A year of writing prompts: 5 June

How to use these prompts

Who or what is the white figure?
Where is the ship going?
What happens on the journey?

Prompts

1. "If I catch you again, I will Kill you." Francisco Pancho Villa
2. On Hot Air Balloon Day, write a story which features a hot air balloon.
3. Today is the traditional date of the destruction of Atlantis. Zeus was allegedly so angry with the city that he caused it to sink without trace under the waves. Tell the story of someone who escaped and lived to tell the tale.
4. In 1977, Alice Cooper's snake, which featured in his act, died after a rabbit it was being fed for breakfast bit it. This meant Alice had to hold auditions for a replacement snake. Write a story about an animal audition.
5. In 1934, the first meeting of the Baker Street Irregulars, fans of Sherlock Holmes, took place in New York. Write about a group of people who form a fan club dedicated to the fictional character of your choice. How do they advertise their first meeting? Who attends? What sort of activities do they plan?

Character Names

Dorothy, Fatima, Igor, Margot, Lorraine, Laura, Laurel, Loretta, Laurie, Boniface, Boris, Marcia

Character Traits

• Quick, sharp and adaptable.
• Can be restless, shallow and undisciplined.
• Have ingenious imaginations and so can be excellent storytellers – writing is a possible career; or they can be great liars.
• Impulsive and argumentative.
• Possibly eccentric.
• Interested in a wide range of subjects, which can either mean they are geniuses with encyclopaedic knowledge, or indecisive and easily distracted, never finishing anything they start.
• Work hard but are unlikely to become wealthy.
• Sensitive and emotional.
• Attractive to potential romantic partners, but their shallowness and restlessness means they have a tendency to be unfaithful.
• Aspire towards self-development and fulfilment.
• Could be successful in the fields of commerce, publishing or distribution.
• Possibly prejudiced.
• May suffer from mental exhaustion.

Possible Themes

Doubles, twins, twinning. Sharing.

Double meanings.

Companionship.

Gossip.

Objects

A hammer; a river; a howling dog; salt; a child's makeshift tent.