Set the Monster Free

            Every good fantasy story needs a monster. It could be a kraken, huge shark, vicious hounds, or even destructive children.

            They terrorize the village, devour pets, take bites out of boats, glom onto airplanes, and, if children, smear food all over walls.

            They leave destroyed evidence in their wake. People hide inside when they are about. Some will refuse to fly or swim or sail. Some will refuse to bear children of their own.

            Your task is to write a story in which there is at least one monster. The level of destruction should be sufficient enough to cause terror.

            Have fun with this one.

A Strange Day

            Many children’s books revolve around something unusual that happens, something that takes the child character completely by surprise. Often dreams are the catalyst, but there can be other triggers as well.

            Children love to play make-believe. They fabricate complex, ever-evolving stories with magic, beasts, queens and kings. Knights and dragons. All kinds of creatures, large and small.

            Your task is to write a children’s story based on the premise that something strange happens, something unexpected and so unusual that the child had no way to predict the inciting incident.

            Have fun with this one.