Writing Prompt #25
Each week, ORW will feature a new writing prompt meant to spark your creative juices. Use it to generate new fiction, creative non-fiction or poetry, or apply the prompt to a current project. Even if you don’t create a scene that fits with your project, you may find that you’ve learned more about your story.
Recently I read a travel article in which the writer described ancient cave paintings, which included handprints of the artist. One finger print indicated that the finger had been broken. My mind has been playing with the “how” of that finger break ever since. For this writing session, consider a physical flaw of your protagonist. How, metaphorically speaking, did the character break his or her finger? Write a 1,000 word scene, third person p.o.v. in which your character sustains the damage seen later as a physical flaw. Pay special attention to description of the character’s reaction.
As always, I’d love to hear from you if you use this prompt. What was the flaw about which you wrote?
Writing Prompt #24
Each week, ORW will feature a new writing prompt meant to spark your creative juices. Use it to generate new fiction, creative non-fiction or poetry, or apply the prompt to a current project. Even if you don’t create a scene that fits with your project, you may find that you’ve learned more about your story.
Over and over in literature, forests are symbols of danger. Characters who leave the safety of civilization for the wilderness face adventures that take all forms. For this prompt, write a 1,000-word scene, in your choice of p.o.v., in which your protagonist leaves the safety of civilization for the danger of wilderness. Be as literal as suits your story as far as the two settings. To add some conflict, be certain that the protagonist encounters an unwelcoming character in the wilderness.
Have fun, and as always, please leave a comment if you use this prompt. I’d love to hear how it works for you!
Writing Prompt #23
Each week, ORW will feature a new writing prompt meant to spark your creative juices. Use it to generate new fiction, creative non-fiction or poetry, or apply the prompt to a current project. Even if you don’t create a scene that fits with your project, you may find that you’ve learned more about your story.
First line: (S)he hated ________, but not as much as (s)he loved ______________.
Please let me know if you use the prompt and how it works for you!
I study and practice the craft of writing for multiple audiences and purposes. Through my experience in public relations, grant writing, and academia, I have acquired the ability to create text that garners results. I hold a MA in English literature and a MFA in Creative Writing. Having taught nearly 900 students in classes ranging from business writing to creative writing, I believe in writer-centered instruction as the most effective way to empower my clients. 
