A year of writing prompts: 11 August

How to use these prompts

What hazard is this warning people about?
Or is it something other than a nautical hazard marker?

Prompts

1. In 1995 a bowls club in Leamington Spa had to ban a parrot because he kept saying "you're a yard short". Write a story about a parrot which says inappropriate things.
2. It's Presidential Joke Day, anniversary of the date when Ronald Reagan made a quip about bombing Russia without realising he was being broadcast live. Write about someone who makes a comment in jest on radio/TV when they think the mic is off - but it isn't.
3. "Either you deal with what is the reality, or you can be sure that the reality is going to deal with you." Alex Haley
4. It's Enid Blyton's birthday. Write a story in the style of Enid Blyton. She's famous for her Famous Five and Secret Seven stories, girls' boarding school stories and tales about brownies and fairies. Not forgetting Noddy and Big Ears.
5. Middle Children's Day is celebrated around now. Make your character a middle child and write about their relationships with their older and younger siblings.

Character Names

Susanna, Olga, Zita, Shanna, Susan, Sue, Suzanne, Gage, Philomena, Clare

Character Traits

• May be religious and may have a tendency to be prophetic and dramatic. Their religion is likely to be one which involves faith and brotherhood.
• Tendency be arrogant and to meddle in other people's business, which makes them enemies.
• Likely to rebel against existing conditions, and do something about it. Will contribute to humanitarian causes.
• Good at both talking and listening.
• Good with young people.
• Their lives can be difficult, but they have enough luck to get through even the most insurmountable seeming difficulties and succeed in the end.
• Tend to be in service to others. May work in medicine, accounting, animal husbandry or trading in horses.
• Dislike being restricted or restrained.
• Are bothered by uncertainty and life's unanswered questions.
• Perfectionists, good with facts and figures.
• Likely to go through a trial by fire, which may be real or symbolic.
• May suffer from claustrophobia.
• Could be cast adrift in choppy seas.

Possible Themes

Medicine.

Fire.

Self control in order to accomplish a task.

Social gatherings.

Objects

A houseboat; a strong wind; a hummingbird; a distant star surrounded by rings; a giant.