A Year of Writing prompts: 1 August

How to use these prompts

Two sisters in the middle of an adventure.
Tell the story.

Prompts

1. "Take my camel, dear, said my Aunt Dot, as she climbed down from the animal on her return from High Mass." Rose Macaulay
2. It's International Childfree Day, a day for those who have chosen not to have children. Your character does not want children. S/he announces this fact at a family gathering. What happens next?
3. In 1919, Daisy Ashford's book "The Young Visiters or Mr Salteena's Plan" was published. Daisy was nine years old. Write a story in the style a nine year old child might use.
4. August.
5. Sandcastle Day is celebrated around now. Write a story featuring a sandcastle.

Character Names

Oscar, Albina, Hope, August, Augusto, Austin, Peter, Justin

Character Traits

• Place much importance on appearances and will spend a lot of money on putting on a show and covering up anything inferior. Whatever their station or background, they give the impression of wealth.
• Proud and possibly a snob.
• Fond of theatrics and pageantry, high quality and rich colours.
• Likely to travel a lot to faraway places.
• Talkative when in company but love their solitude.
• Tendency to put on weight.
• Creative but given to fits of rage.
• Often misunderstood; do not always even understand themselves.
• Aware that many of their troubles are of their own making.
• Generous to the point of being wasteful.
• Often religious or political.
• Sense of symmetry in design and harmony of function.
• Charismatic and magnetic.
• Careers include sales and anything to do with food.
• Health problems might include alcoholism, lung problems such as asthma or anaemia.
• Danger of severe accidents or burns.
• May suffer from lapses of concentration.

Possible Themes

Care and responsibility.

Material security.

Forging and forming.

Respiration, singing.

Objects

Glassblowers; vases; a peacock; fireworks; a mirror; a solid gold egg.

A year of writing prompts: 31 July

How to use these prompts

What are these two fighting about?
Who wins?

Prompts

1. It's J.K. Rowling's birthday. She gave her creation, Harry Potter, the same birthday. Time for a story about wizards, witches and magic, existing alongside the real world.
2. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." J.K. Rowling
3. Another birthday today is that of economist Milton Friendman, who said that a government's solution to a problem is often worse than the problem. Write about a world where a government has come up with a dreadful solution in order to solve a problem.
4. In 1948, John F Kennedy Airport was dedicated by Harry S Truman. Write a story set in an airport.
5. Another fictional character who celebrated their birthday today was Shakespeare's Juliet. At the time of the events of the play, she was thirteen. Write a story about a teenage girl who falls in love with someone she shouldn't.

Character Names

Helena, Elena, Joseph, Oscar, Angelica, Carmel, Carmela, Carmen, Delbert, Ignatius

Character Traits

• Highly spiritual and evolved. Interested in philosophy and the esoteric.
• Their marriage will be a meeting of souls, and may take place later in life.
• Intuitive but not logical. Act on instinct rather than reason.
• Want to stay out of the public eye; tend to be defensive and to want to protect themselves.
• Idealistic and affectionate,
• Intense and sincere.
• Prone to jealousy.
• Small with good features and clear skin. May have flaxen hair.
• May have bad eyesight or be anaemic.
• Strive to be kind to others but are sometimes critical and caustic.
• Thrive on change and variety. Learn and adapt easily.
• Good at outwitting opponents by clever and non-violent means.
• Medicine, physical therapy, politics or dancing are all possible careers. May be drawn to working with fire, eg as a smith or a firefighter.
• May suffer loss or a trial by fire,
• May be affected by political brainwashing or religious fundamentalism. Terrorism or hate crimes could also affect them.

Possible Themes

Immortality, eternity.

Perception and clarification.

Revolutionary ideas, social and political battles, soapboxes.

Demonstrations.

Objects

A large flame; a burning bush; a hedgehog; a butterfly; two doves; a piano.

A year of writing prompts: 30 July

How to use these prompts

Who is this dancer?
Why is she dancing?

Prompts

1. It's Henry Ford's birthday and Kiss Your Car Day, a day on which you are supposed to pamper your car. Write about a character who is crazily obsessed with their car.
2. "If I had caused the cloud, it was my duty to make an effort to dispel it." Emily Bronte
3. On the birthdate of Henry Moore, write a story about a sculptor.
4. Parkinson's Law - anything expands to fill the time or the space available for it. Your character attempts to make more time or more space.
5. One word is being seen carved, daubed, spray-painted or pencilled in locations all over the city. What is the word? Who is producing this graffiti, and why?

