School Days

What do you remember about the first day of school? How did you feel? What did you wear? Did you carry a lunch or did your school have a cafeteria? Perhaps you were lucky enough to go home for lunch. How about waiting for a bus? Write a short essay about the first day of school from a child's POV. (Any grade)

Missing Day

Have your character awaken to learn they have somehow missed an entire day...or have they?

As Small as an Eyelash

Something as small as an eyelash can provide enough evidence to place someone at the scene of a crime. Develop a short scene based on a small piece of evidence complete with DNA.

The Screen Door

First impressions can be misleading, but nevertheless we all tend to make them. Today's exercise is to write about a screen door.

Is it new or old?
Does it make a sound when it is opened?
Does is make a noise when it closes?
Is it dirty or clean?
What color is it?

What impression does the screen door make upon the person walking up to it? These are the kind of details that show the reader what to think rather than tell them. Go on now, write--and don't let the door hit you.

Getting to Know Your Character

Invite your character to have a seat and offer them something to drink.

Where are they?
What are they sitting on?
Do they have a selection of what to drink or where to sit?
One they sit, what will you talk about? Add a bit of dialog.

Two Swords

Write a scene involving two swords. They may be used in a clash of steel as to swashbuckers fight for some booty, or hang on a while in a showcase. All that's required of you is to put together a scene using the two swords.

In-law Visit

An in-law or two will arrive this afternoon from out of town. Write a scene describing the build up--getting the house ready, dialog between family members as they get ready. The in-laws will be staying for a week. Have fun with this one.

Heated Words

Write a short scene consisting of verbal conflict between two characters. It can be two adults, a child and an adult or two children. Here's the catch. Don't TELL how they feel. Show it.

Chores

Mundane chores can be boring--until you change the POV. Write a scene depicting a chore from the POV of an object involved. For example: A dirty garment as laundry is being done (or the washer or dryer)

Ideas:

Dusting
Cleaning the bathroom
Cleaning up after a pet
Washing the car

Sticky, Dark Droplets

Follow a trail of sticky, dark droplets and write about what you find.

Use of Light

The use of light within writing can offer information. Used correctly, it can show time, a presence, a warning....

Use light to describe: (for example if sunlight comes from the east we know it's morning, dew glistening on the branches will further confirm time of day without telling the reader it is morning).

A line of trees
A mountain range
A bed

Now, rewrite the same scene with light coming from a different direction. It doesn't have to be the same source, but it does need to be light.

The Dreaded Birthday

Every person's different. I knew someone that dried up about age 30 thinking he was old and others who love life at 60. Develop a short scene around an approaching birthday. Make it one of the biggies marking a decade. Write it from one person's POV but involve two characters. One that wants to make the birthday special and one that would rather pretend it isn't happening.

What Do You Get When You Take the Family Hiking?

Characters: Grandpa, Grandma, Couple in mid to late thirties, and two children (you pick the age). Have this family make a plan to get away from TV, video games, loud music, etc. and get back to nature. Take them anywhere in the world. They can plan to pack a tent and rough it, or they can plan to start by hiking a mile on a local trail. Have fun with it.

The Smell of...

Incorporate one or more of the following smells into short story.

rain
fresh cut hay
lilacs
wet dog
dirty socks
raw sewage
skunk
rotting garbage
Thanksgiving Day

Dirt Road

When you read the title to today's prompt what picture flashed into your mind? I'm working on a story for an anthology and want to paint an image of a country road winding under a canopy of trees. If that same scenario was presented in a desert scene it would be entirely different, but both would be dirt roads.

Write a description of a dirt road and use it in a scene.

Impatience

He sat there impatiently.

This is a passive, telling sentence. Rework it to show impatience and bit of the surroundings.

Body Sounds

Our physical being processes food, aborbs stress, needs rest and most of the time we don't give a second thought to the fact we breath in and out and that our heart beats without being mentally conscious of it.

As the body goes through the day it makes noises that most of the time we ignore or don't even here. It's not until we sit in a quiet place that we notice our stomach rumble with hunger, or feel our hiccoughs might be disturbing the person beside us.

Write a scene that takes place in a quiet setting. Include a body sound or two.

Idea starters:

a church

courtroom

blind date

middle of the night in bed

Berry Picking

Put a country boy and a city girl in a blueberry patch together. What do they learn from each other?

Change of Plans

Have you ever planned a picnic, hiking trip or some other outdoor activity only to have thunder in the distance warn that you might have to change our plans? Place your characters in such a situation and show their creative side as they work through the unexpected. Include conflict, tension and resolution.

