A year of writing prompts: January 18

How to use these prompts

Who is this man and what is his calling?
Describe his everyday life.
Is he under threat of persecution?

Prompts

1. "Here's another fine mess you've gotten me into." Oliver Hardy
2. "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." AA Milne
3. There are several saints with feast days today about which no information has survived. Imagine you have a time machine. Go back to the second century and find out what happened to Saints Germana, Julius, Paul, Pia, Saturninus, and/or Successus.
4. In 1979, the House of Lords in the UK debated whether or not UFOs exist. Write about a Lord, or Lady, who took part in the debate because they'd had a close encounter with an alien.
5. In 1733, a polar bear was exhibited in America for the first time. Write a story featuring a polar bear.

Character Names

Laura, Anton, Liberta, Jolita, Celeste, Douglas, Wilfred, Hilda, Peter

Character Traits

• Nature lovers who never cease to be inspired by it. This may come about as a result of trips to the country or the mountains for health reasons; or these trips may be embarked upon because of the person's love of nature.
• Have vast inner resources which result in self assurance and poise.
• Often physically beautiful.
• Gift for art and poetry.
• Prefer contemplation, meditation and communing with nature to teeming crowds. This can result in isolation, however.
• Likely to be in a position of authority, ruling or directing people.
• Progressive, enterprising and forward looking.
• There will likely have been some sadness in their life, which may mean their creative works have a touch of melancholy about them.
• May have a morbid sense of humour and/or be obsessed with morbid things.
• Will be a collector of something.
• Liking for cattle.
• Tend to be superstitious and rely on their superstitions a little too much.
• May suffer from bronchitis.

Possible Themes

Deeper significance of ordinary events.

Symbolism and ritual.

Guidance.

Predicting the future.

Self control and good behaviour.

Confidential information. Conspiracies.

Planning, plotting and agenda setting.

Meetings and conferences. Doors.

Objects

Tea leaves; a statue lying in the grass; a step ladder; a pond; a ruined mansion.