Pumping Your Muse Prompts

New and Unusual

2011-08-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Try a new food and write about the experience. It doesn't have to be anything as exotic as snails, but go ahead ... be adventurous and write about it. Challenge yourself to include the senses of:

Sight
Taste
Smell
and the big challenge ... include the sense of hearing.

Eating Habits

2010-10-12T04:29:00.000-07:00

When you don't know what to write, a prompt can get your started. Today's writing prompt takes essay form, but it can be used to give one of your character's a quirk. And no excuses! This is a prompt everyone can write.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt - Eating Habits

Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, you can write an essay. Today's prompt deals with eating patterns. Are you someone who mixes food on their plate or one who doesn't want anything to touch? Do you eat one thing at a time, or a little bit of everything throughout the meal? Do you rinse your plate before adding something taking a helping of something different? Do you eat your favorite food first, last or with everything else? Do you eat every crumb or throw food away when you're satisfied? Do you eat big helpings or small amounts and many snacks?

As you write this from a personal perspective, it gives the passions behind why you do what you do. Take that passion and give a fictional character eating habits. This is the type of detail that offers realistic quirks that make our characters identifiable.

Write one to three paragraphs about your eating habits--not just what you do, but why you do it. I challenge you to include either the sense of smell or hearing These are the types of details used to give a fictional characters a quirk that makes them stand out amid a sea of characters.

The Feeling of Sentence Structure

2010-10-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

At times writers use shorter sentences to build tension, and other times longer languid prose provide a relaxed look around at details. Today's prompt is going to use both.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Chose one of the following actions and write a short paragraph that shows tension while the action takes place and write a second paragraph using the same action but portraying it in a languid almost distracted way.

answering the phone
car approaching
making dinner

This prompt practices the use of sentence structure to add to the "feel" of your story.

* * *

Watch for author Donna's Sundblad inspiration fantasy due to be released in time for Christmas.

Written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, The Inheritance offers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. You'll laugh, experience dangers and snares and witness a budding romance. This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions.

Face of a Stranger

2010-09-29T05:16:00.000-07:00

Today's is a photo prompt I call "Face of a Stranger," but by the time you're done, she won't be a stranger anymore.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

For today's writing prompt, place this woman pictured in one of the following scenarios:

Sitting on a park bench watching two lovers walk by hand in hand
Riding the bus, clutching a bag of groceries.
Watching children ice skate on a frozen pond.

* * *

For more writing prompts, jump start your imagination with Donna's unique book for writers. Pumping Your Muse gets you writing andt helps you learn how to develop and improve your scenes.

Seeing the Future

2010-09-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

In a bit of back-and-forth conversation with one of my online friends, the mention of seeing into the future came up. I thought it would make the perfect element of change for this writing prompt. Have fun!

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

For this prompt, choose an existing scene you've written. If you don't have one, borrow one from a story you've read. We're going to add one new element that will change everything. You're viewpoint character has somehow seen into the future. Perhaps in a dream, or a vision reflected on the water's surface. How he or she sees into the future is up to you, what I want see is the difference it makes in the scene. Now they know something that hasn't happened yet. How does it change their actions? And does it change the outcome or is the future set in stone?

* * *

For more writing prompts, jump start your imagination with Pumping Your Muse. It gets you writing andt helps you learn how to develop and improve your scenes.

Three Words Prompt

2010-09-27T05:21:00.000-07:00

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Today's prompt challenges you to use these three words in a scene or short story.

*goatee

*cell phone

*headlights

This prompt is a great opportunity to learn how to show a snapshot in time. What do the headlights show in an instant? Use it to pull readers into the scene.

* * *

For more writing prompts, check out Pumping Your Muse. This book not only jump starts your imagination and gets you writing, it helps you learn how to develop and improve your scenes.

First Sentence Story Starter

2010-09-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

Today's prompt features an elderly couple, in my mind. I hope you enjoy this one.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Use the following sentence to start a short story.

Gertie cradled Herbert's hand in hers and stared the the age spots on the back of her hand.

Transition Writing Prompt

2010-09-07T06:51:00.000-07:00

Learning to transition from one scene to another takes practice. You don't want to leave your writers feeling like they've missed something. The transition that carries the reader into your story is just as important. It must gently guide the reader into the world and lives of your characters and at the same time hook them.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Today's prompt will create a gentle transition with the wind as your tool. The wind itself is unseen, but what it does to the world can be seen and used to introduce your world. For example:

A balmy gust brushed the grass in waves. Dandelions growing between the cracks of a brick walkway bowed their yellow heads, except for one that had gone to seed. White fluffy seeds caught a ride on a dirt devil. They flew high toward the bright sky and glided freely over the park. Over the couple huddled in secrecy on the park bench.

Use one of the following items with the wind to transition into a fresh scene:

Dried leaves
Sand
Dandelions
Butterfly
Bird

If you think of your own, that's great. Just add wind, mix...and write!

* * *

Watch for author Donna's Sundblad inspirational fantasy due to be released in time for Christmas.

Written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, The Inheritanceoffers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. You'll laugh, experience dangers and snares and witness a budding romance. This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions.

The Map Story Starter

2010-08-31T16:59:00.000-07:00

Today's writing prompt will start out with dialog. Create a conversation between two characters starting with...

"Cap'n, we found this map on them."

Within the scene, add one sound and one odor or aroma.

Have fun!

* * *

Watch for author Donna's Sundblad inspiration fantasy due to be released in time for Christmas.

Stray Dog

2010-07-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

Situations come into life unplanned and how we deal with them is a story. I sat at a garage sale today and a stray dog wandered into our midst. His golden coat was dingy and dirty. He'd been around for three days. Someone probably dumped him hoping he'd find a home.

The grandkids begged to keep it, and with each potential shopper the dog's ears perked up as if to ask, "Are you my new family." Each individual reacted differently.

For your prompt today, write three short paragraphs telling the story of three different people and how they reacted this this two-year-old yellow lab.

Include the sense of smell or hearing in each paragraph.

The Fall: A Screenshot in Time

2010-02-22T04:20:00.000-08:00

Our life experiences color our writing. When we've experienced something, it is easier to provide realistic detail to our writing. Today's prompt is going to draw from one such experience.

Think about the last time your fell. As an adult, we don't fall often. I remember one time when I still worked a 9 to 5 and went to collect the mail for my department. Back then I wore heels and a business suit with a skirt.

My arms full of mail, I walked toward my cubicle to sort and distribute. Along with loose envelopes, I juggled a couple of boxes. With the mound clutched in my arms, I didn't see a misplaced wastebasket in the middle of the aisle. My shin rammed into the metal edge of the wastebasket. The pain shocked me. Boxes tumbled through the air, mail burst like fireworks and scattered, and my mind told me I was going down. I slammed into the floor, clasping the remaining envelopes to my chest. People rushed to my side. "Are you okay?"

I shot to my hands and knees and collected the mail. "Good thing I had my arms full, or I would have tried to catch myself and probably broke my wrists!"

* * *

You see how this could be developed into a story? I've fallen twice since then over the following 20 years. I remember the experiences clearly. It's amazing what details run through your head while it is happening. It's kind of like taking a screenshot in time.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Think of a time when you fell. It can be anytime in life. Did you ever fall while riding your bike? Climbing a tree? On the ice? Did a fall ever leave you embarrassed? Get you dirty? Hurt?

Write a scene that uses details from your experience. This can be a true slice-of-life vignette, or a fictional piece.

Donna Sundblad
Author of Pumping Your Muse

* * *

Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review for Beyond the Fifth Gate at Teens Read Too!

The Haircut

2010-01-30T06:47:00.000-08:00

Everyday life generates story ideas if you keep your eyes open to notice them. One of the first writers' prompts I ever had published was about shopping for ideas. I especially do this when on a day trip or vacation. I walk into stores actually looking for story ideas. I keep these ideas in a file. Some are never used, but often when I need to come up with a story all I have to do is go to the idea folder.

With that in mind, I have to tell you the inspiration behind today's prompt. My son-in-law cuts his own hair. He wears it very short. Yesterday he stood in front of the bathroom mirror cutting his hair and grooming his beard while he talked with his wife. It's a process. He changed the attachment for his beard, noticed a spot he missed near his temple....talking...cutting...attachment changed...on...off. He slid the trimmer up the front side of his head to his temple. No attachment! Zip! Down to the skin. Right at the front of his head. Kind of like those horrible pictures of when kids cut their own hair.

My daughter saw coming, but it happened so fast all she could do was laugh once it happened. What else could she do? My son-in-law stared at his handiwork and joined her. What else could he do? My daughter came up with an idea to temporarily "fix" the oops. For now my son-in-law looks like a jar head. Luckily his hair grows very fast.

