Come for the Mysteries. Stay for the Characters.
My theme this month is adventure. What real-world adventure can you imagine for this picture? Who are the characters huddled around the campfire? Why are they camping? Is it a vacation? Or are they hiding out? Here’s my inspiration: “This is just what you need,” my cousin Dave said, poking at the fire. “Miles away… Continue Reading →
If you let your imagination soar during NaNoWriMo, you run the risk of a character hijacking your story. Maybe you’ve read about other writers who have had characters appear out of nowhere, fully formed, as if someone has air-dropped them into their brains. Don’t let it worry you. When a character takes over, you may… Continue Reading →
Last Monday I said that prompt was the last for my month focusing on YA fiction. I forgot that July had five Mondays this year. So you get a bonus YA prompt! I chose this picture because it’s a group and the expressions and body language sparked ideas for character building. And for some reason,… Continue Reading →
When I found this photo, I knew it would be the perfect prompt for a scene for country noir. Who is this character? Is he walking away from a heinous crime he’s committed? Is he about to commit a heinous crime? Maybe he’s trying to prevent a heinous crime. In all that fog, at least… Continue Reading →
Having just returned from camping with my oldest and 150 other middle school kids, I can swear before a court of law that people are quirky. I had conversations with a girl who is also a writer and working on a fantasy. I saw a twelve-year-old boy ad lib in a skit like a seasoned… Continue Reading →
JPC Allen Writes