Mmmmm Popcorn

Certain scents stimulate our appetites. On the other hand, some activities stimulate our appetites. For example, going to a ballpark. If you walked into a ballpark today what would you expect to eat and drink? What about a movie theater? How about your favorite restaurant?

Choose one of the following scenarios and develop a short scene describing what you want and what you do.

ballpark

theater

favorite restaurant

Flexibility of a Child

Children bend, jump, stoop and run with natural ease. As adults, our brains tell us we can still do all those things, but reality dictates we change our ways. Write a story about an adult who slips into thinking they can still move with the agility of youth, but soon learn things don't work quite like they used to. Add the element of pride, and make it funny.

Snakes, Bugs and Things that Go Bump in the Night

Describe the experience of fear. Setting is your choice. The object feared is your choice. Make the exerience real. Include the sense of smell, taste or touch (choose two). Have fun, and sweet dreams.

The Old Woman and Her Cat

The old woman shuffled along the moss covered stepping stones with an orange colored tabby walking in her shadow. The woman bent to pull a weed from between the cracks...TAKE IT FROM HERE

An Animal's POV

Describe the world through an animal's POV. Choose one of the following:

fish
old dog
puppy
cat
parrot
rabbit
raccoon

Close Your Eyes

Close your eyes and think back to your childhood. What games did you play? What dreams did you hold dear? What difficult situations did you face? Who was your best friend? Did you own a pet? Take music lessons? Write a paragraph or two describing an element from your childhood.

Thorn Prick

A thorn can leave an almost imperceptible prick. Use this small wound as an integral part of the plot of a short story.

Stump busters:

Poisonous or other substance that causes a change in the character.

Reminder that time has not passed as the character is led to believe.

Used as part of a bridal ritual.

One of your own ideas.

Telltale Signs

Did you ever take a shortcut while performing a chore because your heart wasn't in it? Perhaps stuck something in the dishwasher even though you knew it was at risk to warp or melt, or wore a new shirt while doing a task that might ruin it thinking you can be careful enough not to get grease, food, hair color (you get the idea) on the spanking new fabric.

Write a scene from the first person point of view depicting an episode where lack of good judgment leaves behind a telltale sign.

Abandoned House

Describe the outward appearance and grounds of a well-maintained house in a paragraph or two.

After you've completed this exercise, describe the same house after being abandoned for a month, then a year and then 25 years later.

A Child's Love

Place your adult stick-in-the-mud character with all the personality of Scrooge in a situation with a loving accepting child that doesn't seem to notice the negative qualities.

Just Around the Corner

Story starter: Develop a story based on this sentence.

The cool night breeze tugged at her hair as she slipped around the corner into the shadows.

Oh My Aching...

Ever go to a theme park and walk around all day in the heat?

How about lifting a box that's too heavy, or a wet dog that struggles and jerks you around as it slips from your arms?

Maybe it's a weather pattern that spurs a sinus headache.

Pick a body part from the waist up and one from the waist down. Now add a pain and write two short scenes. Remember to show the pain not just tell it.

Boxes in the Attic

While in the moving process, I came across boxes I had moved 17 years ago. I didn't have a clue what was in them until I opened each one. Place your character in an attic where they find a box. When they open what do they find? How does it change their life?

Haste Makes Waste

Haste makes waste, a stitch in time saves nine and other such sayings originated somewhere for a reason. Really they make sense. Choose one of these familiar sayings and develop a story line that teaches one such moral. Make up one of your own or use one of the old standbys.

Possible ideas:

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Don't count your eggs before they're hatched

A penny saved is a penny earned

Haste makes waste

A stitch in time saves nine

What Happens Next

You've been short with your spouse and in a frenzy getting the house ready for dinner guests. Why does the time run out before the things to do? The doorbell rings, and you slip your shirt over your head before you whip the door open. You force a smile but not for long--build a scene based on this bit of information.

Cartoon Character

Cartoon characters' actions and reactions are exaggerated for effect. Watch a cartoon and follow a cartoon character through a scene. Jot down actions and reactions as you see them. Develop your favorite into a scene.

In the News

Some days the news can seem stranger than fiction. Last night I heard a sad story about a family pet being killed by a coyote. The owner of the pet is funneling her grief to make a law that if a dangerous animal is in an area that SOMEONE must let the residents know.

Find an unusual news clip and use a few of the details to write your own story.

Stinky Socks

Sense of smell is one often overlooked when writing. For practice and a few laughts, develop a scene around a pair of stinky socks.