Anyhow, this slice of life experience made me think of other hair cut stories. Like the time my girlfriend's little girls cut each other's hair the day before they were supposed to be flower girls. Use one of the following prompts to write a short story (fictional or non-fiction) or at least a a couple of paragraphs to get you writing.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

First haircut

Cutting your own hair

Paying big money for a new hair style

Cutting your child's hair

Cutting your spouse's hair

Secretly cutting someone's hair

* * *
Check out Donna Sundblad's latest interview at Authors Unleashed

Buy Donna Sundblad's books:
Windwalker
Beyond the Fifth Gate
Pumping Your Muse

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award

2010-01-27T05:44:00.000-08:00

I normally don't post writing markets here but save those for my Anthology News and Reviews Blog. But I know many of my readers have drafts of novels tucked away in a drawer and this is your chance to do something with them! Here's a message from Amazon:

Hello from Amazon.com,

We’re writing to tell you about a great opportunity from Amazon for your work.

The third annual Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award has begun! The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award offers authors of unpublished or self-published English-language novels a chance to win one of two $15,000 publishing contracts with Penguin USA, and distribution of their novel on Amazon.com. For the first time, Amazon.com customers will vote for two grand prize winners: one for general fiction and one for the best young adult novel. The 2010 competition will now be open to novels that have been previously self-published. Submissions will be accepted from writers around the world through Feb. 7, 2010, or until 5,000 entries have been received in each category. The two grand prize winners will each receive a publishing contract with Penguin, which includes a $15,000 advance. Find out more at www.amazon.com/abna!

We hope you find this information beneficial. If you need help with Author Central, you can contact us any time at:

https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/help/contact-us

The Author Central Team

Story Starter: First Sentence Snow Prompt

2010-01-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

We had a rare snowfall in north Georgia today. Schools closed at 11:30 and not a snowflake had fallen. In the afternoon, the snow started. I went out for my afternoon walk and the flurries started and before I'd walked two miles the flurries transformed to heavy, wet flakes. I felt like I was in a snow globe. It was one of those magical times. I watched snowflakes hit the street and melt, while others gathered in a film across the grass. That experience inspired today's prompt.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Write a scene or short story starting with this sentence:

Heavy white snowflakes dropped to the ground like silent bombs trying to destroy my plans.

* * *
Check out my latest radio interview: Back Story -The Behind the Scenes Look at Writing

Photo Prompt

2010-01-06T04:44:00.001-08:00

Today's prompt was inspired as I wrote the post for Pumping Your Muse Fantasy Writer blog about creating a fantasy setting.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Write a scene based on this photo. If you want more to think about, first, visit the fantasy blog.

Place a one character or more here and answer at least two of these questions:

Where are they going?
What do they feel?
What do they smell?
What do they hear?
What's different from the world in which we live?

* * *
Check out Donna Sundblad's interview at Authors Unleashed

Buy Donna Sundblad's books:
Windwalker
Beyond the Fifth Gate
Pumping Your Muse

Backseat Driver

2009-12-21T04:59:00.000-08:00

In my book, Pumping Your Muse, the Flip Side exercises often take us from one point of view (POV) to another to teach something new about a character or the emerging world developing on the stage of imagination. Sometimes with a simple switch in POV you can find a whole new story, discover a plot thread or learn something different about your character. Today's prompt will take a Flip Side approach to see how new details can come about even in a small space--a car.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

This prompt takes place in a car. Two characters are necessary, but if you feel more characters are needed feel free to add them. However, the scene will take place in one character's POV times 2.

Driver's POV - Write a short scene from the driver's POV. Show what the driver sees, feels, smells, and oh yes, that irritating "backseat driver" telling them what to do.

Backseat Driver's POV -- Now write the same scene, but write it from the backseat driver's POV.

Add one or more of these elements to make things interesting:

*Cell phone

*Cigarette

*Music

*Radio talk show

*An emergency

When you done, ask the following:

Which POV makes for the most interesting story?

Did you learn something new about the driver by writing from the backseat driver's POV?

Meaning Behind Dreams

2009-12-20T04:49:00.000-08:00

Dreams and the meaning behind dreams can be used in a variety of genres. As a fantasy writer, the interpretation of the dream can be a major part of the plot, but using dreams doesn't have to be restricted to fantasy. Think of the character who sees details in a dream that can help to solve a crime. Today's prompt will help you develop the skill of creating the meaning behind dreams. Use this dream to develop a meaning and tie it to characters in a story.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

I lay propped on my elbows and looked down at my rounded stomach. The birthing process wasn't foreign to me. My children are grown. I'm passed the age of child bearing. But here I was giving birth. I felt pressure, but not pain. I pushed and gave birth to a baby girl. She weighed 8 pounds 3 oz., but she was 28 inches long! I cradled her in my arms amazed at her size...at the painless birth. She didn't cry, but looked at me with serene eyes as if she could focus on my face. Her smooth skin glowed. My mind searched for her name. I knew I had planned on a name, but couldn't recall it. I couldn't let my friends know I had baby without telling them her name. I brought her to my breast and she suckled hungrily, but she spit up the milk. Again, she didn't cry, but I worried. I fed her again, but again the milk came up in a small puddle on the sheet. Then I remembered her name. Awehena.

* * *

Check out Donna Sundblad's latest interview at Authors Unleashed

Buy Donna Sundblad's books:
Windwalker
Beyond the Fifth Gate
Pumping Your Muse

Details and Setting

2009-11-23T04:32:00.000-08:00

In writing, small details make setting come to life. They draw the reader in with visuals. These details can also set the scene within a time in history.

For example consider something as simple as a clock. If you read a scene about a young wife winding her clock before climbing into bed, or staring at the second hand sweeping over glow in the dark numbers and falling asleep to the steady tick-tick-tick...when you move on to show she is thinking about her husband in the war and longing for a letter to arrive by mail the small details put you in the past to WWI or WWII...maybe the Korean war or even the Viet Nam War.

On the other hand, if the young wife checks the clock in the lower right hand corner of her computer screen and double checks her email one more time for a message from her husband who is away at war...the clock and other details helps set the time of the story to more recent history.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

For today's prompt write 2-3 paragraphs for one or more of these items. Set each paragraph in a different time.

Clock

Coffee maker/pot

Getting the news

Shoes

Donna Sundblad
Author of Pumping Your Muse

* * *

Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review for Beyond the Fifth Gate at Teens Read Too!

Feed the Senses

2009-11-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

Using sound is one way to reach your audience's senses and pull them into your story. Today's prompt is a first sentence that includes sound:

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Start a short story with this sentence:

Hot bath water seeped into my ears and magnified the sound of my rushing heart with a steady swish, swish, swish.

Scary Story

2009-10-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha. It's the time of year for scary stories. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction there's just something fun about trying to write a scary story with a beginning middle and an end that leaves your readers thinking and maybe even a little creeped out. Today's prompt is going to challenge you to do just that.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Write a story based on this photo that is told from a ghost's POV, but try not to let that secret out until the end of the story.

Have fun!

* * *
Check out Donna Sundblad's latest interview at Authors Unleashed

Buy Donna Sundblad's books:
Windwalker
Beyond the Fifth Gate
Pumping Your Muse

Character Depvelopment

2009-10-04T06:03:00.000-07:00

Character development is an important aspect of any story, whether it's a short story or a novel length project. For today's post take an existing character from a work in progress or use it to start a new story.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Write a scene that offers a visual image of your character and also reveals something about the inner character. Link the character's appearance to their personality.

If you don't have one in mind, use this image to pump your muse.

* * *
Check out my latest radio interview: Back Story - The Behind the Scenes Look at Writing

Fact Stranger than Fiction

2009-09-22T04:18:00.000-07:00

Many days I hear things in the news that make me think, "If this happened 30 years ago, people would say, 'That would never happen.'" Today's prompt will be stimulated by news I came across in recent days.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

If you want to write a political thriller there's plenty of fodder in the news to use as a springboard, but for the rest of you out there here are a few possibilities to oil your muse's gears.

Secret tunnels under the city

Helmsley's Dog Gets $12 Million in Will

Girl Sues Dad over Grounding -- and Wins

Choosing Your Baby's Gender

* * *
Check out Donna Sundblad's latest interview at Authors Unleashed

Buy Donna Sundblad's books:
Windwalker
Beyond the Fifth Gate
Pumping Your Muse

Pumping Your Muse Story Starter

2009-09-06T08:52:00.001-07:00

It's a holiday weekend and what a great time to write a story. Here's a story starter prompt for today. Place your story in this setting:

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

In a kingdom of secrets, in an era of danger and lies, two travelers and a philosopher hope to participate in the greatest fighting tournament of history.

* * *
Check out my latest radio interview: Back Story - The Behind the Scenes Look at Writing

It's Alive

2009-08-24T04:45:00.000-07:00

Before we talk about today's prompt, I want to point you to a story based on the Flyswatter prompt from last week. The Day of Small Things can be found on "My Scattered Stories". It has a Twilight Zone feel to it, so if you like that kind of thing, be sure to stop by for a break from reality.

