The series I’m working on right now is all prompt-based. At least to this point. When I get closer to the end, I’ll likely ditch the prompts so I can focus on resolving the story without being forced to add new elements.
But right now, I’m letting the prompts play a significant role. Multiple plot points have been introduced purely because I was working to satisfy the prompt.
I’ve talked to other writers who’ve asked if that gets in the way of the story. I understand the question. I suppose for some, working with prompts (particularly for a series or a novel) could be problematic—especially if you’re the kind of writer who likes to lay out the plot before you tell the tale.
But I’m not that kinda writer. I fly by the seat of my pants, letting the story and the characters decide what happens next. For me, prompts actually help move the story along.
If you’ve never given prompt-based fiction a shot, I encourage you to try it out. All you have to do is pick your length and roll with the prompt to get your creative process started.
And if you publish your fiction online, please link back to this page. Thanks!
100-word prompt
Write a short story in any genre that’s 100 words or less and includes the following three words: puddle, ignite, silently
Advanced Challenge: Make your story drabble. Drabble is exactly 100 words, including the title.
500-word prompt
Write a short story in any genre that’s 500 words or less and includes the following elements:
Location: Somewhere temporary
Item: A half-empty box of matches
Character: Someone who is desperately trying to remember a name
Feel free to get creative with how you include the elements. The story doesn’t have to be trapped in the location, for example. The way you interpret the character summary can be as unconventional as you like.
Just make sure you touch on each.
Advanced Challenge: Make your story microfiction. Microfiction is 300 words or less.
1,200-word prompt
Write a short story in any genre that’s 1,200 words or less and uses the following situation as a starting point:
Write a scene where your character finds an old rotary telephone in a room that looks like no one has been there recently. It begins to ring …
Advanced Challenge: Include the three words from the 100-word prompt.
Happy writing!