Tag: using a prop in a story

Pizza Time

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

            Lots of kids like pizza. Some want only cheese on theirs, while others want as much meat as possible. Some like pineapple while others want only black olives.

            No matter the differences, saying “Let’s order pizza,” generally is greeted by Hurrahs and cheers.

            Nowadays there are many options in terms of preparation. Do you want thick crust, pan pizza or gluten free? Sauce or no sauce? Or maybe a pesto sauce. How about cheese buried inside the outer edge of the crust or extra cheese on top? Chicken or pepperoni?

            When did you first eat pizza? How old were you and where was it? Did your parent make the pizza or did you go to a restaurant? Did you get an individual pizza or one for the family to share?

            Were there fights over what kind of pizza to order or who got the last piece?

            Your task is to write a story in which pizza plays an important role. It can be a sweet remembrance or a story fraught with tension and loud arguing.

            Your protagonist can be a child or an adult. She can like or hate pizza. She can throw temper tantrums if she doesn’t get her way or feel heard.

            Have fun with this one.

The Grab Bag

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

            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.

Distinctive Fragrance

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

            Try to recall a time when wearing cologne was commonplace for both men and women. Put yourself in that time and place. Which ones did you like? Which ones made your nose wrinkle?

Which lingered long after the wearer had passed through?

For example, back when Old Spice was quite popular with men, when you were near someone wearing it, how did it make you feel?

Now consider a woman wearing Channel #5.

Your task is to write a story in which a character is wearing a distinctive cologne. That cologne must play a major role. For example, what if the burglar had been wearing the Channel? Or the rapist the Old Spice?

What images would your victim call forth?

Include as many sensory details as you can.

Have fun with this one.