A year of Writing prompts: 1 May

How to use these prompts

Who are these people?
What is the figure in the corner? A sculpture?
Or something else?
Who is watching who?

Prompts

1. It's May Day, or Beltane in the pagan calendar. Write a story involving a May Pole, bonfires, women washing in dew to make themselves beautiful, romantic frolics in the meadows, hobby horses, Morris dancers, May queens and/or any other May Day custom you can think of.
2. May Day is also a national holiday because it was adopted by the Labour movement, which campaigned for workers' rights. Write about some people who stand up to their employer.
3. Batman first appeared in comics in 1939. Write a story featuring a vigilante superhero who uses technology rather than having superpowers. It can be Batman fanfic if you like, or you can make up a new character.
4. "His only mission each time he went up was to come down alive." Joseph Heller
5. The Illuminati was formed in 1776 - their function being to study banned books, which was why they had to be secretive and now they've gained a reputation for secrecy and controlling everything. Write a story about a powerful secret society.

Character Names

Jacob, May, Mayte, Wyatt, Joseph, Kelly

Character Traits

• Shrewd and ambitious. Will gain wealth through cunning but may have a reputation for being stingy.
• Nevertheless, there may also be a charitable nature and a willingness to help others.
• House proud and perfectionist, but can also be adaptable and creative.
• Dependable and stubborn.
• Tendency to be over optimistic which can lead to ill-placed investments or acting prematurely.
  
• Excellent insight into human nature.
• Susceptible to flattery.
• Inclined to envy.
• Enjoy their food; may drink too much.
• They may live in an enviable or secure location, but will have used some illicit means to get there.
• Want to make an impact, and are direct and unstoppable when they set their minds on something.
• They may choose a career connected to metal, ores or jewellery; something in the public eye like singing, speaking or dancing; or they may be a carer.
• May have problems with their hearing.
• Dehydration or water shortages may feature at some point in their life.

Possible Themes

Protection, safety.

Mentorship; nurturing.

Attention to detail.

Objects

A candelabra; a crow; flowers; a sycamore tree; a pen; a watering can; a monk.