My photo prompt today actually worked in reverse. I had opening lines that I wrote five years ago and found a photo to accompany them. I would love to write a story to fit these opening lines because I think it sets up the protagonist, antagonist, setting, and main problem in a compelling way with just a few lines. If this photo inspires you, write the opening lines for this scene. Or tell me where to take this story from my opening lines.
The sun rose over the still-quiet city, a haze already gathering above the maples and oaks in Nelson Park. I crunched along the crushed gravel path. A few birds tossed out some notes, either early risers warming up their vocal chords or night ones wrapping up their nocturnal activities. Turning right, I followed the path that led to the building with the mayor’s office. A jogger trotted past. I smiled, but of course, he didn’t smile back. You don’t in this city.
I wiped at the sweat on my lip and pulled my damp shirt from my back. The humidity climbed with the sun. It sidled up to you and sank in, just like Mayor Nelson’s words when he wanted to win you over to do something for him.
He thought he finally had me, had finally hooked me, and could play me however he wanted. But he didn’t have me. He couldn’t get me.
Picking up my pace, I grinned at the next grim-faced jogger.
But I was going to get him.
Here are more writing prompts to inspire beginnings.
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