Today's prompt is inspired by my childhood when I believed my toys came to life at midnight while I slept. I used to line up stuffed animals on my pillow until there was no room for my head. After all I wanted them to be comfortable! I converted other kids in the neighborhood to be believers. Mothers would call my mom to complain their children would not go to sleep at night because they were waiting for their toys to come to life!

Pumping Your Muse Prompt
Many a horror movie depicts inanimate objects that come to life. We have the car in Christine...houses that take over with garbage disposals, stoves and other items taking charge, or the classic Frankenstein. In space, things like the computer Hal takes over in 2001. I could make a list of such stories, but I don't want to tarnish the path your muse will follow for this one. For today's pumping your muse prompt, breathe life into something unexpected. If you choose something from the plant world give it the ability to reason and make it mobile. The same goes for choosing anything from the insect world. This can be fun, scary or somewhere in between. Enjoy!

* * *
Check out Donna Sundblad's latest interview at Authors Unleashed

Buy Donna Sundblad's books:
Windwalker
Beyond the Fifth Gate
Pumping Your Muse

Dirty Water

2009-08-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Writing prompts that include a verb and noun that don't seem to logically go together can stimulate new creative paths that grow into an interesting plot or storyline. Today's prompt was inspired by an old song I heard on the radio this morning when my dreams met the half-light of dawn.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Here are a couple of word combinations that will collide to ignite your muse!

Love that dirty water.
Itch I don't want to scratch.

Write a paragraph or scene based on one of the above.

Today's photo provided by SEPpics's

* * *
Check out my latest radio interview: Back Story - The Behind the Scenes Look at Writing

Flyswatter Prompt

2009-08-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been absent. I'm immersed in writing the sequel to Beyond the Fifth Gate and working on a non-fiction book for the homeschool market on top of my freelancing...and then there's family, the garden...well you get the drift.

Even with all that, I've thought of a few different prompts that I should have stopped by to post. Here's one to have fun with.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt
Write a story based on a man or woman obsessed and carrying a flyswatter. I don't want to say more or I may taint your imagination rather than inspire it. Have fun with this one.
* * *

Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review for Beyond the Fifth Gate at Teens Read Too!

One Sentence

2009-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

I was helping my husband apply film to our windows today and stared at my image as I held the film and he sprayed it with water. My image reflected clearly but as he sprayed it shimmered like in a pond...but clearer. Of course my mind went to the possibility of a fantasy story. Hope it does the same for you.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Your challenge today is to use this sentence in a short story.

"The image shimmered as if in a liquid mirror. "

News to Muse

2009-07-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

You never know what it is that strikes inspiration into the heart of the muse. We have an intersection near our home that is dangerous. Hills that make it hard to see, narrow roads, only a two way stop. Driving through that intersection has planted the seed for a story, but my story involves time travel. The ways of the muse are marvelously creative.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Today we'll expose our muse to the news. Take a look at the following headlines and see which one tickles your muse. Write down ideas as they come to you and write an opening paragraph to capture the idea generated by the news story.

There are a variety of choices here. I'd love to hear where your muse takes you on this one!

Donna Sundblad
Author of Pumping Your Muse

* * *

Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review for Beyond the Fifth Gate at Teens Read Too!

Then and Now

2009-07-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

Today's writing prompt we're going to use history to help develop a scene. This prompt was inspired by the most recent Twilight Zone marathon. One of the episodes had a scene of children playing. Some on a teeter totter, a few jumping rope, and other such activities. Simple...active and having fun. I thought of children today and how the scene might be in front of a screen of some sort...TV, computer, maybe even a game of some sort to which they are plugged in electronically.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Today's prompt will will generate two scenes. One "Then" and one "Now". Have fun with it. If you want to go back to the 1940's, medieval times...or whenever you want, that's fine. OR if you want to flip the exercise you can go into the future for your "Then" scene. Use the following triggers for an idea, or create one of your own.

*Eating Dinner
*Going to a place of worship
*Getting married
*Buying groceries
*Visiting a hospital

* * *

Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

Video Prompt: Night Moves

2009-06-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I heard this song on the radio and was actually listening to the lyrics. Images of life flashed memories of other times and then the song surprised me. It applied to today...but that's for me. It stimulated my muse to write an inspirational story. Not that I'm saying that's what you'll write, but I challenge you to listen to this whole song and while you do, jot down your thoughts. From that list of thoughts develop a story or poem.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

* * *

Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

Picture Prompt: The Doll

2009-06-23T04:31:00.000-07:00

Subtle details weave through a story line to give readers the information they need to know, to engage them, as they not only wonder what happens next but also what has happened in the past, Such a detail may lead to the ah-ha moment that brings the entire plot together. I think of the Planet of the Apes when they found the doll that said, "Mama."

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Today's prompt is The Doll. Write a three to five paragraphs scene based on this photo. I'd love to hear what you did with this one!

* * *
Stop by Dayana Knight's blog for my guest post on The Why Behind the Setting.

Pacing and Sentence Structure

2009-06-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Good writers use varied sentence structure for effective pacing. When you use repetitious sentence patterns it is much like talking in a monotone...boring.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

For today's prompt choose something you've already written and check your sentences. The most common pattern you see is a simple subject and verb sentence. Include shorter sentences to add tension, While working on your sentences check for the following:

Omit the and how, or and then

Check your pronouns to be sure they reflect back to the correct noun

Look for awkward sentences -- these become clear when you read your work outloud

Vary the length of your sentences to keep the story interesting and moving forward.

* * *

Stop by Dayana Knight's blog this Friday where I'll be stopping by for a guest post on creating an effective setting.

The Itch

2009-06-07T05:33:00.000-07:00

Learning to show rather than tell your story takes practice. Today we'll use an itch to practice this skill. Today we'll take a little itch and use it as a prompt to help develop a scene that challenges you to show the itch.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt
Think about it. If you say your character has an itch people know what that means, but they don't necessarily feel it or understand if it is a slight sensation that's going away or something more. Is it a deep itch that almost drives your character crazy? Is it a foreshadowing of something more to come? Such as the first symptom of a pandemic? Or something less threatening like lice or poison ivy?

Write a short scene or story based on the itch.

* * *

Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

Beyond the Norm

2009-05-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid my imagination often crossed the barriers reality tried to keep in place. As a writer, prompts help me cross those barriers today so I can tap into that carefree imagination. Today we're going to kindle our senses with the use of various settings.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt
Use the following settings to tickle your senses. Write down the smells, sounds, and less noticeable sights you'd see.

*Fresh water lake
*The gym
*Church
*Cafeteria
*National park

When your done, make a list of possible story ideas that come to mind.

* * *

Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

First Sentence

2009-05-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

I received good news from one of my Pumping Your Muse Prompts followers. She has had a story accepted! The only way to have a story published is to write and submit! Congratulations Amy

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Today we have a first sentence prompt. Use it as the first sentence of a short story. This one can take all kinds of directions. Have fun.

First sentence: Angela wanted to cry.

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3 Words Writing Prompt

2009-05-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

I know I've been more sporadic than ever with posting prompts, but I must confess--the characters in my Beyond the Fifth Gate sequel have taken me captive! The working title for the new book is Lost Cantos and I'm loving the creation process--but it certainly is time consuming. In the meantime, I just have to post a prompt.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:
It's been awhile since we've done a three word writing prompt. I have a fondness for them because such a prompt was behind one of the first stories I ever had published. The idea is to use these three words in a story:

*spark
*garden
*phone call

OR

*tooth
*broom
*television

Have fun!

Laughing at Back Trouble

2009-05-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

Back trouble is not a laughing matter in real life, but it can be used for comedic effect in your writing. Placing a character in an unexpected situation can cause conflict, growth and all that, but if you use it right, it can make the reader laugh. Writing for comedic effect is like breathing for those who have the knack, but for those of us who like to laugh but don't have that gift, it takes some work. Today's prompt is designed to help us flex our comedic writing muscle.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Place your character in a setting where they think they are asserting their independence--and then it strikes--back trouble. They can't straighten up, or can't walk. Can hardly move. You get the picture. If you don't know where to start, try one of the following settings:

*The garden
*The shower
*A public restroom
*A job interview
*Camping
*The kitchen

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Mother's Day Special from the Heart

2009-05-06T06:17:00.001-07:00

One thing that's true. We all have a mother. What that means to each individual is different. In honor of Mother's Day, today's writing prompt is a story generator and the topic will be mothers.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Set the timer for 10 minutes. Sit down with a sheet of paper and make a list. Write down memory snippets, whatever comes to mind with the word mother. Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

Mom
homemade cookies
making lunches
the ringer washer
folding diapers
rinsing diapers
chipping my front teeth and afraid to tell you
the time I said I hate you when I was seven
putting on plays and watching you laugh
cooking for family gatherings

This list is a short example to help you see exactly what I want you to do. Once you have your list, use it over the next couple of days to write a short story. If you get it polished enough, slip it into your Mother's Day card as a Mother's Day Special gift from the heart.

