A year of writing prompts: 29 August

How to use these prompts

What is this elephant doing in the sea?
How will it interact with the swimmers?

Prompts

1. Edmund Hoyle's Treatise on the Game of Whist was published in 1742. Write a story about a whist drive. Your characters have gathered for a polite evening of card games - but there are underlying tensions.
2. "The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions." Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr
3. Michael Jackson was born on this date in 1958. Write a story based on a Michael Jackson song.
4. In 1839 the slave ship Amistad was hijacked by 53 Africans bound for slavery. They demanded to be taken back to Africa. Although the crew secretly changed course and took them to America anyway, the Supreme Court eventually ruled that they were free to go home. Your character was on board that ship. Write their version of events.
5. In the film Terminator 2, today is the day in 1997 when Skynet becomes self aware. In your story, machines, or a single machine or type of machine, become self aware.

Character Names

Evelina, Beatrix, Erna, Sabina, Jeremiah, Jeremy, Jerry, Jeri, Jan, Nicola, Hans

Character Traits

• Pathologically shy, awkward and clumsy, especially around the opposite sex. Hence marriage is difficult or unlikely. if they marry, it is likely to cause them trouble.
• If they can overcome their shyness, they become moving and eloquent speakers, and make good friends once you get to know them.
• Good memories.
• Self sufficient; rarely take advice.
• Extraordinarily prudent in some areas but wasteful in others.
• Lack tact and patience with others.
• Can be critical and sarcastic.
• Sensitive and delicate.
• Orderly and clean.
• May be a carer for an elderly or sick relative.
• Talent for mathematics and politics.
• Could embark on a career in law or forensic science.
• A nasty woman, who enjoys doing harm for the sake of it may have a devastating influence on them.
• Danger of drug abuse.

Possible Themes

Humility.

Social isolation.

Conflict, strife, tension, pressure.

Women's circles and feminine rituals.

Mischief and the unexpected.

Objects

A harem; a wig and gown; ceremonial robes; a custard pie; a pomegranate; a lute.