Tag: writing about phobias

Phobia Time

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

            You need to introduce some spice into your story. One way to do that is to let your protagonist’s phobias pop out unexpectedly.

            For example, he’s in the shower when a large, brown spider drops on his shoulder. If he’s okay with spiders, he might try to catch it so as to release it outside. However, if he’s terrified, he’ll jump as he brushes it away. He might scream, dance about the shower, even call for help if his partner isn’t afraid.

            What would make this even more interesting is if this display happened when during a gathering. Imagine what her colleagues would say when a normally calm woman bursts into hysterics when a tiny mouse scampers across the floor!

            Your task is to write a story in which your character has kept his phobia hidden from others. An occurrence happens in which his fears are revealed in such a way as to change perceptions of the character.

            Set the scene, populating it with business coworkers, old classmates or fishing friends. Let there be fun happening, or a solemn meeting, or a class reunion. Introduce the bee, spider, mouse or snake.

            Have fun with this one.

Phobias

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

People are afraid of all kinds of things, but most notably, creatures that silently creep about. Often such creatures have hairy legs, drop from ceilings, and build sticky webs. They might hide in shoes and then sting when you try to put shoes on. They might slither about the garden or in between corn stalks or hang from trees waiting for someone to pass by.

Some are afraid of heights, water, flying or riding in elevators. Many are terrified of going new places and trying new things.

If the phobia is mild, the person might take a deep breath before doing that which they fear. However, if the phobia is extreme, a person might lock themselves inside a dark house and refuse to leave.

Your task is to write a story in which a person’s phobia has a major impact on his life. Find a way to reveal the phobia without telling the readers exactly what it is. Setting development is critical, for it is the location that will show readers not only what the character fears, but how she reacts when confronted with it.

Have fun with this one.