If you get it done, you can submit it to Cup of Comfort for Mothers, but the deadline is May 15. You can check out the details at my Anthology News and Reviews blog.

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Mug of Memories

2009-05-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hold that steaming mug in your hands and there's something comforting, something that carries you away to another time, another place...let's you think through things going on.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Today's prompt offers two choices. One for the fiction writer and one for the non-fiction writer. Both include a mug:

For the fiction writer:

Place your character at a table with a steamy mug. Use it to get him thinking, but be sure to include senses other than visual. How does the mug feel? What's the smell...or taste? What memories does it bring back?

For the non-fiction writer:

While you enjoy your own steamy mug, write down whatever comes to mind. Keep it up as long as there is liquid in your cup. You'll be surprised where it takes you. Just make a list and then use one of the items on your list to write a short essay.

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First Impressions

2009-04-22T04:29:00.000-07:00

First impressions of people aren't always on target, but what about first impressions of inanimate objects? Today's writing prompt will include such a first impression.

Wondering what on earth I'm talking about? Here's one example:

When we moved into our house the white porcelain sink brought back memories of childhood. Even though it was a double sink, unlike the sink I remembered, I thought it was perfect.

Then everyday reality set in. Pots and pans left gray streaks that needed regular cleaning with lots of scrubbing, coffee stained the sink, and the the middle section that divided the two sinks combined with the curve of the faucet made it difficult to rinse the coffee carafe. I after about the third clink of glass to porcelain I started to question the functionality of this sink.

I could go on, but you see what I'm getting at.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

For today's prompt include an inanimate object the character thinks is perfect at the onset. Develop a scene or short story about a first impression and how that impression changes through circumstances.

If you don't have something in mind, choose one of the following:

*Dress for a special occasion
*A new or used car
*Television
*Bowling Ball
*Shoes
*Lawn Mower

Use This Sentence Prompt

2009-04-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today's prompt is a take off of the first sentence writing prompt, only this time you can use the sentence anywhere in your story.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

I stood stunned; the body of our guide in a pool of blood in the secret room.

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It's Not Funny

2009-04-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

Today's prompt is an exercise in creating tension and building conflict through an unlikely agent: laughing.

Have you ever laughed because you were nervous or scared...or just at an inappropriate time? I remember collecting frogs for my biology teacher for extra credit. A friend and I waded around in the muck and I decided to climb into a tree to see if I could spot any frogs from the air. I pointed here and there while my friend sloshed around...and then it happened. She lost her balance and landed in that slimy water! What did I do? I laughed. The more I laughed the angrier my friend became. "It's not funny!" She screamed it, but the more she said it, the more I laughed, even though my brain told me she was right. It wasn't funny.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

For today's prompt create a scene involving two to three main characters. One of those characters will laugh at an inappropriate time that causes others to react in a way that raises conflict and tension. If you feel a little stuck, here are a few scenario suggestions to pump your muse:

*Giving birth
*Attending church
*On the job
*Run out of gas
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Finding a Treasure

2009-04-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, you've got plenty of stories you've started and never finished. Sometimes you can tell they just arent' going anywhere, other times, you know it needs polishing, but then you forget about it. For today's prompt, I want you to pull out one of these old, unfinished stories and dust it off.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Before you start to tread through your story, take a blank piece of paper and draw lines to create three columns. Title the columns:

*Strengths
*Weaknesses
*Ideas

At the bottom of the page, write "What I liked" and "What I didn't like."

Choose one of your unfinished stories and read through it. Make notes on your worksheet as you do, noting the strengths/weaknesses and any ideas or thoughts that are inspired by the story. Often pulling out a previously written story after a long rest can be a real eye opener. You'll be able to view it with a fresh perspective.

Once you've read it, take a look at your notes and apply your new ideas to strengthen the weaknesses and add meat to the story. If there is anything you didn't like about the story, now is the time to fix it. When you're done, you may have found a real treasure by dusting off a relic found in your files.

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Interview Your Character

2009-04-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

Writing is a process and character development is part of that process. It is so much easier to know what your character will do when you understand them. One way to know your character, even a new or complex character, is to interview them.

Questions to include should be about their backgrounds, interests and other things than give them history.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Choose one of your characters and interview them. Ask the following questions or others to get the information you want to know.

1. Where were you born?
2. Who are your parents?
3. Are you close to your mom or dad?
4. Do you have any sisters or brothers?
5. What level have you completed in school?
6. Do you have a trade?
7. What do you do for a living?
8. What's your favorite food?
9. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
10. What would you like to accomplish in life?
11. Who is your best friend?
12. What is your favorite mode of travel?
13. What bothers you most?
14. Do you play a musical instrument?
15. Do you have a love interest?
16. What do you do to relax?
17. What do you read most often?
18. Do you have a secret?
19. If you could change something about your life, what would it be?
20. (Choose your own question(s)...I'm sure what you've learned has generated one or two.

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Watch What You Wish For

2009-04-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

I remember a moment in time when my pre-teen daughter said, "If I could only get braces, I'll never want another thing in my life."

I said, "I wish I had a recorder."

Man by our very nature never seems never to have enough, as our current economy testifies. For today's prompt, the theme will center on a wish come true...but let's add a twist. The reality wished for is not what the wisher intended.

Pumping Your Muse Prompts

Choose one of the following wishes to use as a springboard for your story:

*I wish I had a husband just like...
*I wish I could be as thin as...
*I wish she loved me like I love her.
*I wish I could get that car, then the girls...
*I wish Sci-fi was real
*I wish I could get pregnant

I'd love to hear what you do with this one! Have fun!

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Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

The Story Behind the Lyrics

2009-03-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

Songs are inspired and inspiring. Today, we'll use a song as the prompt. Turn on the radio or use one of the following songs as the springboard to develop a new short story or maybe a poem. I've picked songs with plenty of possibilities. Have fun!

Today's Pumping Your Muse Video Prompts:

Spring Is In the Air

2009-03-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

After enduring winter's cold, snow, and winds for months, we all look forward to spring! Here in NW Georgia splashes of color decorate the dead-looking landscape as the first signs of spring bloom. Daffodils, Bradford pear trees, and even dandelions renew that feeling of hope that comes with the newness that bursts forth.

Yesterday was the first day of Spring and while buds and blossoms burst on the scene, that doesn't mean the cold is gone. I've learned not to put my garden in until April, because covering the plants to protect them from the hard frost is not--well let's say it's not fun.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt
Spring will be the platform for today's prompt. The setting is Springtime. Where you are in the world is up to you. The element to add to your story: Irony.

The definition: "a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated." (Dictionary.com)

Write three to five paragraphs. This one should be fun!

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon

The Birds

2009-03-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

We've enjoyed some much needed rain here in NW Georgia, and yesterday afternoon when the sun decided to come out for a little while the cacophony of bird calls was amazing. When I moved to FL I experienced a whole new world of feathered friends, and now in GA my feeders attract even another variety. Today's prompt is inspired by these beautiful creatures.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Different birds frequent different parts of the world. That in itself can be used as a way to introduce where your characters live. Their reaction to the creature can also tell the reader something about the story. For example, if your character sees their first bluebird ever, that tells you they are new to the area, and it also introduces the setting.

The character's reaction can also introduce more personal details. If the bluebird brings to mind the song "Hey Mr. Bluebird" that gives a clue to the character's age, or a relationship with an older person who taught them the song. If the bird's striking colors amaze them as they watch it land in the bare branches of a tree in the back yard, it gives an idea of season.

Write a scene or short story in which you use a bird to introduce details of the story.

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Subtle Sounds

2009-03-13T04:14:00.000-07:00

Incorporating details that feed the reader's sensory receptors draws them into the story and helps them live within the pages. The trick is to feed the senses in a way that the reader can experience what is happening rather than telling them what is going on. For today's prompt we'll use a subtle sound as a springboard.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Use one of the following sounds to introduce your story:

*Dripping water
*Stomach growling
*A sneeze
*Clearing the throat
*Blood pulsing in the ears

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Enter the Unexpected

2009-03-11T05:07:00.000-07:00

Have you started a story that you like, but don't know where to take it? Has your interesting character lost his/her flavor? Today's prompt is designed to help you get that story unstuck and infuse the plot with an unexpected element of conflict that will increase tension and the need to for resolution.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Take an unfinished scene or short story that remains incomplete because you don't know what to do with it. Pump new life into it with the unexpected. Add one of the following unexpected elements and see where it takes you:

*Lost job
*Pregnancy
*Lost child
*Puppy
*Car wreck
*Death of a loved one

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

The Story You See - Video Prompt

2009-03-10T05:34:00.000-07:00

Today we'll try a video prompt. As individuals we take in sensory information and our imaginations absorb what we see guiding each of us down different creative paths. Watch the following video without sound. Based on what you see, write a short story or scene.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Watch the following scene without sound. Based on what you see, write a short story or scene. Be sure to include the senses--including the sense of smell.

