A year of writing prompts: 19 November

How to use these prompts

How did this couple meet?
Does their wedding go smoothly or
does something go wrong?

Prompts

1. In 1997, the McCaughey septuplets were born. Write a story featuring a multiple birth, with five or more babies. Exactly how many is up to you. Your story can be about how the parents cope, or you could write from the point of view of one of the children. How does being one of a multiple birth affect their lives?
2. "There's so much comedy on television. Does that cause comedy in the streets?" Dick Cavett
3. Today is Warlock Day, on which, according to folklore, the first stranger you meet who is dressed entirely in black is a warlock. If you look him directly in the eyes, you will be bewitched. Someone going about their daily business in the 21st century meets a man in black, in an unlikely place, perhaps, who is a warlock. Your character may or may not be aware of the legend, but either by accident or design, they look him in the eye. What happens next?
4. The Pilgrim Fathers arrived at Cape Cod on this day in 1620. A group of colonists arrive at their destination. They have left home in search of religious freedom, perhaps, or because they disagree with the secular laws and customs in their home country. Perhaps they are prisoners sent away to start a new colony in a hostile place as punishment. Their new home can be a newly discovered place in the world. They can be the Pilgrim Fathers themselves if you like, or, they have gone to start a colony on another world altogether. What do they do when they arrive? Are there natives there to greet them? How do they go about setting up a new society?
5. National Philanthropy Day is celebrated around now. Your character is a very rich man, or woman, who want to donate some of their money to help others. How do they decide which charity to support? Do they perhaps give more than money? Do they, for example, volunteer incognito at a soup kitchen?

Character Names

Elizabeth, Elisa, Liza, Lisa, Betty, Beth, Matilda, Isabelle, Isabella, Bessie, Elsie, Alton

Character Traits

• Good with words, persuasive - good at winning arguments.
• Interested in military pursuits and strategy.
• Clever and cunning - tend to be tricksters.
• Believe in justice and equality for everyone. Their principles guide their actions in life.
• May reach high profile positions of honour and trust. Protective of those under them.
• Can cope confidently with situations where resources are scarce.
• May come from lowly beginnings but are fortunate and overcome the limitations.
  
• Intelligent and keen to learn. Wise and cautious.
• Danger from accidents, explosions or contamination.
• May have a career connected with eyes. Alternatively, acting, spying, science or the military.
• Can be aggressive and feared and respected for their knowledge.

Possible Themes

Ignorance, lack of wisdom. 

Siblings. 

Friends. 

Masculine domains.

Reunions. 

Reincarnation. 

Restless wandering.

Daring adventures. 

Prisoners of war.

Objects

A compass; a heap of stones; a serpent; a nun; a storm swept valley; a campfire; scales; a mask