Lunch at the Diner

In today's fast-paced society many small mom and pop restaurants continue to dissapear. Capture a slice of lice 20-40 years ago in a local diner. Paint a warm atmosphere. Show colors, dialog, smells and sounds. While you're at it, let's see what's on the menu.

Donna
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Shy

Create a shy character and place him or her in a new job. This is the first day. Show them making their first "friend" or "enemy."

Donna
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Story Starters: Coffee, Newspater and Dog Next Door

Use the ingredients listed below to mix up a new short story:

Cup of coffee, newspaper, the dog next door and just for fun add something wet.

Donna
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You're Getting Drowsy

In an effort to show and not tell, for today's prompt strive to show a character getting drowsy.

How do they feel?

What do they think?

What physical reactions do they SHOW?

Do they fight it? If so how? Why?

Donna
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Out Of This World

Do you believe in life out there beyond our planet? Do you know some people who act like they're from another planet?

Your prompt today is to write about someone from another planet whether they are or not.

Donna
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The Search

Write a scene about searching for something lost. Make it something as lighthearted as a misplaced love note, as frustrating as car keys, or as serious as a missing pet. Show emotion through actions and reactions, inner monolog and dialog.

Donna
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Children's Games

Describe children playing a game. Include dialog that represents conflict.

Donna
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Story Starters: Bootcamp

Start a story ith the following sentence:

Cold wind whistled through the barracks at the end of my first day at bootcamp.

Donna
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Thankfulness

Design a scene showing thankfulness without saying the words thank you.

Donna
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Fair Experience

Write a scene from a visit to the fairgrounds for a carnival or other event like apple fest, taste of the town or best of the bands. Incorporate smells wafting from food booths, 4H projects, or vendor booths. Narrow the focus to one or two characters.

Donna
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Exercise Ball

Various exercise contraptions litter spare rooms, garages and the like. Any one of these make for a fun story, but today's prompt is the exercise ball. They come in various sizes and strength and require an air pump or compressor to blow them up--not too much of course.

Create a scene where the character used an exercise ball (even if it isn't to exercise).

Donna
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A Word - From A Word A Day

I receive A Word A Day by email. Today's word:

This week's theme: words that aren't what they appear to be.
slaver (SLAV-vuhr, SLAY-vuhr) verb tr., intr.

1. To slobber or drool; to smear with saliva.

2. To fawn.

noun

Saliva dripping from the mouth.

[Probably from Old Norse slafra (to slobber).]
Today's word in Visual Thesaurus: http://visualthesaurus.com/?w1=slaver

Use this word in a holiday story. It's that time of year. Halloween is just around the corner, as well and Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

Donna
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Life Of a Baseball

At this time of year when baseball fans crowd before TV screens to see who makes it to the World Series, think about a story from the Baseball's POV. What does it feel? What does it hope for? What does it smell? How about taste? And for the conclusion--where does it end up by the end of the game?

Donna
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School Days

Write about school. Present, past or future.

What was worn? Do students own books? Are students grouped by age, grade, sex or gift areas? What about students who struggle to learn? Is there one teacher or more? Do students catch a bus, walk or something else? Is the school heated or air conditioned? Does it have windows?

These questions are prompts, not limitations. I'd love to see what you have to write on this one. If you'd like to let others take a look, post your entry in the comments.

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

Square Peg in a Round Hole

Create a gifted character that just doesn't fit within the circumstances of today's world. Consider some of these challenges:

Technology (VCR, DVD, computer, fixing a car or some other mechanical device, setting the clock, making coffee, using a new appliance)

Manner of dress

Society's behavior

Or, if the muse struck with a unique idea run with it.

Donna
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Mmmm Delicious

Describe your favorite dish. Include taste, smell, sight and the sense of hearing.

Donna
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Always Prepared

It's a motto, but not many people are as prepared as they hope to be. Create a scene where your character realizes she/he is not prepared.

Donna
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The dog, Squirrel and the Red Pen

Write a short story including these three items:

dog

Squirrel

red pen

Donna
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Like Riding A Bike

Some things you never forget--but it doesn't mean you don't get a bit rusty. Create an older adult character doing something they did long ago. Something they were good at. It can be anything from childhood or teen years. Before you start, ask why they want to do it. Are they proving something? To whom?

Donna
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It Wasn't Funny At theTime

High stress situations can escalate as tiny events add up to an explosive crescendo or emotional meltdown. As bad as these situations seem to be, have you ever found yourself laughing after the fact as you sit around the table sipping a cup of coffee?

Write about one of these situations.

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

Death of a Dream

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

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

The Blanket

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

Write a story about a blanket.

Donna
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Clutter, Clutter Everywhere

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

Donna
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Hidden

Expose something hidden.

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


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

Story of Teeth

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

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

Braces

Over whitening

Missing teeth

Rotten teeth

Getting a crown

Tooth fairy

Life On the Run

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

Sound and Setting

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

New Shoes

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

Blue-Green

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

Story Starter - Hummingbird

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

 

Photo credit:  pixabay

Today's Writing Prompt

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

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

Aquarium

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

Expectations and Reality

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

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

Tired

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

Pest

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

Create a scene involving a pest.

Haircut

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

Write a scene including a haircut.

Gateways

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

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

Trends and Traditions

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

Long Time No See

Write a story about a reunion. It can be happy, sad or funny.

Idea joggers:

adopted child and parent
hightschool sweethearts
army buddies

Hungry, Thirsty and Poor

Write a scene with a character that is hungry, thristy and poor. Here's the catch. Don't use those words (or a root of those words) within the text. Instead show the hunger, thirst and poverty.

Plateau, Fallen Tree, Blanket

Develop a short story or scene including these three items:

plateau
fallen tree
blanket

Planet and the Turtle

You pick the planet, real or fictional. It can be hanging in a sci-fi or fantasy sky, or your characters can be walking on the planet's surface. A turtle-like creature is flipped onto its back at the opening of your scene and struggling to get upright.

Build a Character

Build a character from head to toe. Don't offer additional information about personality--just phyical detail. With that detail show that your character is one of the following:

Procrastinator

Proud

Poor

Efficient

Vain

Childhood Memories

Write a short story about a childhood game where imagination was the magical ingredient. Did it take place outside or indoors? Be sure to include the sense of smell to help travel back in time.

Stubbing A Toe

Describe the pain experienced when stubbing your toe and use it in a short scene.

10 Years 10 Pounds

Create a character--place them in one of the following situations:

Taking the garbage out

Getting ready to exercise

Carrying groceries into the house and putting them away

Now, add ten years and 10-20 lbs. to your character and have them repeat the same activity.

The Curtain Falls

Create a character in a dressing room after "the show." They read a review of their performance in the local paper. Show them taking off their makeup. Are they happy, sad, contemplative? What do they smell? What do they think.

Letter Home

Write a fictional letter from a character away from home. It can be from the past, present or future. Include details of everyday life, such as my horse threw a shoe, my car had a flat, or my transporter block blew a circuit. Pick one of the following reasons for your characters absence from a home they long for:

war
school
marriage
business

The Lake

The Lake
Write a story based on this photo.

Walking in the Rain

Sometimes simple things like weather symbolize something else in writing. For instance, walking in the rain can be the setting to hide a character's tears or represent a cleansing in theirlife. Place you character in the rain--the season is up to you. Make it pour, or make it sprinkle--that's up to you. Whatever the amount of wind and rain, make it means something in your character's life.

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