Describe the Sky

Describe this sky in one sentence and use it in a paragraph.

Tee Shirt

People express themselves by what they wear. Schools make rules and establish dress codes to control the environment while adults display sayings and photos. Dress your character in a tee shirt with detail and make it part of the story.

Road Trip

I've had stories published that were the direct result of a writing prompt. In fact, the first story I ever had published came about when I incorporated three different writing prompts as a challenge. Following those prompts helped me discover a story of murder and mystery that I didn't know was in me. With that in mind, today's prompt contains five elements to choose from in a scene regarding a road trip. This one is wide open. I can see that it could easily incorporate humor or horror! Or just a slice of life with a moral. Let me know what YOU find.

Pumping Your Muse Writing Prompt

Write a scene involving a 9 hour road trip that turns into a 12 hour road trip. Choose three details below to incorporate:

Two vehicles

Two families (one with children, one without)

One drives a van pulling a trailer (what kind of trailer is up to you. Anything from camping, horse or other livestock, to a moving trailer)

Top goal, get through a major city before rush hour

A family pet (your pick)

Have fun!

Opposites

The Odd Couple, Felix and Oscar were a good example of two very different people trying to function as a household. One a slob and the other a neatnick. Write a scene with two main characters. Give them opposite personalities and put them into a stressful situation.

Possible scenarios:

Moving
Having people over for the first time

What's the Weather Going to Be?

Write a scene with characters who have special plans. Base the outcome of their plans on the weather. Will it be rain? Snow? Hot? Cold?

Sports

Sports--fun, stress, and more.

Write a scene at a sports event from two points of view. The first from the player's POV and the second--the same scene from a spectator's POV.

The Haircut

Write a story centered on a haircut. It can be a makeover, or a bad hair day, funny or not. Haircuts are something everyone experiences. This can be a true story or a work of fiction.

Story Starter

Tires screeched. Acrid smoke seeped into the car. Tory opened her eyes...

Flashlight

Choose one of these settings and add a flashlight.

Basement
Side of a dark road
Under the hood

The Drill

The sound of a drill--high pitched, low grind--what one hear helps prepare for what they see. Write a story based on the sound of a drill.

Fire!

It's the time of year here in SW Florida when the fire danger is high. Recently, 400 acres burned a couple of miles from my home. Ash fell from the sky like large grey snowflakes. If the fire department knocked on the door and told you that you had to evacuate, what would you do? Would you leave or try to save your house? What would you take with you, if you had to leave within 10 minutes?

The Light Switch

Write a scene involving a light switch. Bloody fingerprints smeared across the switch plate, or a light that doesn't come on. It's up to you. The only requirement is that the light switch is part of the story.

Your Feet

Describe your feet. How do they feel? How do they smell? Write a brief description, add it to a character and use it in a brief scene.

These Three Words

Write a scene incorporating these three words:

field
truck
haircut

Shadows

Sometimes shadows offer shade, other times they might be mysterious or scary. Many times, they may misdirect. A character may see a shadow and think they are being followed, when in fact it is something else. Shadows are dark areas or shapes produced by something between rays of light and a surface. What that shadow portends depends on the writer. Whether it is something good or bad, shadows can be used to strike strike an emotion in the reader.

Light and shadow are devices used to create mood in writing. It's a way to engage your reader emotionally as people tend to respond to light or a lack of light in a feral way. Well lit areas are deemed safe, while dimly lit areas give people the creeps. Shadows bring with it a sense of sadness, gloom, or even an ominous feel promising something to dread.

Today's writing prompt

For today's writing prompt, introduce a shadow. If you don't know where to start, have a character spot a shadow twice. They think someone might be following them. Here's what you need to include:

• Why do they think they are being followed? (Facts)
  
• What do they think is the reason someone may be following them? (Backstory)
• What do they do about it? (Plot)
• Add conflict (this can be internal or external)
• Resolve the conflict.
• Reveal the shadow.
  

 

Emotions

Write a scene describing the emotions experienced when a long awaited piece of mail arrives. It is an acceptance or denial?

Possible scenarios:

Student hearing from a college
Writer hearing from a publisher

Blessing or Curse

Write a scene where the character gets what they've always wanted, but not with the result (or perhaps in the way) they were expecting.

You may write it as general fiction. For example: a young woman longs to be married and her desire is fulfilled. However, the reality of everyday life makes her wish for the days when she had more freedom.

Or, you can take more of a fantasy, thriller, horror route. I think of Stephen King's Thinner.