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Welcome to My World

2009-03-04T04:09:00.000-08:00

Where do you start your story? Once you write the first draft of a story, it's not unusual to find the hook in the third paragraph or even the third page. Before you can identify the hook, though, you have to write the story. Today's prompt gently carries us into a new scene or short story, and then identify your hook. Determine where the story really starts and cut what isn't needed.

If you want to write a novel, a prompt introducing your world may produce an exciting scene that ends up in the middle of your book. For example, in my fantasy novel Windwalker, my protagonist heard a noise. Something large crashing through the forest. The ground rumbled beneath his feet. When I started writing, I had no idea what made that noise.

Whether you're writing a short story or a novel, the key is to write!

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Use one of the following to introduce your world:

*A leaf falling from a tree
*A deer raising its head, ears alert
*A butterfly dancing on a summer's breeze
*The sound of water trickling
*The smell of smoke

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Wake Up Call

2009-03-03T04:30:00.000-08:00

It's almost time to change the clocks again, and we lose and hour. Not that we really lose it, but we shuffle it around in way that thrusts us into the dark when the alarm goes off. Marking this "special" occasion today's prompt is a first sentence prompt.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Write a scene or short story using the following sentence as your first sentence:

Dawn's light crept across the cold floorboards and in the distance the old rooster crowed.

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Childhood Nightmares

2009-02-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

As children, things that go bump in the night can be very real. I have one sister who refused to sleep next to the wall for years following a Twilight Zone 1962 episode Little Girl Lost where a girl slips though the wall next to her bed into another dimension. When her father hears her cries and figures it out, to his dismay he realizes the hole is closing. Can he pull her back to her life in the real world in time?

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Travel back to the fears you lived as a child. Pull one of those from the memory shelf in your mind, dust it off and pump it up with a dose of high adrenaline imagination! Now take that fear and put it in a setting where it can grow. Write a scene that makes your fear real to anyone who reads it. BOO!

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Beyond Writer's Block

2009-02-21T05:53:00.000-08:00

Some writers say there's no such thing as writer's block, but for others it is a REAL dilemma. Today's prompt offers three ways to get beyond writer's block.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

If you're experiencing writer's block, choose one of the following to inspire your muse:

Challenge yourself to write 100 words a day for 7 days on any subject
Choose a character from your work in progress and interview them
Write a scene from your work in progress from another character's POV (point of view)
Choose a scene from your story and rewrite it at another time of day

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Three Word Writing Prompt

2009-02-15T05:21:00.000-08:00

Following a three word prompt is a great way to discover a story you never knew was in you. While the words may seem unrelated at first glance, once they find their way into your prose you may be surprised by the world and characters they generate.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Use these three words in a short story:

smile
test
dog

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy)
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

F E A R

2009-02-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

Fear. A real emotion that affects people in different ways. Sometimes it's a motivator and for others it may paralyze.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Today's prompt is to write a four-paragraph scene dealing with fear. The first paragraph should begin with the, letter "F", paragraph two with the letter "E", number three with "A" and the concluding paragraph with the letter "R".

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy)
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Family Photo Prompt

2009-02-10T13:41:00.001-08:00

Family photos freeze a moment in time--though many of them are quite unnatural, little hits can tell the real story. Today's prompt takes an old family photo. Your challenge is to tell a story based on what the photo shows you.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Write a short story based on this photo.

If you're wondering where to start pay attention to the following:

*Whose coat is buttoned and why?
*Are shoes shined?
*Where are their hands?
*Who is smiling--or trying not to smile?
*What does the body language tell you?

Every family has it's little secrets and those who know them can tell a very good story. Have fun!

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy)
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

The Unexpected

2009-02-05T04:53:00.000-08:00

Today's prompt is inspired by the news. Did you hear the story about the man making his first skydive who found himself strapped to an instructor who died midair from a heart attack? Talk about the unexpected!

The skydiver drew from what experience he did have to survive: army training not to panic and what he learned from TV about pulling toggles to steer the parachute.

What can we take from this true story?

Fictional characters draw on past experience to make it through the unexpected.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:
Place your character in an everyday situation where things go wrong. This will be a "growing" experience. It stretches them beyond their original parameters and leaves them changed. It also creates conflict within the plot and draws a reader in to find out what happens next.

Choose one of the following situations (or one of your own), add an element of the unexpected and bring your character through it. Create the element of conflict and tension and bring it to resolution.

*First date
*Learning to drive
*Babysitting
*First day on the job
*Deep sea fishing

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy)
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Story Starter

2009-02-03T04:38:00.000-08:00

Engaging the senses as a writer is an important element whether you're writing fiction or non fiction. Some senses are more neglected than others. One of these is hearing. In chapter 3 of my book, Pumping Your Muse, I include an exercise to help develop sensory balance in your writing. It doesn't always come naturally, but with practice it will.

Consider this: If you write a scene with no sound...no smells, it's not a realistic world and you give your readers and incomplete experience.

Today's prompt is a "First Line" prompt that includes a sound. As subtle as this sound is, it can be used to create suspense, introduce humor...well I won't say more. I want it to be your idea. The flavor of the story will depend on the characters. Who is making the sound and who is hearing it. I'd love to hear what you do with this one!

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Footfalls shuffled across the hardwood floor.

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy)
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Character Reputation

2009-01-26T06:48:00.000-08:00

New writers often hear from editors that their character's are "thin" or "two-dimensional". Part of developing a character is to create a reputation that comes through on the written page. It helps the reader form an opinion of whether or not they like or trust the character. This doesn't mean you tell the reader that your protagonist is a tough guy or a sweet girl. Instead, the key is to let the reader rub elbows with your characters so they walk away with their own impressions.

Pumping Your Muse Writing Prompt:

Today's prompt challenges you to create a character's reputation. It may or may not reflect who they really are, but that's not issue for this prompt.

Write up to three paragraphs which introduce a character. Visually develop the character's reputation--but here's the snag. Write this scene without the use of dialog. Instead use:

*Setting
*Body language
*Manner and style of dress
*Other people's reaction to the character

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy)
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

I Remember

2009-01-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

At a recent Writer's Guild meeting we did an exercise called, "I Remember". This exercise prompted a number of good story ideas, and it amazed me how I started with one memory and ended up recalling things long forgotten and seemingly unrelated to where I started. For today's prompt, we're going to remember prompted by topic.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Choose one of the topics below. Take five minutes to write your memories. If you choose politics, you may start with: I remember where I was when Kennedy was shot. Your memories don't have to stay on topic, but instead each one will be used as a trigger. For example, if you were in seventh grade when Kennedy was shot, your memories may include: the name carved in my desk or the fountain pen I used. Let the memories flow. Here are the topics to get your started:

Politics
Family
Childhood
Work
Vacation
Things that scare me

Once you finish your list, choose one memory and write one to three paragraphs on the subject.

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy)
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Simple Pleasures

2009-01-20T06:16:00.000-08:00

When you read the title of today's prompt what came to mind? I don't want to say too much to color you're thoughts, but will give you the example that inspired this prompt.

I live in northern Georgia where the weather is usually moderate. Last night we had a dusting of snow that had disappeared by morning, but it's still below freezing. My son-in-law sprayed part of the driveway with water to form a slick surface and this morning the grandkids are slipping and sliding. A simple pleasure.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Close your eyes and recall your childhood. Things that thrilled you then that may seem "childish" or "mundane" may actually shine the creative light on simple pleasure. For example, I used to have a specific bedtime, but one night a week I was allowed to stay up and keep my mom company and watch Twilight Zone and the Untouchables. The rest of the kids were in bed. I shared popcorn and TV with mom. A simple pleasure.

Here are a few idea prompters:
*Playing outside (pick a season)
*Tasty delight
*Using your imagination
*Favorite place to go
*Your bedroom
*Favorite toy

Once you decide on a single simple pleasure write a paragraph or two describing the experience. Include the senses and write it from a child's POV.
* * *

To support the author of this blog, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)

Windwalker (Fantasy)
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Unprepared

2009-01-15T06:45:00.000-08:00

Conflict is part of every good story. One way to introduce this element is to create a character who is unprepared for upcoming circumstances. It's a form of character flaw that makes room for the growth that will take place on the hero's journey. In fact, this is one of the ways many literary heroes are born. They're unprepared on the front end of the story which leads to failure in some sense...but this failure or flaw is the catalyst for growth. Most often it is the first step toward change and equips the hero with skills needed at the story's climax.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

For today's prompt, will play with the front end of this concept. Let's create a character who is unprepared. Here are a few prompts to get the ideas pumping. Just place your character in one of the following scenarios or choose one of your own:

*snowfall in a moderate climate
*bump into the "ex" who is with someone else
*accidentally locked in a small room (claustrophobic)
*pet goes missing
*coworker has a gun in the desk drawer
*car spins out on ice

* * *

To support the author of this blog, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)

Windwalker (Fantasy)

Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Current Events

2009-01-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

In my book, Pumping Your Muse, you'll find a writing exercise that deals with watching the news to help you develop your evil character. For today's prompt will turn to the news one more time.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Choose a news story that really grabs your attention? As yourself why? Why do you care?

