type of food and drink will be served and whether there is entertainment other than an open bar. Next figure out who the guests will be and how seating will be arranged.

            If it’s a free-for-all, then guests can sit wherever they want. That might make for interesting conversations, but if you want tension (and you should!), seats should be assigned so that no like-minded people are together.

            Begin your story with a bit of intrigue: the invitation, why your character is in the select few, and the emotions that she experiences. After that, don’t forget to include sensory details as you describe the setting.

            Have fun with this one.

Masquerade

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            Halloween is a time when we become someone else. Some choose costumes that mimic well-known people, while others go for super heroes and fantasy creatures. Masks play an important role, for they disguise the wearer.

            Parties are also part of the fun. Imagine getting dressed up in a costume, wearing a mask, then mingling with the crowd, no one knowing who you are. You can change your personality, your voice, and even your posture.

            Your task is to write a story in which your protagonist and friends participate in a masquerade. It can be an elegant party that involves holding masks that cover part of the face, or a raucous affair with loud music, lots of alcohol and relationships that come together, fall apart, then unite with new partners.

            To make the story interesting, there must be dialogue. Readers want to hear what’s being said during the preparation phase, then at the party. Setting is also crucial. Include details of the decorations, the food, the atmosphere, the location, including weather.

            Imagine what would happen if it was an outdoor party and a sudden downpour hits!

            Have fun with this one.

The Book Club

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            Many people belong to book clubs. Some are formed when a group of friends decide to meet regularly to discuss a book they’ve chosen.

            Some clubs are organized by librarians and some by organizations looking for activities for their members.

            Books are often chosen by members, but not necessarily. For example, the leader might pick out a book he/she liked then put that on the list. No discussion or chosing required.

            Meetings can go smoothly with all participants following established guidelines. Others have a harder time, especially when one member decides to hijack the discussion and turn it into their own topic, such as scams or relatives.

            Your task is to write a story in which a book club plays a prominent role. If you write mystery, a death might occur that the members, along with the police, investigate. Or perhaps a fight breaks out, either verbal or physical. Not all members will like the book, and to develop tension, a heated discussion might ensue.

            This calls for lots of dialogue. Description is important as well so that readers understand the scene, the participants and the relationships.

            Have fun with this one.

Opening Line Prompt

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Choose one of the following sentences to begin your story. You can change the name of the character, the setting, and the tense, but you must keep all else the same.

  1. Pete stepped toward the bow of the ship.
  2. A gray blob appeared on the horizon.
  3. Rain began to fall just as Sarah…”

Be sure to add at least one additional character, hopefully one that brings tension and discord. Add details to the setting, for example, what kind of ship is it, where is that blob and what was she doing before it began to rain.

Add sensory details to enrich the scene.

Bring in conflict caused by words or action.

Have fun with this one.

Early Morning Walk

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Imagine getting up before dawn, eating a quick breakfast, slipping into a warm jacket and heading out for a walk. You might hear the morning birds begin their calls, spot a cat slinking under a car, and pass neighbor’s heading to work. Day after day you walk, sometimes heading north, others south.

There are stories to tell. Why did the old couple move out? What happened to the two-story house that’s now surrounded by yellow tape? How did the single woman afford a high-end electric vehicle?

Your task is to write the story of your neighborhood. Choose one house to focus one, or several. Using your imagination, place a family inside. Give that family jobs, kids, friends, wishes.

You can write a rosy-story in which all things are wonderful, but a little tension is preferred. Perhaps a tree drops a limb, crushing that new EV. The tree sits on the neighbor’s property, and the car owner had been begging to get the tree trimmed before it caused damage.

Or maybe small children live in both homes, children who don’t always play nice.

There are tons of stories waiting to be told.

Have fun with this one.

Unusual Meal

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            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.