Prompt #96

Revisionist History

Years ago I spent a good deal of time researching my family’s beginnings in Northern Michigan. In the process, I learned a lot about a number of obscure historical figures in my home town. One was a legendary Indian, Chief Charlie Kabawgam.  Here’s your task: research the history of your community. Learn as much as possible about the people who lived there many years ago, and if you can, focus on the more eccentric denizens of the community.  In narrative form, write the story of one of the characters you discover.  The actual story should be enough, but once you’ve narrated the true story, rewrite some aspect of it in fictional form.

Prompt #95

Decisions, Decisions, Oh My God!

You  made a bad decision. It was your choice, and you screwed it up big time — at least you thought so at the time. You left a job prematurely, lost a girlfriend/boyfriend/partner, pushed the launch button for the network of ICBMs aimed at Russia and China, overcooked the turkey . . . you know what I mean. Write a narrative of the moments leading up to the “bad” decision. Include the who, what,when,  where, why and how of it. Then tell the story of the aftermath – the moment of realization, the panic, and the, perhaps futile, attempts to fix it. Then write about the long-term consequences.

I have made many, many, many bad decisions. Some have remained bad, but others have turned out to be really good decisions over the long run. This exercise can be wonderfully therapeutic, or it can confirm your suspicions that this was the moment you ruined your life.  Have fun.

Prompt #94

Decisions, Decisions

What difficult, important decision has been nagging you lately?  Free-write around the problem for 20 to 30 minutes. Explore the nooks and crannies, the pros and cons, the ups and downs, the ebb and flow . . . you get the picture. When you’re done, write out your decision in a detailed passage of several sentences.  Of course,  you don’t have to stay with this decision, but you just might want to.

Prompt #93

mea culpa

I’ve done something very bad. I’ve been out of town and out of sorts, and I’ve neglected to post prompts for far too long. Please forgive me for my negligence. I’m feeling suddenly refreshed (even in the Northeast’s sweltering heatwave), so let the prompts continue.

Begin an extended writing with this prompt: I had done something very bad . . .

Prompt #92

Magic

Here’s today’s prompt: I could see the maker’s soul went into the thing, and it seemed magical.

Prompt #91

Fairy Tales

Begin your story with these words: Once upon a time . . .

Prompt #90

Secrets

This is today’s prompt:  I know what you did . . .

Prompt #89

The Routine

Every day an old man dressed in a worn overcoat and stained sneakers comes down your street, turns into the yard and goes around to the back of the house on the corner.  Write a scene.

Prompt #88

Daily Writing

Graham Green said he would write at least 500 words a day whether he felt like writing or not. Professional writers tend to be disciplined, daily writers. This is one more sign that their success is not magic. The very act of writing is a source of inspiration.  For today (and every day) follow this advice.  Write 500 words about whatever comes to mind.

Prompt #87

Help!

It’s one of those days. Write something that will make you and me happy, and post it here.