Now take this element and weave it into a story. Start your character in the ordinary world and use your news element to thrust him into the special world that will test him.

For example, if the story is about people held hostage, the story may grip you because you fear for the people. That's the element you would want to bring to your story. You would create a slice-of-life scene that gets turned upside down to grab your readers because they fear for your character's lives.

Let me know if you have questions on this one. I know it is a little outside the box.

* * *

To support the author of this blog, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)

Windwalker (Fantasy)

Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

What Was Your Favorite Childhood Story?

2009-01-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

What was your favorite childhood story?

I count myself lucky. My mother used to read to me. I know she tired of reading the same stories over and over, but I did have my favorites. Before I could read I had standard favorites including The Three Little Pigs, The Three Bears, The House that Jack Built, and Rose Red and Rose White. Nursery Rhymes (I don't know why they call them that with some of the gruesome content), painted all kinds of pictures. Spiders scaring young girls off their tuffets, little men claiming the first born if you couldn't guess their name, and a boy trying to drown a pussy cat in the well. Yet, these "poems" captivated me. Why? Because they told a story. And they left me thinking. For example, I always wondered how the fork felt when the dish ran away with the spoon.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Promp:
Take your favorite childhood story or nursery rhyme. Ask yourself why you liked it, then ask what you can learn from it now. For example:

Ding dong bell
Pussy's in the well
Who put her in?
Little Johnny Flynn
Who pulled her out?
Little Tommy Stout
What a naughty boy was that
Try to drown poor Pussycat,
Who ne'er did any harm
But killed all the mice
In the Farmer's barn!

This poem offers conflict and resolution, good vs. evil, and a hero and a villian. It also creates an image in my mind. Doing a little more research, I learned this was written in the time of Shakespeare and the original version left the cat to drown in the well.

Once you can identify what you like about a written piece, it is easier to incorporate it in your own writing.

* * *

To support the author of this blog, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)

Windwalker (Fantasy)

Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Time Rift

2008-12-31T10:33:00.000-08:00

Wormholes, portals, time rifts, tear in time and other magical gateways make for interesting possibilities in the world of fiction. Today's prompt will make use of this concept.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:
Develop a character within a short scene of two-three paragraphs. Then with the use of a portal of some kind transport them to another time. It can even be the same place, but doesn't need to be.

This prompt will most likely require a little research if you want to be authentic.

If you wonder where to start here are a few ideas to play with:

WWII soldiers carried to battle in the Civil War
Career woman of the 1990s transports to New York of the 1890s
A tired mother of three has the chance to visit her great-grandmother
A middle-aged business man without family and few friends travels to the future

* * *

To support the author of this blog, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)

Windwalker (Fantasy)

Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Create Mood with Setting

2008-12-27T05:42:00.000-08:00

If you write character driven fiction, it's easy to overlook setting details that add to your character's mood. Today's prompt will practice pulling details from the world around you and using them to set the mood. For example, yesterday I noticed a bird:

Charcoal clouds blanketed the sky where it met with the pale yellow horizon. The silhouette of a single bird flapped steadily toward the light. Does it feel as alone as I do?

When I saw the bird, I didn't feel alone. I thought the bird might feel alone. No flock. It did make a great story starter. This opening creates a lonely, perhaps dark feel but offers hope (the light).

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Practice looking at the world around you. Look for small details and pull them into a sentence or two to create mood in the setting. Save your story starters to use when you need a jump start for a new story.

* * *

To support the author of this blog, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)

Windwalker (Fantasy)

Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Don't Go There

2008-12-23T05:55:00.000-08:00

How often have you read a book or watched a movie where a character heads into the dark cellar, up to the rooftop, or steps outside to check out a noise and your mind screams, DON'T GO THERE. If that has happened to you, then the writer has done their job. They've laid the groundwork to create that tension and conflict. Today's prompt will help you practice those skills.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Create a scene involving risk. If you don't have an idea, use one of the following story prompts:

*Character peers through a crack in the curtains
*Door banging in the wind
*First babysitting job
*Meeting a blind date
*Look for missing pet
*Running from one bad situation into another
* * *

To support the author of this blog, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)

Windwalker (Fantasy)

Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

For more about the author of this blog check out Theinkslinger.net.

I'm Late

2008-12-15T05:48:00.000-08:00

Collecting details from real life offers realism to your writing. The trick is to learn to pay attention to those details so you can incorporate them. In the busyness of the holiday season, it's easy to get caught in traffic, a long line, or have the phone ring when you're walking out the door.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Keep a notepad with you and keep notes on running late. (This can give you something to do when your stuck in traffic, or even waiting in line.) To collect the details, answer the following questions:

How do you feel physically?
What thoughts run through your mind?
How do you feel toward those around you?
How do you treat those around you?
Do you do or say anything you regret later?
How do you deal with the stress?

These kinds of details can help deliver an active, engaging scene even when you're character is standing still.

* * *

To support the author of this blog, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)

Windwalker (Fantasy)

Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

For more about the author of this blog check out Theinkslinger.net.

Light and Shadows

2008-12-09T05:49:00.001-08:00

The use of light and shadows makes for an interesting setting. Today's photo prompt doesn't offer a lot of detail for setting. Use light and shadow to create a paragraph or short story based on this Pumping Your Muse photo prompt.

If you need help, ask yourself these questions:

Where is the person going?
Where are they coming from?
How do they feel?
What do they smell?
Why are they there?
Are they from this world?

* * *

If you enjoy prompts, check out Pumping Your Muse. The prompts included in this creative writing book challenge the imagination to take new direction and if followed to the conclusion of the book, provide a detailed outline along with completed scenes and developed characters for one novel, as well as a solid start for a second novel. Also available in ebook.

Also check out my fantasy novels: Windwalker and Beyond the Fifth Gate.

Three Word Writing Prompt

2008-12-06T04:28:00.000-08:00

The first story and only mystery I ever had published came about from a three word prompt. Three unrelated words become embedded in the story threads. Readers will never know where your inspiration came from!

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Nose
Yellow
Sour

* * *

Character Interview Questions

2008-12-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

When you start a new story, or get bogged down in a work in progress, this prompt can help you get to know your characters on a new level. It may also reveal the detail that sparks your creativity, and not only develops your character, but adds fodder to pull from as the plot unfolds.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Character Interview Questions:

Relational:

How old are you?
Where were you born?
Who do you look like? Your mother, father, or someone else?
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Are you married or single?
Do you have someone you care about?
Did you or do you know your grandparents?
Is anyone in your family famous?
Are your parents still living?
Are you adopted?

Personal:

What do you like to drink?
Are you a morning person?
What are your hobbies or interests?
What do you do for a living?
What is your education level?
What's your favorite food (or drink)?
Do you travel much?
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
Do you like to read?
Where are you going?

Which Describes You Best?

Nervous or calm
Teacher or student
Leader or follower
Brave or fearful
Religious or superstitious
Humble or proud
Tall or short?
Long hair or short?
Honest, stretch the truth when necessary, or all out liar
Introvert or extrovert

If you have other questions or suggestions to add to this list, please be sure to comment.

* * *

Verbal Brushstrokes

2008-12-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

Have you ever happened upon an artist with their easel set up painting the local scenery? Today we're going to do much the same with verbal brushstrokes.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:
Today's photo prompt is an exercise in introducing your setting. Over and over, we are warned to show not tell. Today's prompt is no different. Show this scene on paper. Feel free to incorporate characters, for one of the best ways to actively introduce detail is through a character's eyes. Within the scene you develop answer these questions:

*Why are they there?
*What do they see?
*How do they feel?
*What do they smell?

Of course you can answer plenty more questions if the scene takes off.

* * *

Pending Disaster

2008-11-28T05:38:00.000-08:00

Hope you all enjoyed a blessed Thanksgiving Day. Fond memories are kindled by the gatherings, scents and sitting around talking of things past. Today's prompt will center around such a day, but the prompt will challenge you to introduce a sound or smell that foreshadows pending disaster.

For example, amid the busyness of preparing a meal for a large gathering, amid the laughter, threads of conversation, children playing...a wisp of smoke curls from the oven. That scent paints the picture of a pending disaster.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Have fun with this one. It doesn't have to be a catastrophic disaster. It could just be the rolls burning after the turkey or ham has been taken from the oven, or something like adding too much spice to a dish. This does not have to be a true story, but you'll most likely pull from past experience or design characters with traits similar to some of the real-life characters in your life.

Also, your story does not have to be about Thanksgiving. It can be any gathering where people are getting together for a meal. Here are some other ideas:

*Fourth of July barbecue
*Wedding rehearsal dinner held in someone's home
*Sunday afternoon dinner at Grandma's
*First meal cooking for Inlaws

* * *

Bullet

2008-11-21T04:13:00.000-08:00

Today in the news there's a story about a man cutting his grass. Riding along on his mower, something hit him in the chest. He thought it was a rock, but when he checked it out found a bullet stopped by his cell phone which instead of carrying in his hip pocket, he clipped on the front of his shirt. There's a story in that bullet. Where did it come from? Who fired it? Was this an accident or intentional? Does this experience change the man's life?