Notice in Your Mailbox

Write a short story about receiving a notice informing that a package awaits your character at the post office. Why couldn't it be delivered in the mailbox? Did it require a signature, or perhaps was too big to fit into the mailbox. Build the anticipation and bring the story to a close with opening the package.

Essay Contest at the Dabbling Mum

ESSAY MUST START WITH THIS BLURB:
"Standing out on the deck, observing the birds in flight, and admiring the view..."

All entries must be received by July 1, 2006, no later than 8 p.m. Central Time Zone.
A new contest will be posted by the 10th of the following month!

Submit Your Winning Essay!

Subject: Essay Contest Entry
Your full name:
Your email address:
Your complete address:
(Required to send prize.)
Your phone number:
(Required in case email bounces or prize returns.)
Please tell us how you found us?
Paste your descriptive, story-telling essay using the following format:
(1) Tell us if the essay is hypothetical, made up, or true,
(2) Your 500-600 Word Essay
* If your essay is longer or shorter, it WILL be disqualified.
(3) Your Web Address (optional)
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See: http://thedabblingmum.com/contests/essay.htm for all the details

A Bell Tolls

In the steeple of a little village church a bell hangs, but doesn't ring as often as it once did. Tell the story of this bell.

Forbidden Fruit

Way back to Eden, humans desired what they should not have, taste, touch, or look at. Write a scene with a character lusting after something off limits. If you can't think of something, choose one of the following:

dieter--a food they are not to eat
man or woman--someone else's date
teenager--a father's '69 Corvette

Natural Inspiration

In my book Pumping Your Muse you'll find an exercise called "One Inch Tall." In that chapter, I explain how a drainage ditch inspired a whole new world. That world not exists as the soon-to-be-released Windwalker. As I went for my walk this morning, I snapped a picture of the drainage ditch where it all started. Imagine yourself one inch tall, and see where it takes you.

Battleship

Create a scene involving two ships at battle. These can be seafaring ships, space ships or any other type of ship your imagination conjures up.

Low Battery

Write a story about a low battery in one of the following:

Cell phone
Flashlight
Camera
Car

Story Starter

The young girl huddled in the shadows of the pub. Her dark, disheveled hair hung in her eyes.

"She ain't talkin'," the barkeep said as he swiped a dirty rag over the worn wood counter. "Don't know where she's from...who's her people." He shrugged.

Favorite Dish

Describe your favorite dish. Entree or dessert. Smell it, taste it, feel it. Mm. Make the reader want some.

Hamburger Joint

Depict a visit to a hamburger joint back in the 50's. What's the floor look like? Is there a counter with stools? Is music playing? Is it crowded? Have a blast with the past.

Comic Book Story

Comic books tell stories in frames. Dialog shows in balloons and sounds are written out in letters like ZONK. Write a story in Comic Book Form. Make each short paragraph a frame.

Home Improvement

Write a scene depicting a home improvement project. It can be a small task or a large refurbishment job. Write the story from one character's POV.

The Boat

Place your character in a charter boat leaving the dock for a day of fishing. A small group of people and one charter captain head out to the great unknown. Describe the day. Be sure to include the sense of smell and sound.

Missing Day

You character opens their eyes and blink in the early morning sunlight. What time is it anyway? Have them start their morning routine and discover they've missed a day.

Blurred Vision

Your character rubs their eyes. They strain to focus, but their vision is blurred. What are they trying to see and why?

The Gym

Place an overweight, middle-aged character at the gym among fit twenty-somethings. Music blaring, face paced instructions and the latest equipment create a frenzied pace. Write a humorous piece from this character's POV.

One More Thing

Create a scene where your character is trying to get out the door for an appointment, but has one more thing to do first. Do they get side-tracked, run late, experience a mishap?

Can That Be?

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

Nursery Rhyme

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

One-Sided Conversation

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

Smoke

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

That Old Song

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

Write about the memories and where they are today.

Point of View

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

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

Animal Talk

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

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

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

Christmas Memories

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

Wood Stove

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

It's Time

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

A Cup of Coffee

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

Long Time No See

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

Hungry

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

TV Commercials

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

Crossing on the Ferry

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

A Walk in the Park

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

Sounds of Morning

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

Last Sentence

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

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

Failure

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

I'm Late, I'm Late

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

World War II - Rations

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

Mmmmm, that Looks Delicious

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

This Day Couldn't Get Any Worse

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

Bubbles, Butterflies and Falling Leaves

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

irate
depressed
worried or anxious

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

Gravestone

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

Waiting for the Call

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

White Roses

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

What led to this moment?

Or?

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

Creaky Floorboards

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

Dreaded Bug

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