A Year of writing prompts: 2 April

How to use these prompts

Part of an ancient shipwreck, or a sea monster?
If the former, what's the story?
If the latter, what might it be saying to the man?

Prompts

1. "I had a very tiresome journey." Casanova
2. On National Day of Hope, write about someone who is hoping for something.
3. In 1877, a woman called Zazel became the "first beautiful lady" to be fired from a cannon. Write a story featuring a human cannonball.
4. In 2000, the Enigma coding machine was stolen from Bletchley Park. Write a story featuring a secret code, and/or set in Bletchley Park.
5. In 1976, a man committed suicide by balancing a piano against a plank , lying on his bed and making the instrument fall so that it crushed him to death. Write about someone who comes up with a creative way of ending it all.

Character Names

Erika, Elona, Russell, Naomi, Maria, Zita, Gunnel

Character Traits

• Early life is full of trials and tribulations, but things improve in later life.
• Strong minded, but not so strong physically - they may be overweight, prone to sickness or have a deformity. Rheumatism is a likely affliction.
• It is in striving to overcome these problems that they achieve success and prestige.
• Will benefit from a sports regimen. They may become athletes or sportsmen, possibly wrestlers.
• Courageous and patient in the face of suffering.
• A fondness for gold or gilt fittings.
• Individualistic and not easily swayed by others.
• Energetic and impulsive.
• Start many things but don't finish them.
• Can be highly motivated to fight for ideals.
• May suffer attacks as a result of being open about their goals and values.
• April is their lucky month.
• Careers might include medicine, law, housekeeper, cook or electrician.
• It is bad for them to suppress stress and emotion.
• There may be issues around terrorism for them.

Possible Themes

Making mountains out of molehills.

Survival of good through evil intentions.

Hollow threats.

Spiritual intuition.

Objects

An unexploded bomb; a ram; an oven; white sheets drying on the line; an armoured car.