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Today's prompt includes a bullet. The flavor and theme is up to you. If you want further information, use one of the following phrases:

*Bite the bullet
*Faster than a speeding bullet
*Silver bullet
*Magic bullet
*Bullet with my name on it

To add to the challenge, include at least one detail for the sense of smell, hearing and sense of the unknown.

* * *

Unprepared? Maybe, Maybe Not

2008-11-19T04:36:00.000-08:00

In our last prompt we talked about expectations. Today we'll continue on this theme, but we're going to add a twist. Write a scene in which it seems obvious that your character is unprepared for lies ahead. Your goal is to make it appear the character is careless, unprepared or just not ready when in fact, they are following a calculated a plan which leads to a surprise ending.

Pumping Your Muse Prompts

Use one of the following character profiles to get you started:

Person of faith walking into a trap
Teenager walking out the door in anger
Child lost in a crows
Truck driver breaks down
Person who can't swim goes out in a boat

Write a story between 1000 and 1200 words

* * *

Misdirected Expectations

2008-11-15T04:24:00.002-08:00

One of the skills needed to keep a plot interesting is to create questions in the readers mind. Why? Who? What? Where? When? Along with that is the ability to misdirect expectations. You want to avoid predictability. Consider this blurb from a recent review of my novel Beyond the Fifth Gate:

"There are plenty of plot twists along the way and the ending is a real shocker which truly caught me off guard just when I thought I had it all figured out." (Read the entire review here)

Writing a plot that makes readers expect one thing and delivers a different reality is challenging but fun. It leaves the reader pondering and talking about your story. Today's prompt is designed to practice this skill.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Choose one of the following starting points and ending point and write a scene:

Starting Points:
*First day of school
*Learning to drive
*First date
*Finding a bone fragment

Ending Points:
*Making a profit
*Discovering a deadly secret
*Disappointment in the truth
*Character discovers a truth within

Use starting and ending points from the list or your own, but in the end leave your character and your reader changed.

* * *

Fleeting Thought

2008-11-13T06:29:00.000-08:00

Did you ever experience a burst of inspiration...a great idea...just before falling asleep? It's so good you don't have to get up and write it down. I mean it's brilliant!

I experienced just such a moment last night. Something to share with all my faithful readers. Except when I awoke only threads remained. Not threads of the actual idea, but of the memory that there once existed a great idea. Don't trust your memory! Write it down.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Place a note pad and pen by your bedside and write down the last ideas of the day. Do this for at least three days. Select one of your ideas and write a short story or essay based on it.

* * *

Lexus Magazine Story Prompt

2008-11-11T05:17:00.000-08:00

Today's prompt is for a specific market.

Lexus magazine is asking readers everywhere to come up with the ending to
their cross-country adventure story. So far, nine installments have been
written by award-winning authors, and the ending is up to any aspiring
writer out there. The best ending will be posted in the next online issue
of Lexus magazine alongside some of the country's best. It should be no
more than 1,000 words and the deadline is fast approaching-- November 16.

Those eager to write should post their stories at:
http://www.lexus.com/magazine/lifestyle-pursuits/itbotb/index.html#top
Click the red "How Would You End It?" tab, fill in the necessary
information and paste in the story.

Lexus magazine's site can be found at: http://www.lexus.com/magazine

* * *

President's DNA

2008-11-10T04:16:00.000-08:00

In my book, Pumping Your Muse, some of the writing exercises take you to the news...past or present. Today in the news they talked about the fact that one thing the Secret Service is responsible for is making sure the President doesn't leave behind his DNA. If he drinks from a disposable coffee cup, the cup must be destroyed. This is an interesting story premise. What would the enemy do with the President's DNA?

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Write a story that involves collecting the President's DNA. This has the potential of a thrilling Whodunit. Today's prompt only requires the collecting of the DNA, but I challenge you to figure out what the plans are beyond that...answer these questions:

Who harvested the DNA?
Are they working for someone else?
What do they plan to do with it?
Do they accomplish their goal?

* * *

Change of Seasons

2008-11-08T05:53:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful time of year. Ribbons of color climb the foothills here in Georgia as leaves mark the change of seasons. The display inspires contemplation.

Pumping Your Muse Prompts:

Use the change of seasons to introduce changes in your character's life. Are they invigorated, or does melancholy overtake them? Here's the fun part. Show it, don't tell it.

* * *

Write a Scene Photo Prompt

2008-11-06T04:04:00.000-08:00

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Write a scene inspired by this photo. Originally I was going to write a prompt about breaking a habit, but this photo opens the door to a variety of options. Here are a few questions to get your started:

*Whose hand is this?
*How do they feel?
*Where are they?
*Why do they smoke?
*What does the room smell like? Or the character's hair and clothes?

* * *

I Love Your Blog Award!

2008-11-05T04:04:00.000-08:00

I Love Your Blog Award!

It's Wednesday, and the the middle of the week. I have a midweek blessing to share. Yesterday I Pumping Your Muse Prompts received the I Love Your Blog Award from the gifted Chiron O'Keefe's blog The Write Soul. She's a fiction writer who also writes a motivational essay for writers each week.

Thanks, Chiron, you made my day!

In return, I'd like to do the same for others and pass on to you some of favorite blogs for writers. Today I award them with the "I Love Your Blog" award. Be sure to check them out for your inspiration today, and along the way you'll gather some great resources:

Mike's Writing Workshop and Newsletter

Advanced advice for writers of all genres: Publish, Earn Money, and Improve at the Craft.

Muze's Musings

Nikki Leigh, author of Book Promo 101 – Basics of Book Promotion shares all kinds of promotional and articles with links to more information for writers on her blog Muze's Musings.

The Fearless Blog

This blog challenges its readers to be courageous and attempts to inspire, motivate and celebrate life, its challenges, obstacles and joys.

Murder By 4

Here you'll find interesting articles, author interviews, articles by guest bloggers, reviews, and an insider's look at the publishing world.

The Writing Nag

An almost daily blog of writing quotes, inspiration and writing exercises from a beginning freelance writer.

Sharon's Writing Lab

Experimental writing from Sharon Hurley Hall. Includes creative writing, freelance writing, book reviews, travel tales and much more.

Foot In Mouth Disease, Content Writing for the People

A content writing advice blog with helpful tips on how to write compelling content that is effective in the search engines and converts traffic into customers.

Creative Writing Corner

With weekly writing exercises, inspirational photos and poems, and daily thoughts on the writing life, Creative Writing Corner is for the writer in all of us.

Confident Writing

Join the conversation about what it means to write with confidence. Tips, suggestions, examples and a chance to make connections with other writers, readers and learners. Hosted by Joanna Young, The Confident Writing Coach - because our words count.

Single Source Writing

Single source for writing, thoughts, and social networking

* * *

Election Day

2008-11-04T05:09:00.001-08:00

For the Pumping Your Muse Prompts readers living in the U.S., today is election day. You may or may not have time to write, but for those who voted early, here's a prompt that pertains to today.

Pumping Your Muse Prompts
With all the spin put out by the talking heads media, wouldn't it be great if someone, somehow created a way that only the truth could be spoken on election day...even by the candidates...win or lose. And would the truth make a difference in the outcome of the race? Interesting concept, eh?

Write a short story about an Election Day where all the journalists, news anchors and politicians can't lie. It's all about the truth and nothing but the truth. Sad but true, this could be a humorous story so have fun with it.

* * *

First Frost

2008-10-29T05:01:00.000-07:00

We had our first frost last night. How things change in a day! I brought in plants, and to my surprise a little bird had taken shelter in one of them. A surprise and adventure ensued as I worked to get the bird out of the house.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

We've talked about foreshadowing recently, and this is another exercise that incorporates nature as an agent of change that foreshadows things to come. For example, your piece doesn't have to be the actual frost...it can be about a bird flying around your house. Here are some ideas to get your muse peculating:

*Elderly person rubs arthritic hands expecting a long winter
*Individual who busies themselves covering garden plants to protect them a little longer
*A child wonders at the white coating covering the grass on the way to school
*Character mentally compares frost on the ground to manna in the Bible (never know where this one will take you!)

* * *

Story Starter--Black Cat

2008-10-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Today's prompt is a story starter in keeping with the theme of superstitions or Halloween. Write a short story that starts with or includes this paragraph:

The overcast day chased me under the throw on the sofa where I sat with my laptop and a hot mug of coffee. I settled in; the heat from the laptop warming my legs. A blur of movement drew my attention to the sheers at the deck doors. A black cat peered into the house with darting golden eyes. I stopped and stared. A black cat...

