Tag: writing about emotions

Fight Time

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Every now and then a fight ensues. It can be caused by a misunderstanding, an incursion into someone’s

space, or an attempt to cause harm. The individuals involved see no recourse except to fight.

They might use words alone, or a push and shove, or fists, or, in worse case scenarios, a weapon.

Sometimes a person gets injured, either in spirit or in body.

Hurts of the heart might take forever to heal, if at all.

Physical injuries will heal, given time, but might leave lasting scars.

Your task is to write a story in which a fight happens. Make it consequential so that there is a cost to objects

or bodies.

Have fun with this one,.

Revenge

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            Revenge is a powerful motivator. It can inspire someone to commit murder, steal something valuable, or destroy someone’s reputation.

            A person who’s been hurt might not think clearly or rationally. They might contrive ways to hurt the person who hurt them. And the pattern might continue, with one person causing hurt and the other responding equally until something breaks the pattern.

            Your task is to write a story in which revenge plays a starring role.

            Have fun with this one.

The Search

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            You lost your glasses. Look for them everywhere. Retrace your steps. A friend drops by for a visit. Sees the frantic look on your face. Laughs. Points to the top of your head.

            Let’s make it something more serious, say the memory card from your camera that holds all the photos from your last vacation. You took it out of the camera and left it on the computer desk. Thinking it might get lost (after all, it’s quite small) you put it someplace safe. Then don’t have time to download photos for a couple of weeks. You open the drawer where you keep things, but it’s not there. A frantic search begins, opening drawers, getting rid of junk, but can’t find it. You’re despondent. A week later, looking for something entirely different, you find the memory card in a small, clear bag, in the drawer where you keep important things.

            We lose all kinds of things, some more important than others. The search can be rewarding if we find it right away, but frustrating if we don’t.

            Your task is to write a story in which you have misplaced something or someone extremely important. Write the search, including the emotional ups and downs.

            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.

I’m Scared!

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            There are so many things to fear: spiders, heights, flying, eating out, strangers. Sometimes those fears are crippling. The subject can’t leave the house because of the possibility of encountering his/her worst fear.

            Then there are those who fear nothing. It must be terrifying as a parent to watch your child climb high into a tree or scale a pole or ride a bike down a steep hill when you’d never do those things yourself.

            Your task is to write a story in which your character has a hidden phobia, which is revealed in a dramatic fashion.

            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.

Letters From Camp

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            Imagine your character is a child attending camp or the camp counselor. The summer camp is supposed to be idyllic, nestled in a forest with a swimming hole, trails, horses and fun activities.

            Instead of a serene setting, however, the camp turns out to be a horror situation.

            Campers often write letters home, telling families about various activities they have enjoyed. In this case, however, very little fun activities take place. Your character writes home, talking about the strange happenings at camp.

            It might be interesting to include a bit of humor.

            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.