#Writer&039;s prompt about conflict

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Release the Monster!

            Imagine a scene in which a frightening monster arises, eating, mauling, destroying, everything and everyone in sight. Who comes to the rescue? Does it depend upon what kind of beast? For example, if it crawls up from underground, are there special forces that arrive? But what if it’s from outer space? Who then?             Perhaps it’s not a fantastical monster but rather a…

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Flight or Fight

Tensions have been brewing for some time. Meetings are quite unpleasant, with members shouting over each other, ridiculing each other’s ideas, jealousy abounds and the boss does nothing. Instead, he sits back, with interlaced fingers resting on his ample stomach. Your character has an important decision to make: stay and fight, loudly voicing her opinions, risking the wrath of coworkers and…

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Personal Artifact

            Imagine cleaning out a relative’s house and finding something you thought had been thrown away or lost. Holding it brings a smile to your face and lights up your eyes.             The artifact could be valuable, such as a cameo once owned by your grandmother, or it could be sentimental, such as an old teddy bear.             Imagine also that another relative lays claim to the item.…

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Hurdles

Life is a series of hurdles that we have to jump. Or at least attempt to jump. The problem is that some hurdles are more challenging than others, some more pleasant than others to achieve. In track, of course, there is an event involving hurdles. Athletes run at incredibly fast speeds, clearing a series of metal hurdles along the way. That’s something I could never have done for two reasons: my…

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An Old Acquaintance

            Every now and then someone from our long-forgotten past reappears. It can be a pleasant surprise or one fraught with fear. In the first case, the two of you might go to a café, take a walk around a park, and then exchange contact information.             In the second case, you might search for a way to disengage and escape.             The stories about those events will be…

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Life Change

            As we grow, we change many things about ourselves. Some are superficial, such as trying out a new hairstyle, experimenting with makeup, buying a completely new style of clothing.             Other changes are more serious, such as transferring from one college to another in order to switch majors, moving out of the family home, getting engaged, and finding the first full time…

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That Was Embarrassing

            Some people embarrass easily. When someone compliments them, their cheeks redden. If someone likes their outfit, they blush. If they bring a well-liked dish to a potluck, they lower their head when everyone offers praise.             Your task is to write a story in which your protagonist finds himself in an incredibly embarrassing moment.             Come up with a list of…

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The Elusive Demon

            Imagine buying a house without knowing that someone had been murdered in the kitchen. Your state doesn’t require disclosing such information, so you move in, ready to spend your first night.             Houses creek and groan as they settle, and if there’s foul weather, branches might scratch windows and doors might rattle.             What you don’t expect, however, is the…

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The Candy Shop

            How many times has a candy shop been a setting in a movie or novel? Most likely, quite a few.             Imagine being that pioneer child, riding into town on the back of the family wagon, going into the store and finding jars of hard candies right before your eyes. If you could only have just one, which would it be and why?             What if the temptation was so great, the…

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Awards Won

            I was not one of those kids who won things. I never received a perfect attendance certificate or one for being on the honor roll (because I never had either!). In the 1960s girls didn’t participate in sports, so I there were no participation ribbons for me. I didn’t play an instrument and wasn’t artistically gifted.             I do remember the first time I did win something. I was…

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Power Corrupts

            Politics can be a dirty business. Those with money can “buy” lowered taxes and rulings that favor their business. Those without power are often either ignored or disregarded, their needs not important to those seeking influence. A politician will appeal to those without, promising all kinds a magical thinking, but once elected, serve only those with money.             Lawyers are…

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Feeling Ashamed

            Imagine standing at the front of your church to lead the congregation in song. You begin off-key, get a few notes right, then go off-key again. You feel your cheeks getting hot. Respiration increases. Your pulse quickens as time seems to stand still. When you reach the last word, you make a fast exit.             Perhaps you stole something from a friend’s bedroom. She owned a…

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Seeking Justice

            Justice is one of those virtues that society is built upon. Working toward establishing what’s right, holding people accountable, and punishing those who violate the dictates of society is based upon what is just, what is right.             Who decides the rules? What makes one act just but another not?             Your task is to write a story in which justice plays a central role.…

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Revenge

            Little kids are excellent at exacting revenge. You touch my truck/doll and I’ll smack your face. You steal my comic book, I’ll shred your favorite t-shirt.             As we grow, we’re taught that revenge is bad: that we are to forgive and forget. But do we really?             What do we do about the guest who breaks your favorite goblet? Was it accidental or intentional? Does that…

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Coming of Age

            Growing up is filled with bumps and bruises, both physically and emotionally. We learn to negotiate friendships, dealing with adults in power (bosses, teachers), as well as trying to figure out who we are and who we want to be.             Most YA (Young Adult) books, whether fiction or fantasy, feature protagonists who are doing just that. There is generally a good deal of angst,…

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Awards Ceremony

            Who doesn’t love an awards ceremony? Think of the drinks, the food, the comradery. The banners hanging from the ceiling, the cheerful atmosphere, the tension due to anticipation.             The fancy clothes, the milling about, interacting with a variety of people, some known, some soon to become new friends.             Your task is to write a story in which your character is…