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

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

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

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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?

Story Starter - Hummingbird

Start a story with this blurb:

I drifted mindlessly back and forth on the glider. The buzz of hummingbird wings drew my attention to the last yellow flowers on the stunted rose bush.

Aquarium

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

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.

Tired

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

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.

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.

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?

Trends and Traditions

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