A year of writing prompts: 2 May

How to use these prompts

Who do all these teddies belong to?
Write a story about a teddy bear collector.
Or what happens if the bears magically come to life.
A teddy bear community?

Prompts

1. "Let your boat of life be light, packed with only what you need ... and a little more than enough to drink, for thirst is a dangerous thing." Jerome K Jerome
2. It's the International Day of Idleness, an antidote to yesterday's Labour Day. This holiday was instigated by an international tramps convention in Argentina. Write about a tramp who, for whatever reason, avoids work.
3. Around this time is National Scrapbook Day. Write a story about someone who either keeps a scrapbook or comes across one belonging to somebody else.
4. In 1974, filming began on Stephen Spielberg's Jaws. Write a story featuring a shark.
5. In 1946, six prisoners tried to escape from Alcatraz. Write a story about some prisoners who try to break out of a high security prison.

Character Names

Laris, Sigmund, Sheldon, Miranda, Anatol, Philip, Phillippa

Character Traits

• Sweet-tempered, sociable and likeable. They are able to say what they think without making themselves unpopular.
• Like to associate with others like themselves.
• Hard working and patient; precise without being fussy. Good at work involving detail.
• Able to see all sides of an issue.
• Peaceful, optimistic and happy.
• Likely to make a success of whatever they do, albeit at a slow and steady pace.
• Not particularly ambitious - tend to be content with their lot.
• Followers rather than leaders.
• Females are likely to be dainty and delicate. Both genders likely to be good-looking and graceful.
• Men may be egotistical.
• May be passionate, energetic and creative.
• Carefree Bohemian type.
• Interested in ancient wisdom. May have a conviction that they lived a past life in Atlantis.
• Perfectionists who will not give up until they've done what they set out to do.
• Home and family life is well starred, but they may lack confidence that those they love love them back.
• May suffer from nervous exhaustion.
• Could get into arguments about money or possessions.

Possible Themes

Blackness (colour) and darkness.

Home and family.

Invisible barriers.

Consumerism; shared finances.

Objects

A shop window; two butterflies; a farmyard fork; an old elephant.