Last week my writing prompt discussed how you can outline a short story from one picture. I don’t outline a lot when I write a novel, but I think outlining is more helpful with a short story because it is short. An outline keeps us writers on track, helping to prevent us from going off on tangents that just won’t fit in a short story. So I have an outline for how I let this photo inspire a short story.
Beginning: Grandpa is grumping along the lake at a local state park because his wife is helping their daughter with her newborn. He has no idea how to entertain kids. The only reason the group is at the marina is because grandson Liam wants to try his new fishing pole.
Middle: One mishap after another happens to Grandpa as he, Liam, and little sister Ava try one fishing spot after another. Ava accidentally drops the open tack box on Grandpa’s foot. Liam snags his line on an underwater branch and Grandpa has to wade in and get it. Ava wanders from the shore of the lake, and it takes Grandpa awhile to find her picking flowers. Then Liam hooks a catfish and Grandpa runs the barbels in his hand as he tried to unhook.
Ending: Grandpa has had it and tells Liam he can only have one more cast. Liam tries to argue, but Grandpa is adamant. Liam hooks a fish but slips and loses his rod. Tearing up, he lays in the mud on the bank. Grandpa flings himself into the water and grabs the pole just in time. When he comes back to the bank, muddy and soaked, Liam’s face is glowing with appreciation. Ava takes his hand and asks if he’s all right. When they get home, Liam and Ava talk over each other as they tell their mom how much fun Grandpa is. Grandpa listens, shocked and pleased, as he removes his drenched shoes.
Here are more prompts for writing short stories.
That is so sweet! Here’s my idea:
Beginning: Tommy and Viola are amazed that their grandpa used to swim with dolphins and they want to hear every single story of his Navy career. He’s glad for their excitement, but not all the stories bring back good memories, so he tries to distract them with other sights on the coast.
Middle: Viola notices that a big fish or shark or maybe a dolphin is erratically swimming just below the surface. Seeing crab fishermen nearby, Grandpa is suspicious that a marine mammal is accidentally caught. He tries to summon help, but nobody will take the old guy and young kids seriously. Grandpa suggests going home, but the kids won’t hear of it until they rescue the animal. Recognizing the same zeal in their eyes that he had in his early days, he knows he needs to play the part of the hero, for the grandkids’ sake. Grandpa grabs some rental diving gear and goes in for a look. As the kids cheer him on, he frees the stuck dolphin, who quickly rises to the surface for air.
Ending: Before he knows it, he’s invited to Tommy’s after-school club to speak about heroism, but when the program begins, Tommy is floored when Grandpa’s story isn’t about saving the dolphin, but is about the heroism of dozens of historical figures in their state. At first Tommy is upset that Grandpa isn’t getting credit for all the scary things he’d done, but when Grandpa gets a standing ovation, Tommy learns another trait of heroes and he’s never been more proud of his Grandpa.
Great inspiration! You surprised me with your ending. Nice twist!