Character Names

Judith, Xenia, Rosalinde, Harold, Hank, Hal, Harry, Henry, Henrietta, Harriet, Harrison, Ludmila, Margot

Character Traits

• May have bad eyesight, or even be blind.
• Likely to be very successful, possibly even going down in history.
• Noble, courageous and wise.
• High level of spiritual understanding and wisdom. May have a gift for prophecy.
• They are also wise in practical matters.
• Have difficulty making important decisions.
• Tend to be fortunate and attract wealth and power.
• Enjoy conversation and socialising.
• Generous and obliging.
• In romance, may find it hard to find a partner who matches up to their ideals.
• Want a balanced and harmonious life.
• May be incredibly brave; can also be foolhardy and irresponsible.
• Capable of restoring peace in times of crisis.
• Careers include law, politics, medicine, science, in particular astronomy, or the arts. May become the founder of a large business.
• Tendency to miss small details.

Possible Themes

Patterns and pattern recognition. Order.

Magical or timeless experiences.

The big picture.

Space travel.

Objects

Constellations; a diamond; a weak cup of tea; the Great Pyramid.

A year of writing prompts: 29 July

How to use these prompts

Who is this?
Write about some of the adventures he might have.

Prompts

1. "In politics, shared hatreds are almost always the basis of friendships." Alexis de Tocqueville
2. Clara Bow, the original "It" girl was born in 1907. Your character is an "It" girl (or boy, if you prefer!)
3. In 1900, King Umberto I was assassinated, moments after discovering that his doppelganger (a restaurant owner who looked like him, shared the same birthday, came from the same town, had married women with the same name, and the restaurant had opened the same day Umberto became king) had died in a shooting accident. Write a story about two strangers whose destinies seem to be closely linked.
4. Baden-Powell formed the Boy Scouts on this date in 1907. Write a story with a scouting theme. Scout camp; Bob a Job Week, Being prepared. Feel free to write about Girl Guides instead, or as well - a rivalry between the local Scout troop and their female counterparts, perhaps.
5. In 1952, Peter Parker (Spiderman) first appeared in a comic. Your character is a scientist who gets bitten by a radio-active animal and gets superpowers related to that animal. Which species is up to you. Radioactive woodlouse? Sloth? Cuddly kitten? Stick insect? Whatever you like.

Character Names

Marta, Flora, Edmund, Martha, Trevor, Olaf

Character Traits

• Adventurous and athletic, enjoy sporting contests and debates. Competitive.
• Can be reckless and quarrelsome. Interested in weapons.
• May become a great leader who is well liked by their inferiors. Have an air of authority which commands respect.
• Proud; tend to feel under pressure to perform and show they are the best.
• Hide insecurities with defensiveness and arrogance.
• Fussy, exacting and particular. Dislike anything coarse or crude.
• Success is likely but not assured. They will face many struggles in life; such as reversals of fortune, injuries, especially to the head and eyes, traps, financial difficulties and difficulties connected to property or estates.
• When on a winning streak and feeling self-confident will be generous and gracious.
• Have enough spiritual awareness to keep them from being completely unreasonable.
• Vain and flirtatious. Tend to categorise people.
• May go into the military, politics, medicine, missionary work or become an executive.

Possible Themes

Justice, honour, integrity.

Ageing issues; the generation gap.

Business takeovers.

Absolute power.

Letting go and having a good time.

Objects

A sword; a ball of fire; a hamster In a treadmill; a lion; a gauntlet; a dagger.

A year of writing prompts: 28 July

How to use these prompts

Here's a conservatory.
Who is/are the next person/people to enter it?
Why are they there, and what do they do?

Prompts

1. In 1944 it was so hot in Washington DC that newspapers published pictures of someone frying an egg on the steps of the Capitol Building. Write a story which takes place during a heatwave.
2. In 2000, the first ever eviction from the Big Brother House took place. (Sada). Your character has just been voted off a reality show. What does he or she do next?
3. "Once upon a time there were four little rabbits." Beatrix Potter
4. On this date the French Revolutionary Calendar celebrated the watering can. Write a story featuring a watering can.
5. Do not Vex the Waters.

