Saturday, September 30, 2006

Death of a Dream

Create a character who lives an unfulfilled life. They have a dream. What is the dream? How long has it laid dormant? Did they set it aside or was it ripped from them? How do they feel at the start of your story? Do they still dare to dream or is the spirit of hope crushed?

Donna
Check out more articles and classes on writing at the Inspired Author

Friday, September 29, 2006

The Blanket

As the weather gets cooler, thoughts turn to snuggling and keeping warm. Recently we received souvenir blankets at a baseball game. As a child, I remember the quilt my great-grandmother made for my father with his initial at the center in red, his favorite color. I've also known children who can't go anywhere without their blankie. Recently, I learned of electric blankets that have dual controls.

Write a story about a blanket.

Donna
Check out more articles and classes on writing at the Inspired Author

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Clutter, Clutter Everywhere

Develop a scene full of clutter. Feet shuffling through discarded containers, papers, garbage or clothes. Sinks piled with dirty dishes or laundry heaping on the bedroom floor. Add some smells for fun.

Donna
Check out more articles and classes on writing at the Inspired Author

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Hidden

Expose something hidden.

A bird flies into a lush green tree and hides in the branches. A wife pours herself a drink to calm shattered nerves behind the doors of her million dollar home. As you walk or drive down the street consider the possibilities. Write a short story or scene based on something hidden.


Donna
Check out more articles and classes on writing at the Inspired Author

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Story of Teeth

Our smiles say a lot, but what about our teeth?

Write a short story about teeth. Include one of the following:

  • Braces
  • Over whitening
  • Missing teeth
  • Rotten teeth
  • Getting a crown
  • Tooth fairy
  • Monday, September 18, 2006

    Life On the Run

    Take a character that loves routine and thrust them into life on the run. How do they grow? What do they learn? And do they change for the better?

    Saturday, September 16, 2006

    Sound and Setting

    Daylight brushes the horizon and bird calls pierce the silence. Crickets sing a chorus under the shade of the front porch. Sounds add dimension to setting. Write a scene or short story 1,000-1,200 words. Include at least two sounds. If your stumped, stop and listen.

    Friday, September 15, 2006

    New Shoes

    Write a story about new shoes. It can be anything as long as the shoes are new to the character. Remember, shoes can show part of the story.

    Wednesday, September 13, 2006

    Blue-Green

    What does the color blue green bring to mind? No hints, no other prompts. Just write about something blue-green. Can it be associated with a sound? A taste? A feeling?

    Tuesday, September 12, 2006

    Story Starter - Hummingbird

    Today's prompt marks the return of the hummingbirds to my feeders. I get so much enjoyment from them. The way they move is a miracle in my sight. In research I did for my novel, Windwalker, I came to realize that hummingbird are associated with healing, wisdom, endurance. This tiny bird is also thought by some to be a messenger sent from heaven. So today's writing prompt includes a hummingbird, but how you use it...what it means is up to you.


     

    Photo credit:  pixabay

    Today's Writing Prompt

    Before you start, I want you to look up the meaning of hummingbirds. You'll find plenty to choose from. Then with the meaning you choose in mind, start a story with this blurb: 

    I drifted mindlessly back and forth on the glider. I just needed to get out of the house for some fresh air. Away from the machines beeping and buzzing. The buzz of hummingbird wings pulled me from my reverie..

    Monday, September 11, 2006

    Aquarium

    Write an underwater or aquarium scene. Present vivid images, but remember to include how it feels and sounds.

    Saturday, September 09, 2006

    Expectations and Reality

    Children look forward to reaching a new destination. Their imaginations run with details they've gleaned from adult conversations. They chatter in the car, study brochures and then reality hits. "We're here? This is it?" or "We're here, we're here."

    It's no different for adults. Write a short story based on someone's expectation, and bring it to conclusion with the reality.

    Friday, September 08, 2006

    Tired

    Write a description of what it feels like to be tired without using the word tired.

    Thursday, September 07, 2006

    Pest

    1. an annoying or troublesome person, animal, or thing; nuisance.
    2. an insect or other small animal that harms or destroys garden plants, trees, etc.
    3. a deadly epidemic disease, esp. a plague; pestilence.

    Create a scene involving a pest.

    Monday, September 04, 2006

    Haircut

    A good haircut can make a person feel good--a bad haircut can ruin special plans. Children dread sitting in the chair. Women like to go to get pampered. Some hair salons now offer spa services. Men go in and shoot the bull as they get clipped.

    Write a scene including a haircut.

    Sunday, September 03, 2006

    Gateways

    Gateways, portals, wormholes, star gates, and other such passageways leading to fantasy worlds usher a reader's imagination into realms beyond our imagination.

    Create a gateway. What does the person entering glean about the world beyond as they make their approach? How is it activated? How does it feel to step up to the threshold? Does your character enter or does something make them change their mind? If they step through what's the first thing they smell?

    Saturday, September 02, 2006

    Trends and Traditions

    Describe a family tradition (good or bad) or a new trend you'd like to see in family life.