[Write the Story] The Characters Are Aware That They’re Fictional
Prompt: The Characters Are Aware That They’re Fictional Words: oil rig, dynasty, lousy, vault, discharge, supreme, migrate, harvest, jaw, pudding Story “What idiot puts a vault on a friggin’ oil rig?†Diane whispered as they crept through the dark corridors and pipe structure of Supreme Harvest floating rig. Rings, dings, and hisses covered and sounds […]
[Write the Story] The Phone Rings at 3 A.M.
Prompt: The Phone Rings at 3 A.M. Words: guerilla, emerald, careless, traffic, liberate, adolescence, punch, wave, environment, oval Story Robert Earl Keen has a song where the chorus line is The road goes on forever and the party never ends. That’s how I feel every day. Except it’s not a party. It’s my job. Ring. […]
[Write the Story] Conversation on a Train
Prompt: Conversation on a Train Words: unicorn, enslave, steak, maw, plunge, wrothy, recoil, absolve, suspenders, worldwide Story Geraldine plunged through teaming throngs heading up the ramp. The boarding portal a gaping maw swallowing families whole. She fought the urge to reoil when another potential passenger brushed against her. “Car six, compartment seven. Enjoy your journey […]
[Write the Story] The Main Character Ignored the Warning Label
Prompt: The Main Character Ignored the Warning Label Words: comedian, commission, trump, bamboo, bombastic, vast, blonde, gross, sophisticated, giraffe Story “I told you…†“So. You told me so, Mira. I get it. I made a mistake.†Peter huddled behind the potted bamboo plant. “You know someone as sophisticated as you look about as inconspicuous as […]
[Write the Story] A Family Gathering on a Holiday
Prompt: A Family Gathering on a Holiday Words: rabbi, irony, bamboozle, sturgeon, bale, reserve, vanquish, submerge, plum, rhetorical Story “You know, some families do plum pudding during the holidays.” Graham wrinkled his nose as he snagged a cookie on his way through the overly warm kitchen. “Your rhetorical observations are getting old. ” Callie swatted […]
[Write the Story] A Talented Musician Struggles to Make it Big
Prompt: A Talented Musician Struggles to Make it Big Words: crocodile, anchor, lasagna, anthem, fingernail, trout, federal, bog, jostle, repel Story “It’s going to happen for you, babe.” Veronica gestured with a forkful of trout almondine. “You’re amazing.” Evan picked at his lasagna. “I’m glad you think so, Ronnie, I just…I don’t know. No offense […]
[Write The Story] A Famous Fictional Character in the Wrong Story
Prompt: A Famous Fictional Character in the Wrong Story Words: stock market, serial, tangy, panda, ensemble, salute, average, Venus, boss, knee Story “Greed is good.” Gordon strolled through the market like the boss he was, suit crisp and tie straight. “No, Greedo was bad–well, he was a bounty hunter, so maybe not bad, but at […]
[Write the Story] Something Valuable Has Been Stolen
Prompt: Something Valuable Has Been Stolen Words: huntress, machinations, trophy, turncoat, treasure, minute, nook, historic, rock, ruin Story “It was right there!” Meagan jabbed a finger at the empty nook. A faint outline of dust showed where something had been disturbed. “And you’re sure –” Meagan cut off the question with a glare. “The Turncoat […]
[Write the Story] In the Middle of a Long, Cold Winter
Prompt: In the Middle of a Long, Cold Winter Words: opera, redeem, razor, lungs, grace, futuristic, tread, vest, milkshake, powder Story “Are you sure you want to do this?” Kelly asked, adjusting Paul’s vest. “I mean, you just drank a milkshake.” Paul gestured with the disposable razor. “Of course, it’s a futuristic opera about how […]
[Write the Story] A Spy on the Job
Prompt: A Spy on the Job Words: apostle, kitty, myriad, investment, republic, crimson, flint, postern, original, field Story Kitty Carone slipped through the postern gate out into the field beyond the stone ramparts of the monastery. She ditched the crimson cloak she’d worn as she’d navigated the myriad corridors, avoiding apostles at every turn. A […]