Character Names

Victor, Cecilia, Kim, Kimberly, Calvin, Christov, Innocent

Character Traits

• Highly intelligent, fond of science, solving riddles and uncovering the truth.
• Very competitive - will go all out to get what they want. May resort to dishonest means.
• Envious and jealous of rivals.
• Quick to imagine slights and injury.
• May be forced to leave their home country under grave circumstances.
• May have a healing gift and could pursue a career in medicine.
• Science, geology, the military or the stage may also attract them.
• Likely to be involved in violent sports or military pursuits.
• Will push themselves to perfect their abilities but there is a danger of taking it too far and burning out.
• Inspire respect but not always affection. Could end up being isolated and lonely, not wanting to recognise their dependence on others.
• Greedy for the good things in life.
• Need to beware of attaching their names to papers, signing contracts or putting their trust in advisors.
• Impulsive action may get them into difficulties.
• Honest and sincere.
• Suspicious and cunning.

Possible Themes

Living on the edge. Perilous situations; extreme sports.

Mountains and valleys.

Ambition.

Being an inspiration.

Monuments.

Objects

A deep canyon; a snake; the engine room of a large steamer; grey hair.

A year of writing prompts: 27 July

How to use these prompts

A relaxing day by the pool.
Who is this woman? Who is she on holiday with?
What could possibly go wrong?

Prompts

1. Today was the birthdate of Gary Gygax, who invented the game Dungeons and Dragons. Write a story featuring the game - either set in that universe, or about a bunch of people in our own universe playing it.
2. "'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view." Thomas Campbell
3. An old-fashioned, conservative woman is confronted by an up to date girl.
4. In 1586 Sir Walter Raleigh first brought tobacco to England. Write a story featuring smoking.
5. The Common Cold Research Centre closed in 1989. Research involved volunteers going to stay there and being infected with a cold. Your characters are volunteers who have gone to the centre to help with research. What happens to them while they are there, aside from getting colds?

Character Names

Heidi, Olga, Liliana, Dita, Marion, Marta, Innocent, Ada, Celia, Eli, Julia, Natalia, Kurt, Constantine, Lilian

Character Traits

• Often achieve things others believe to be impossible.
• Danger of becoming selfish or stubborn.
• Both intuitive and analytical.
• Observant; pay attention to detail.
• Idealistic and sensitive.
• May appear secretive and detached.
• Can be impulsive, indecisive or confused.
• Work well in large organisations and could do well in writing or research. Work well at occupations requiring physical strength. May become stars of stage or screen; bartenders, or go into commerce, banking, insurance or advertising.
• Creative and imaginative; interested in film, music or art.
• Tend to be collectors with an eye for a bargain.
• Frequently marry their childhood sweethearts. Incurable romantics. Passionate and difficult to satisfy, but faithful.
• Tend to have little regard for preventive medicine and may have weight problems.
• May possess a biting irony and taste for sarcasm.
• Big hearted and generous; like to give advice.
• Dignified but can be patronising and vain.

Possible Themes

Determined pursuit of clear cut visions.

Ghosts.

Blessings.

Weather.

Objects

Blackberries; a caravan; a witch; a tin of baked beans; whisky; house plants; stilts.

A year of writing prompts: 26 July

How to use these prompts

The sun sets on a peaceful camp site.
Does it stay peaceful?
Write about the people holidaying here.

Prompts

1. It's All or Nothing Day. Write about the time your character decides to go for broke.
2. "There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart's desire. The other is to gain it." George Bernard Shaw
3. On Aunts and Uncles day, write a story or biographical piece involving aunts and/or uncles.
4. Debutantes were presented at the British court for the last time in 1958. Your character is a young woman being presented at court. The period of history (or how far in the future) when this takes place is up to you.
5. On this date in 1875, the psychologist Carl Jung was born. He studied dreams, archetypes, the collective unconscious and synchronicity. Pick one or more of these concepts and write a story using it/them.

Character Names

Anna, Marta, Aniko, Hannah, Anais, Ann, Anne, Annette, Anita, Annie, Annika, Bart, Nancy, Jessica

Character Traits

• Active and practical, always on the move.
• Strong sense of responsibility to family and country.
• Have a sensitive nature which is not always outwardly expressed. They will be hurt by disharmony at home.
• Keen observers who make sure they have all the facts and information they need before making a decision. Can be indecisive and unsure what to do for the best.
• Loyal and faithful friends, but also bear grudges and will wait patiently for an opportunity to get revenge. They'll bide their time, work out the enemy's weakness and attack when they least expect it.
• Will patiently wait for the best life opportunities to come along, no matter how long it takes.
• Travel overseas brings success.
• Enjoy travel, music and entertainment.
• Often religious or spiritual.
• Sharp observers of people and society. Likely to be interested in human psychology.
• They may feel they don't fit in and that they are awkward and clumsy.
• Will do well in occupations which require self-control, flexibility and perseverance. Diplomacy, trade or business are possible career choices.
• Danger of being arrogant and boastful.
• May be betrayed by people they trust; danger of underhanded tricks and treachery.

