Can That Be?

You're running late. A pickup hauling a trailer stops, blocking traffic. Your blood pressure flares and then you notice the driver getting out. Can that be who you think it is?

Nursery Rhyme

Think of your favorite nursery rhyme. What did you like about it? Incorporate that element in a short scene.

One-Sided Conversation

In this day of cell phones, it's not uncommon to overhear someone speaking on the phone. For this exercise, let the reader hear one side of a conversation. Mislead the reader to think one thing only to hit them with a different reality at the end.

Smoke

Smoke, the smell of can evoke good feelings or bad. It warns us to run, or it can invite us to the cookout in the back yard. Use the scent of smoke to usher your reader into a scene.

That Old Song

Sitting at an outdoor cafe, your character listens to the musician strumming a quiet song. It's that same old song . . ..

Write about the memories and where they are today.

Point of View

I sat at a traffic light watching an Osprey fly overhead, carrying a fish in its talons.

Tell this story from the driver's POV, the Osprey's POV and then the fish's POV.

Animal Talk

Animals communicate with a language of their own. I have one parrot that squawks if I'm at the other end of the house because he thinks he's being left out. Cats purr when they're happy and hiss when they what to frighten us. Dogs wag tails, bark, whine, snarl and bare teeth.

Write a scene involving an animal trying to get a message across to another character (animal or human).

(For those of you old enough to remember: Think of how many times Lassie saved the day! Or in the same era, the horse Fury who also saved the day. Or, Rin Tin Tin!)

Christmas Memories

Most publications want seasonal stories 6-9 months in advance. So what better time to think of Christmas. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, you'll have a story to tell. This can be a fictional story based on a true story, or a slice of life vignette from your past.

Wood Stove

Do research on wood stoves, learn how they work and incorporate one into a scene. It can be present day or a blast from the past.

It's Time

Some people go into labor and make it to the hospital with little drama. For today's prompt, write a scene about a woman in labor. The baby's coming. Where is she? Will she make it to the hospital? Are there other children involved? A husband or boyfriend? The scene you write should be filled with drama.

A Cup of Coffee

Write a scene involving a cup of coffee. It can be the first cup in the morning, a meeting with a friend at a local coffee shop, or coffee on the run. Anything is fine, as long as it includes a cup of coffee. Be sure to include the senses of taste and smell.

Long Time No See

Create a scene that reunites two or more people after years. However, this is not your typical reunion. Let it ignite anger, horror and similar negative emotions.

Hungry

Write a scene that shows your character is hungry. Don't tell it--show it.

TV Commercials

Pluck a character from a TV commercial and build a story around them. Surf the channels and find one that works for you. Can you imagine the lady that's "got to go, got to go, got to go right now" running in your imagination to or from the situation of your making? Have fun.

Crossing on the Ferry

Do a bit of research on ferries to find a tidbit or two you didn't know. Incorporate the new information in a short scene.

A Walk in the Park

Take your imagination for a stroll in the park. What do you see, smell and hear?

Sounds of Morning

Describe the sounds of morning as the world around you comes to life.

Last Sentence

Write a scene or short story making this the last sentence:

A pair of pelicans glided over the glassy sea reflecting the fading orange halo of the setting sun.

Failure

Failure, whether real or perceived, can make people stronger or send them spiraling into the depths of depression. Write a scene depicting a character dealing with failure.

I'm Late, I'm Late

Remember the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland? Always in a rush, disruptive and late. Base your character on a fictional character from children's literature. If you can't think of one, use the rabbit.

World War II - Rations

Write a scene depicting life when rations pushed people to make due with what they had. Make it a story of a special day when family gathers.

Mmmmm, that Looks Delicious

Write 1-3 paragraphs about a favorite dish. How does it smell, taste and look?

This Day Couldn't Get Any Worse

Imagine one of those days. Nothing goes right. You know the ones I mean. Like when you spill coffee on your shirt on your way to an important interview. Write a scene where one incident after another builds into a perfectly horrible day. But here's the kicker. Write it with humor.

Bubbles, Butterflies and Falling Leaves

What do bubbles, butterflies and falling leaves have in common? They gently ride air currents. Watching them initiates a calming, and more peaceful mindset. Choose a character mindset below:

irate
depressed
worried or anxious

Now position this person in a place where bubbles, butterflies or falling leaves catch their attention. What happens?

Gravestone

Place your character in a cemetery standing before a worn gravestone. What does it say? Use the inscription to create a flashback to the real story of the person buried there.

Waiting for the Call

Write a scene with a single character waiting for a call. Let us see the anticipation. Will they experience butterflies and sweaty palms, or does dread stir nausea, dry lips and a pale pallor?

White Roses

The lights dimmed and with the hoist of the curtain a sparsely furnished stage blurred as Angela focused on the vase of white roses on the small table at the back of center stage. She’d ordered white roses. Did they actually get them? Could this be her ticket back stage?

What led to this moment?

Or?

Who does she hope to meet backstage…and does she meet them?

Creaky Floorboards

Twilight scattered charcoal clouds scuttling along the horizon. The old house took on a surreal quality as shadow swallowed the diminishing sunlight. Floorboards overhead creak. Your character thought they were alone? Who or what could be upstairs?

Dreaded Bug

Showing fear in our writing can be a challenge. Choose your least favorite insect and write a scene where you come in contact with the varmit. Write it from the bug's POV.