A year of Writing Prompts: 3 May

How to use these prompts

Who are these people and how do they know each other?
Students sharing a flat? Siblings? Workmates?
Tell a story about them.

Prompts

1. In 1944, a crossword in the Daily Telegraph contained answers which were secret code words for the landing sites in the invasion of France. The crossword compiler was questioned and found not to be a spy, but the coincidences were uncanny. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to write a story in which a crossword puzzle is used to communicate secret information.
2. "It is necessary for a prince who wishes to survive to know how to do wrong." Macchiavelli
3. Today is Holy Rood Day, or finding of the True Cross Day. Imagine someone in modern times finds what they believe to be the True Cross. What do they do? Does anyone try to discredit them, or steal it from them?
4. Local elections often happen around now. Write about someone who is standing for election to a local council or as mayor.
5. In 1808, a duel was fought from two hot air balloons above Paris. Write about a duel fought in unusual circumstances.

Character Names

Alexei, Timothy, Irma, Jessica, Lester, Brandy, Maria, Philip, Galina, John, Jack

Character Traits

• Refined and artistically gifted.
• Materialistic and get envious of the success and possessions of others.
• Can be underhand or even spiteful in order to get what they want. They will go all out to get what they think is theirs by right, even at the expense of whoever has it.
• Waste a lot of energy chasing after what they think they should have rather than concentrating on what they can achieve or what they already have.
• Can become obsessed with revenge for ills done to them, which are often imaginary. Romances and marriage can be affected by this.
• Their tendency to be opinionated and defend principles makes them pioneers who will fight for a cause.
• Careful with money.
• Energetic and active.
• Likely to find themselves in disagreement or conflict with a woman.
• Possible careers: electrician, singer, business; any position requiring diplomacy, courtesy and tact.
• Likely to become embroiled in legal affairs.
• Danger of assault.
• Health problems may include bad backs, possibly as a result of poor posture. Also strain and wear problems.

Possible Themes

Attraction and repulsion.

Bearing of loads; luggage.

Juggling priorities; use of time and energy.

Responsibility.

Objects

Luggage; a dog with a bone; a legal document; a treatise on imaginary creatures.