Fiction Writing Prompts From Emily 1. The Prompt: “Nobody loves you like I do,” he said.
Suggestions and Hints: This prompt can be an introduction to a love scene or a horror scene. Who is the “he” and to who is “he” talking? The other person can be a lover, a spouse, a child... a victim. What is his tone of voice? Where is he -- physically and emotionally? What does he feel about the other person? Adoration? Jealousy? Hate? Is he protective? Possessive? Imploring? Impassioned?
2. The Prompt: Use the three elements as part of a story: A barn, a syringe, and an old rocking chair.
Suggestion and Hints: Don't overthink this. This is a fun prompt!
3. The Prompt: He stood in front of the mailbox a long time, unable to decide whether or not to mail the letter. He must have rewritten it ten times. Still, it wasn’t right and before he mailed it, he had to read it one more time. Maybe that’s why he hadn’t sealed the envelope yet. Taking it out, he read…
Suggestions and Hints: Before you begin to write, think about who “he” is. Is “he” really a “she”? Characters are shapeshifters. It takes time to pin them down. Go with the shifts. The "he" might as well be a "she."
How old is he or she? To whom is he writing to? Where is she standing? Is it summer? Winter? Raining? Snowing?
Is the letter to a lover, parent, boss, friend, child? What if he is adopted and has just found her birth mother and is writing to her for the first time. Remember, the What Ifs are endless! Sign Up and See How Your First Mentoring Session Becomes Free!
4. The Prompt They sat next to each other on the train, still pretending to be strangers...
Suggestions and Hints: How this scene unfolds depends on who's point of view you take. Lot's of potential for dramatic tension and emotional conflict. This is a great prompt to write first from one character's point of view and then, write the story again from the other character's point of view. The second character can tell a totally different story.
5. The Prompt: I was looking in my bookcase for something to read and came across a book with a red leather binding. I took it off the shelf and looked at the title: “The Story of You: A Memoir In Process.” There was no author. I turned to the title page, which read: "The Story of You from Birth to Death, Beginning on March 11, 1979." I dropped the book and gasped. Where the hell had the book come from? Who had written it? I wanted to kick it out of the room and out the front door. I wanted to burn it. Instead, I picked it up and started reading….
Suggestions and Hints: Ever wanted to write a memoir? Here's a novel way to start. Or perhaps a totally new character is ready to tell you her/his story! Go for it!