Nov 5, 2011 |
[For the original article, click here.]
As the lead-in suggests, this was a challenge through Writer’s Digest Community, to come up with a short story (750 words or less), based on their very short prompt: The sign said “No shirt, no shoes, no service”—but that didn’t matter. He had to get inside.
The thought of a man being so determined so as to ignore the rules led me to wonder, what type of man would he be? I thought of the typical hero, the men of movies that we women dream about. Matt Damon and Harrison Ford came to mind. Jason Bourne. James Bond. Even a little touch of Batman and Superman. And then I thought, how could I change it up to be unpredictable? How can I tell the story of a Man who is so perfect, and so self-confident (or rebellious) that he would choose to ignore the rules, even those posted on a sign.
What is the story of a man so full of himself that nothing matters except him? Does he always get his way? Has anyone ever told him “no”? So I chose to write a humorous story; the pursuit of a leading man in love, with a surprise ending.
It wrote itself once I had the two characters and the first setting. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Nov 5, 2011 |
[For the original article, click here.]
When Writer’s Digest Community offered this weekly prompt, there was no question I would combine my loves of holiday music, Harry Connick Jr, and NYC/Central Park. Take two of your favorite songs, and match up a line from the chorus of one with a line from the chorus of the other. Then, write a scene that starts with the first lyric, and ends with the second.
I hope the location came across clear enough; Central Park in autumn, when the leaves and snow intermingle. I am a romantic, obviously, and I have no problem sharing that.
The two songs I chose were “Autumn in New York” and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve”. The latter is my all-time favorite holiday song. The former is a dream… so far.
Maybe someday I’ll get there – New York in Autumn. Or winter. Maybe for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Maybe not.
But that won’t stop me from dreaming of it; and striving for it.
This New Year’s Eve I’ll be working: writing my way to New York City, and every other place I’ve ever wanted to visit. I’ve got to start somewhere, somehow. I choose now to start.
What will you be doing New Year’s Eve?
Oct 30, 2011 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
[For the original article, click here.]
This is another prompt from Writer’s Digest Community: You and a friend break into your neighborhood swim club late one night to go for an after-hours dip. While splashing around in the pool, you go into shock when a dead body floats to the top. Worse yet – it’s someone you know.
It happens that during the week I found this prompt, I had seen a few episodes of The Twilight Zone. I’ve not written much in the way of sci-fi or thrillers, so I wanted to give it a try.
What could be worse than discovering the “you” that you feel you are, is actually dead? How does a person reconcile the moment of death with the collision of their own body? Does the spirit and mind live on, and can it play tricks on you?
It’s hard to explore these questions in 750 words or less, but I did enjoy the challenge of what might be.
