Writing Prompt # 8

Write a scene from the point of view of a mortician’s daughter.

Writing Prompt # 7

Whenever you’re stuck on what to write about, ask yourself what it is that you feel strongly about. When you have strong convictions about something, it fuels your writing and the odds of you abandoning your work due to boredom get much slimmer.

That said, I want you to choose a topic – whether it’s a traditional topic of controversy (abortion, the death penalty, gay marriage, organized religion in schools, etc.) or just something you feel strongly about.  After you chose your topic, I want you to write an abbreviated version of your opinion on it. Make a few bullet points as to why you feel the way you do, etc.

Then I want you to take that topic and argue the other side of the opinion. Be convincing.  And don’t change the topic if you can help it, try to stick with one that will really challenge you.

They say that good writers can write about anything and make it seem flawless. Do that here.

Writing Prompt #6

Think of two people who you used to know 5 – 10 years ago but whom you are no longer in contact with. Describe them separately. Now combine them into one new character taking whatever traits you want from each of them.  Write either a character sketch of this individual (containing their background story, how they came to be, etc.) or a short story/scene with them.

Writing Prompt # 5

You are to write a short story.  The title of your story must contain at least two of the following words:  fish, winter, alien, turnip, ashen, travel, calendar, lunchbox, tradition, harmonica, silver.  Write the title, then write the story.

Writing Prompt #4

Playing with cliches is an interesting challenge.  Often it’s easy to reject one’s own writing as being too cliche and therefore not worth continuing.  Let’s begin with a few cliches and see what new and innovative things can be worked into them.

So for this prompt, use the following and then take it somewhere “real”:

You are a 17 year old boy who lives in a farming community in Iowa in the 1960’s.  You are at a state fair and are currently sitting on a Ferris Wheel next to the girl you have a crush on.  She is wearing a cardigan sweater, you are nervously contemplating putting your arm around her…

writing prompt #3

“They” say beginnings are important. Sometimes starting with an unexpected and contrasting statement is a good way to grab a readers attention.

That said, begin with this sentence: “If William had died, this would be so much easier…”

Writing Prompt # 2

An editor wants you to write a book. She doesn’t care what it’s about but her marketing team assures her that if it has the following title it will be a huge success. It’s your job to come up with a summary/synopsis of the book. The title has to be: “Microwaves and Skyscrapers: a Place Called Home”. Come up with the storyline and even write an excerpt if you’re so inclined…