* * *

Dysfunctional Family Holidays - Photo Prompt

2008-10-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

Most people tend to think they come from a dysfunctional family. With this in mind, writing a holiday story that involves family tradition and all the ins and outs that make for "interesting" relationships can be anything from serious to inspirational.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Submitting holiday stories should be done months in advance, but now is a great time to write one with a market in mind. As the holidays near, memories will surface. Be sure to jot them down. For today, your writing can be fiction or non-fiction. Base it on this photo, and be sure to include that dysfunctional element.

Chicken Soup for Soul is looking for Christmas and Holidays stories for their next holiday book. Currently, there is no deadline date for story submissions.

* * *

Flip Side Scene - Take Two

2008-10-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

Those of you who own my creative writing book Pumping Your Muse may remember the flip side exercise that generated a new female character. That character grew to become the protagonist in my novel Beyond the Fifth Gate. Look what the latest review says about her:

Beyond the Fifth Gate has a strong female main character who reminded me of Xena without the long hair or possibly Seven-of-Nine without the spandex. Elita starts off a little weak in her fighting skills (but realistically, how hard would it be to practice when you live in a hive and are guarded day and night by big bugs?) but her first mystical gate provides two teachers who not only give her a crash course, but join her on her quest to freedom. There are plenty of plot twists along the way and the ending is a real shocker which truly caught me off guard just when I thought I had it all figured out.

You can read the entire review at Queen of Convolution.

Review written by:

Caprice Hokstad

Author of the fantasy novel, The Duke's Handmaid, and its sequel, Nor Iron Bars a Cage.

Website: www.Latoph.com

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

With this review in mind, take an existing scene and practice the flip side exercise by changing at least three details. For more information look at our last exercise Flip Side Scene. If you haven't written your flip side scene do it! You'll be more than pleased at what you learn and who you meet.

Flip Side Scene

2008-10-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

I want to take a moment to thank everyone for letting me know how much they enjoy the prompts here at Pumping Your Muse Prompts. You just make my day!

With that said, let's get writing. Take a look out your window. What do you see?

Outside my window, the wet deck planks shine under the overcast sky.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

For today's prompt we're going to write a flip side scene. For those of you who own my writing book, you'll know what this means. For those who don't: Write a short scene incorporating the weather outside your window. Then rewrite it flipping at least three details. For example, I'd look out the window in my flip side realm and see dull deck planks bleached by the harsh sun. Creating a world in the flip side gives birth to new ideas. Give it a try! You'll soon realize you're not in Kansas anymore.

* * *

Sense of the Unknown

2008-10-23T04:32:00.000-07:00

I posted a two part article on Five Senses in Your Writing over at Pumping your Muse Fantasy Writer. Can you name them?

sight
smell
touch
hearing

That's the top four, but todays prompt will center on the fifth: the sense of the unknown. A creative element that keeps the pages turning in a good book.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Write a a slice of live scene. It's a normal every day kind of scene and then something happens that changes that...something that creates a sense of the unknown. Use one of the following agents of change to usher in the circumstances that raise questions and change life with an element of uncertainty.

*Out hiking and realize you don't know where you are
*The phone rings
*Laid off from work
*The power goes out
*A doctor's visit

* * *

Melting a Hardened Heart

2008-10-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

Continuing on the agent of change theme, today's prompt will melt a hard heart. Not an easy task in many cases. You can pick the hardened heart from the following list or one of your own:

*Divorced woman who caught her husband cheating repeatedly
*A young man who grew up in an abusive home
*Ex-con who was innocent but paid his time
*Person living in poverty without hope

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Now you have an idea of the heart you're going to be dealing with in this scene. The truth is, that each of these people want to hope, want to dream, and want to be part of a relationship. Bring in an agent of change that starts to melt that heart and renew the hope that once burned there.

Ideas for Agent's of Change:

*a pet
*an abandoned baby
*a child in the park offering a hand-picked wild-flower
*a stranger who treats them kindly with no strings attached

Be sure to include elements of tension and internal conflict within your protagonist and then bring it to resolution.

* * *

Agent of Change

2008-10-21T05:58:00.001-07:00

A good story introduces an agent of change. An element that stirs the plot, touches the characters and creates a question of what will happen in the readers mind.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

For today's exercise write a short scene of 4-5 paragraphs and add one of the following as an agent of change:

*bird
*speeding car
*an unexpected letter
*words
*a chance meeting

* * *

Hungry

2008-10-19T06:00:00.001-07:00

Hunger...how do we know you're character is hungry? If you say, "Joe was hungry", you get the point across in a passive way. Writers should work to rid their work of passive telling language and today's prompt will work on showing the hunger. in an active way that pulls the reader into your story.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Write a scene with a character who is hungry. Include the senses of smell, taste and one other...sight, sound or the unknown.

For example:

Sounds: stomach growling, food sizzling, people talking about food

Taste: taste of food while cooking

Smells: turkey roasting, cookies baking, gilling burgers

Sight: stopping at the bakery window, pies cooling

Unknown: Dieter heading into an unknown scenario, when will they get their next meal

* * *

Foreshadowing

2008-10-16T04:32:00.000-07:00

Today's prompt will work to develop foreshadowing through the use of a sunrise or sunset. By their nature these acts of nature represent a beginning or an end, but by showing them, a writer can create an element of foreshadowing. For example, if the sun rises brightening fog that lays like a shroud over a tiny village, it creates an eerie sense that something could go wrong in that tiny village.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Write a scene that incorporates a sunrise or sunset and an element of foreshadowing of things to come.

* * *

Capturing the Essence of a Short Story

2008-10-15T05:22:00.000-07:00

Coming up with new ideas to write about shouldn't be a problem, but in the real world can cause a writer fits. I'm working on stories for a pet anthology and while I'm an animal lover, condensing details into one short story can be a challenge. All kinds of animals have touched my life, but how do I capture their story? For today's prompt we'll learn to capture the essence of a story.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Answer these questions to form a skeleton for your story.

In a few words, name the one event on which you’ll base your short story.

Determine the ending of the story. Once you know where you're headed the story is easier to write.

Work back from the end. What helped you determine this end? What was the Ah-ha moment?

What dark moment made the event stand out? This can be adventure, decision, death, or something of that nature.

What essential information do you need to convey to the reader about your everyday life before the dark moment occurred?

Number 5 is your story’s beginning, numbers 4 and 3 will comprise the middle, and number 2 is the end.

* * *

Buried Alive with a Twist

2008-10-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

We've all read or seen those horror scenes when someone is buried alive. Think of the terror, the helplessness...and then the hero. We certainly can't leave our character in that situation, though we can use all that conflict and suspense to build the story.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

First, make a list of emotions and physical symptoms brought about by being buried alive.

For today's prompt I want you to take those same feelings and symptoms evoked by the thought of being buried alive and carry them into an urban scene, to a character who is buried in circumstances that are overwhelming. They're so stressed they can hardly breathe. Here are a few ideas to get your scene up and running:

*buried in work
*buried in bills
*buried in responsibilities of motherhood, wife and caregiver to elderly parents
*buried in depression
*and if you want to actually bury someone for real: buried in rubble from a natural disaster

Once you've found your idea, think of a way out. Create a hero.

Now write the first draft of your short story!

Photo Prompt - Graveyard

2008-10-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

I chose this photo as a prompt because it holds possibilities for just about every kind of writer. Notice some of the details.

Pumping Your Muse Writing Prompt:

Who is in that building in the background and how does what happens in the graveyard affect them?

Does the full moon affect what happens in the story?

If you're standing in the graveyard, what do you hear? Smell? Feel? Be sure to include these details in your writing to bring it to life and make it real to the reader.

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It's a High Pop Up

2008-10-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

The creative process is fun. Your muse plays with "what ifs" and allows you to live the same moment in time with different results. Eventually, you determine the scenario that works for your story. Today's prompt is going to replay that moment in time so you can discover those different results. As an avid Cub fan, needless to say I'm disappointed that they are out of the running again this year, but I could write a great fantasy about how they won after 100 years!

Today's Pumping Your Muse Writer Prompt:

To tie in with the time of year, let's set today's prompt in the playoffs. It's your's choice which teams are pitted against each other. You can even choose to make it the little league playoffs. It is your story after all. The focal point of the scene is this: The announcer's voice says, "It's a high pop up..." What happens next is up to you times three. Write the same short scene three times with a different result based on that high pop up.

Photo Writing Prompt - Forced Entry

2008-10-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

With my mystery writer readers, crime writers and the like, today's prompt is a change up from what I usually post. Write 500-1000 words based on this photo.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt is titled forced entry. If you're not in the mood to write a crime thriller, switch it up. How could you make this a funny story? For example, could this be the result of a woman with a full bladder who is locked out of her house?

The story is up to you. Have fun and let me know what direction your story took.

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If you enjoy prompts, check out Pumping Your Muse. The prompts included in this creative writing book challenge the imagination to take new direction and if followed to the conclusion of the book, provide a detailed outline along with completed scenes and developed characters for one novel, as well as a solid start for a second novel.