ebooks4writers

Sometimes it just happens - you meet someone and there is an instant connection. Could be love, could be hate... Fiction: Write a scene in which two people fall in love at first sight, or conversely, loathe each other at first meeting ­ make it convincing! Poetry: Do you believe in love at first sight? Or loathing? Write a poem about either (if you are doing both prompts each day, make one about love and one about loathing).   Don't forget how much body language shows this stuff! … [Read more...]

Sometimes one word is enough to spark a story or poem.  But I like a challenge!   Fiction: Write a scene or story that includes an umbrella, a jar of peanut butter, a dictionary and a red Mustang convertible.   Poetry: Write a poem that includes these words: basket, convincing, purple, curtain, madness. Challenge yourself further and use each word twice. … [Read more...]

There are dozens of lists - things to do, things not to forget, gift lists ...   Fiction: Write a story that is based around a list of some kind, either a list made by one of the characters, or a list you make yourself as the basis of the story.   Poetry: Write a poem that is a litany, i.e. where every line starts with the same word or phrase. (This is sometimes called a hymn or list poem - I like litany.)   Put writing on your To Do List today! … [Read more...]

Sometimes something old can spark off a new idea or spin. A favorite "spin-off" is to rewrite a fairy tale or do something different with it. (Try reading The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by A. Wolf!)   Fiction: What is the first fairy tale that comes to your mind? Write down the basic points of the tale and then write a modern version of it. Use parody or humor if you wish, or change the main character or point of view character.   Poetry: Write a poem about a fairy tale in … [Read more...]

What is it about famous people? Are they really who we think?   Fiction: Write a story in which your character (male or female) accidentally meets their idol in circumstances that are very embarrassing for the idol (and may require your character to rescue them). Or if you get stuck, make it embarrassing for the character. Push yourself on this one and explore humor, perhaps.   Poetry: Write an ode to someone in history whom you admire or despise for some reason.  ­Try to show … [Read more...]

We're at the halfway mark - 30 writing prompts already. OK, May has 31 days so technically we're not quite there. But everyone is writing (so they tell me) at least every second day and saving their unused prompts for later. Here we go today:   There have been some very famous stories written in which the main character is trapped in some way. Physically or metaphorically? You choose. Fiction: Write a piece in which someone is trapped (you decide where) and what happens to them next. … [Read more...]

14 days and still going! Hope you have a notebook full of ideas and material. Setting is one element we often leave until last. We think - I'll go back and fill that in later. But if we don't "practise" the various elements of writing, we actually let them become  weaker. So here are some prompts to hone your setting skills.   Fiction: Write a short piece (flash fiction) in which you focus entirely on a setting and one single tiny event that takes place in it.   Poetry: Write a … [Read more...]

  Aahh, starter lines. I love them. And if you later decide that first line doesn't work, you can change it!    Fiction: Start a story with the line: I see her in the cafe and I know this is the last time.    If you write for children, start with: He/she used to be my friend until ...   Poetry: Start a poem with the line: The instructions say ... If none of these appeal, take a book off your shelf, open a page at random, close your eyes and point. There's your new … [Read more...]

When do we ever know the real story? That's where "what if" comes in!   Fiction: Find a newspaper (buy one if you need to), choose a small article that doesn't tell you very much but interests you, and write a small story based on imagining the real story behind it.  Newspapers usually have "Odd Spot" sections so one of those is often a good start.   Poetry: Whatever time of day it is when you read this, stop reading right now, go and stand outside for a few minutes and then write … [Read more...]

Is life about choices or randomness? You know what they say - not making a choice is still a decision! Choose to write today.   Fiction: Ask five of your friends, relatives or work colleagues this question: What one thing do you dream of doing before you die? Choose the one that interests you the most and write a story (or the beginning of a story at least) about a character who decides to do this thing, no matter what, and the fallout. Or perhaps the result.   Poetry: Open … [Read more...]