Personal Artifact

            Imagine cleaning out a relative’s house and finding something you thought had been thrown away or lost. Holding it brings a smile to your face and lights up your eyes.

            The artifact could be valuable, such as a cameo once owned by your grandmother, or it could be sentimental, such as an old teddy bear.

            Imagine also that another relative lays claim to the item. An argument ensues. Angry words are exchanged. And there’s a possibility that fisticuffs break out.

            Stories such as these appear regularly in the news.

            Another consideration is that a stranger finds the items, perhaps using a metal detector on the beach, or when tending a flower garden. What happens then?

            Your task is to write a story in which the discovery, response and feelings play a major role.

Have fun with this one.

Outside Your Window

            Try to recall a time when you sat by a window. Normally your neighborhood is fairly quiet. No small children live there and very few cars rush in and out during the day. One family owns a large dog, another had a small, yapping mix breed of some kind.

            On this particular day you’re supposed to be completing a work assignment. Your computer desk just happens to be located by a large window that looks out on the street.

            Something both interesting and unusual is taking place.

            Your task is to write the story. Begin by identifying the characters by age, height, color and length of hair and any other details that might make for a story. Next think about what might be happening. Are there kids playing basketball? A delivery driver trying to turn around? A dog gets loose and is terrifying adults trying to exit their car?

            How do your characters react? Is there screaming or fighting? Is one of the passengers a dog whisperer?

            Write from the perspective of the watcher. To make things interesting, there might be an open window so that words can be heard.

            Have fun with this one.