Writing Prompts
Random Writing Prompts
Dances with Cockroaches
Describe the following scene: an old woman finds a cockroach inside her rolled-up newspaper every morning, and dances on top of it before opening the newspaper.
A Fortunate Theft
Write a story about someone who steals a highly valuable or prized possession from somebody else. Have the life of the object's original owner improve after the theft.
(Instead of an object it may be a position or a relationship that is stolen. Play with the different options.)
Excuses
Write about a character who speaks often of what she would do if only she didn't have to... Perhaps she would devote herself to her art if she wasn't the family's sole wage-earner, or he would go and see the world if he didn't have to look after a sick relative, or she would live a simple life dedicated to service if it wouldn't upset her parents so much. Write about what happens when the stated obstacle is removed.
Security
Write about a person (or a group of people) who invests a lot of time and energy in the attempt to secure himself, his group, or some prized possession from harm or theft by unknown possible enemies. Explore the effect these precautions have on the protector, on the protected, and on the outsiders whom the protection is meant to ward off.
Children of the Visionaries
Their parents made a leap of faith--moved to the new country, founded the utopian community, overthrew the dictator, produced the life-changing new technology... What was new and strange to the parents is normal to the children.
Secret-Keeping
A friend comes to you (or your main character) in obvious distress, saying she’s in trouble and needs your help or advice, but first you must promise that you won’t tell anyone what she’s about to tell you. Do you promise? Do you keep that promise?
This could be an exercise in memory and analysis or in fiction.
It's Getting Closer
First there seemed to be an odd shimmer in the air over the lake, easier to see from the corners of your eyes than with a straight gaze. Then there was a definite shape resting on the water, but rowing out to it was no good--up close the colors faded and the lines blurred, and there was nothing to put your hands on. But every morning the shape grew a little clearer, a little larger, a little closer to shore.
Kitten on a Foundering Ship
A kitten mewls on the stern of a foundering ship. What will happen to it?
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