Tag: writing about a party

The Company Banquet

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

            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

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

            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 Party

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

            The backyard is festooned with balloons and colorful banners. The clown has been hired, the bounce house inflated and the cake delivered. The grill is ready to cook hot dogs and hamburgers. Games are stacked and the pinata is hanging on a tree branch. The guests arrive and initially all goes well.

            The boss rented a banquet hall in an upscale hotel. The caterer has hired staff, ordered the food for the buffet and stocked the bar. Floral bouquets are centered on each table. The band is warming up and the chef is rushing around the kitchen overseeing the preparations. The employees drift in by ones and twos, head for the bar and settle at tables.

            Something always go wrong. It is inevitable. It might be a child skinning a knee or a priceless vase shattering into tiny pieces. Most likely there will be at least one argument after a goodly amount of booze has been consumed. Perhaps hair will be pulled, a chest punched or a pair of drunks will roll down a hill.

            Your task is to write a story in which a series of unfortunate events occur. Begin with rather inconsequential issues that escalate into increasingly larger ones. As tension builds, your characters’ true personalities will show.

            Have fun with this one.

Masquerade

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

            People seem to love dressing up in costume and going to parties. If the mask is good enough, even the best of friends can’t identify the wearer. This allows freedoms to say and do things that perhaps the participant would never do.

            Some masquerades are quite elaborate. They take place at huge houses or McMansions. There are spiraling staircases, gilded trimmings, caterers about and even an orchestra playing dance tunes. Decorum is maintained according to caste expectations.

            During Halloween there are also parties, but they might feature salads made up to look like human insides, games designed to gross out participants, and freaky music echoing off the walls.

            Your task is to write a scene in which a masquerade plays a major role. Make things interesting by having something unexpected and untoward happen. Think murder or grand theft. Perhaps an unwanted sexual encounter. Stumbling drunks and flirtatious behavior.

            The setting is crucial. Readers want to be drawn in by opulence or the fright-factor. Descriptions of what participants are wearing is also important. When the story gets going, dialogue will make things come alive.

            Have fun with this one.