A year of writing prompts: 7 May

How to use these prompts

Who are these people? Why do they have such a
futuristic looking car?
Perhaps the story is set in the future,
or are they time travellers?

Prompts

1. "Comedy is tragedy that happens to other people." Angela Carter
2. It's national Tourism Day. Write about some tourists. What have they gone to see? What do they do while they are there? How do they interact with the local people?
3. In 2015, archaeologists found some of Captain Kidd's treasure. Write a story featuring pirates' treasure.
4. In 1789 the first inaugural ball was held for a US President. Write a story set at a glitzy, prestigious political function.
5. In Boston in 1988, the first meeting for people who claimed to have been abducted by aliens met in Boston. Write a story someone who attended that meeting might have told, or explore the interactions between people at that meeting. People who'd really been abducted vs frauds; competing with each other for the worst experiences; the journalist reporting on the meeting for a magazine article.

Character Names

Gisella, Henrietta, Tina, Stewart, Mona, Monica, Monique, Ludmilla, Beverley, Lilian, Lily

Character Traits

• Work hard, but tend to pursue impossible goals.
• Argumentative people who swim against the current and don't care if it makes them unpopular.
• One of their passions may be improving things for other people. It's possible they will sow the seeds leading to lasting changes but may not see the fruits of those labours themselves.
• Have a strong faith in God, which keeps them going when their efforts seems to be coming to nothing.
• Often tall.
• Males will be powerful, possibly violent and could end up killing somebody.
• Quickly get bored with routine. Restless, wandering nature.
• Often misunderstood.
• Their ideas may gain popularity only to fall from favour later.
• Can be stubborn and closed-minded.
• May be trapped by their own wants and needs.
• Influential in business or academic circles.
• Singing or public speaking may feature in their careers.
• Danger from explosions, especially nuclear plants or bombings.
• May be embroiled in religious conflicts.

Possible Themes

The human body.

Spirit vs mind.

Media influence.

Spiritual causes, crusades. Peace marches.

Objects

Swords and torches; a river; a bull tied to a tree; a pitcher; a small cottage; a seagull, a pomegranate.