Possible Themes

Guns and ammunition. Hunting. 

Displays of masculinity. 

Trophies.

Expectations.

Social games.

Objects

Hunting trophies; a pond; a polar bear; manure; a moose head; a hat rack.

A year of writing prompts: 25 July

How to use these prompts

What lengths do these women go to in order to win the man?
Which (if any) of them will he choose?

Prompts

1. In 1909 the French aviator Louis Bleriot became the first person to fly across the English Channel. Write a story about a Channel Crossing. Whether it is a pioneering flight or a trip across in a ferry or any other type of crossing is up to you.
2. Talk in an Elevator Day is celebrated around this time. Write about a conversation some people have in a lift.
3. It's Act Like a Caveman Day. Write a story set in the time of cave dwellers.
4. An old superstition says that chicory can grant a person the powers of invisibility and the ability to open locked chests. However, if you speak during the process you die. Your character is making use of this folklore. What happens?
5. "You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you." Eric Hoffer

Character Names

Jacob, Christopher, Marika, Santiago, Kobe, Jackson, James, Jamie, Jim, Jimmy, Ophelia, Susan, Susannah

Character Traits

• Intelligent; quick learners.
• Have organising ability and leadership qualities. Precise and accurate.
• Able to understand things which seem complicated to others and to make ordinary things seem new and interesting.
• Enthusiastic and open to new ideas.
• May be immature or child like in attitude.
• By refusing to conform to tradition/establishment they can produce truly original work.
• May lack compassion or intuition.
• Need validation of their ideas and discoveries from others.
• Tend to be unreliable, including in marriage.
• Proud of their family and lineage.
• Spiritually powerful with an interest in the occult. This will attract admirers.
• Like their food. Enjoy pageantry and displays.
• Hyperactive and fascinated by the ins and outs of everything.
• Passionate and sensuous.
• Follow trends and may be sensitive about their looks.
• May follow a career in religion or politics, theatre or writing. Plastic surgery or hairdressing could also attract them.
• May suffer ordeals caused by twists of fate. May suffer a mid-life crisis.

Possible Themes

The link between men and gods.

Changing appearances; plastic surgery, hair and hairstyles.

Leadership.

Mystery.

Objects

A stool; a ladder; a lion cub; a veiled statue; a rickshaw.

A year of writing prompts: 24 July

How to use these prompts

Write a children's story about characters based on these dolls.

Prompts

1. In 1935, greetings telegrams were introduced in Britain. For an extra three pence, they could be delivered in a gold envelope. Your character receives a telegram in a gold envelope.
2. Pioneer Day celebrates the first settlement in Utah led by Brigham Young. Write a story about a group of people who form a new settlement in a previously uninhabited place.
3. "You should not attempt to outwit a woman." Alexandre Dumas
4. Alexandre Dumas wrote The Three Musketeers. Write a story featuring three friends who unite to fight for a cause.
5. Amelia Earhart was born on this date in 1897. She set off to fly around the world in 1937 and vanished without trace. Numerous theories have been put forward to explain her disappearance. What is yours?

Character Names

Christina, Kirsty, Krista, Kinga, Royce, Giselle, Amaya, Amelia, Vladimir

Character Traits

• Charismatic and magnetic, use their charm to get where they want to be - sometimes at the expense of others.
• Have a talent for seeing potential in things others ignore.
• May be radicals or rebels.
• Make good salespeople. Good business sense.
• Strong foundations are important to them. They like structure and order.
• Faithful to their partners, but not always demonstrative.
• Conscientious and responsible, but dislike routine.
• Usually cheerful and tolerant, but can be unforgiving of those who make mistakes or are selfish.
• Dislike being given orders - prefer to be leaders.
• Like tasteful clothes.
• Won't let fun come before commitments. Strong sense of responsibility.
• Good sense of humour.
• Have a tendency to make decisions for other people. Can be arrogant.
• Headstrong and stubborn, refuse to accept defeat.

Possible Themes

Hazardous or bold undertakings.

Health, medicine, cures. Vaccinations, infections.

Things getting out of control.

Disseminating vital information.

Objects

Pennants, banners or streamers; mumps; a brass horn hearing aid; a roll of papers.