A year of writing prompts: 18 August

How to use these prompts

Quadruplets or clones?
If the former, what are their lives like?
Do they play practical jokes on people?
If the latter, why were they created?

Prompts

1. At one time in Salzburg, any child born on August 18 had to be tested for witchcraft because it was the birthday of an evil warlock. Your story is set in a society where, on one day of the year, any child born has to be tested for something undesirable to that society. It needn't be witchcraft if that's not your thing. Your character is either a child, or the parent of a child, who tests positive.
2. Born on this date was Max Factor, the cosmetics manufacturer. Write a story featuring cosmetics and make-up.
3. "I did a picture in England one winter, and it was so cold I almost got married." Shelley Winters.
4. Today's guardian angel is Omael, who influences chemists. Write a story in which the principal character is a chemist.
5. It's Mail Order Catalogue Day. Your character orders something from a catalogue, and when it arrives, it's not quite what was advertised.

Character Names

Helena, Levi, Ilona, Lamar, Lena, Helen, Elaine, Elena, Ella, Ellen, Nellie, Evan

Character Traits

• Willing to take on thankless tasks necessary for society or science. They will do things many people would see as beneath them, and achieve fortune and renown from them.
• Moving north of their birthplace is lucky for them.
• Love nature and are drawn to a rural life.
• Enjoy good company and conversation, but hate quarrels.
• Tend to lack self control which can lead to immorality. That said, they can be relied upon to keep secrets.
• Gain from the quiet influence of helpful friends.
• Will notice and be concerned about things which appear to be out of place.
• Thorough planners who pay attention to detail. This means they may be slow starters but their efforts will pay off in the end.
  
• Good at finding the simplest way to do things.
• In romance, they want the most attractive partner.
• Strong emotions, which they sometimes struggle with.
• Often have many problems to deal with.
• Their fortune may come from seafaring activities.
• Danger from hidden forces - clans, secret societies or espionage.
• Risk of drowning or suffocating or being engulfed by psychological or financial problems. Danger from water, blocked drains or emotions, poisons, alcoholism. Suicidal tendencies possible. Could end up in prison for violent crimes.

Possible Themes

Blockages. 

Release from stressful situations.

Hopes. 

Finding grace in everyday life. 

Light.

Objects

A rainbow; rough seas; a fire at the bottom of an old well; a blonde cowgirl; a guitar.