Come for the Mysteries. Stay for the Characters.
I’m wrapping up this month’s theme with a fantasy prompt for a short story. I chose this image because of the blend of fantasy and real-world elements. What?–An old trumpet found in Great-grandfather’s chest Who?–A high school girl who needs an instrument for marching band Where?–Not sure. Girl starts out in her bedroom, practicing. When?—At… Continue Reading →
After starting the month with a setting prompt and an object prompt, this week I’m offering a character prompt for a short story. I chose this photo because the expression on the little boy intrigued me. He’s holding a plane, like he’s been playing with it, but he looks so serious or stunned. Like I… Continue Reading →
This month’s theme is short stories. I loved reading them and writing them! My prompts for short stories provide inspiration by asking who, what, when, where, how, and why questions. Today’s prompt is a setting. Answering the questions below gives me the beginning of a story. What?–A well-kept room in an old family mansion Where?–A… Continue Reading →
Last week the prompt for a short story was a setting. This week it’s an object. Asking who, what, when, where, why, and how can help kick off your inspiration. Here’s how I answered those questions. What?–An empty shoe with spots of wet blood. Where?–An abandoned railway line. When?–A hot July afternoon. Who?—Two brothers, middle… Continue Reading →
I enjoyed the object prompt for a short story from two weeks ago so much that I’ve chosen another one. What short story do these objects inspire, answering the questions who, what, when, where, why, and how? Here’s my take on it. What?–An old film camera Who?–An elderly amateur photographer. Where?–In his study or home… Continue Reading →
JPC Allen Writes