Writing Prompts

E-mail Article to a FriendPrint ArticleBookmark and Share

Writing prompt No. 27

A weekly writing exercise to get you started

By Heather Wright
Published: December 30, 2011
If your character lives in the present, what photo or image does she have on her desktop or cell phone? Why is this image important? If your character lives in another time, what photo does he keep in a wallet or on a bedside table, or what poster does he display on his bedroom wall?

 

Heather Wright's work has been published in local and national publications and on the Web. Her column “Write Angles,” published in What If? Canada’s Creative Magazine for Teens, became the basis of her book, Writing Fiction: A Hands-On Guide for Teens.

 

If you'd like to share your writing, you may post in the Comments section below. Please keep posts to no more than 500 words.
User Comments
Only registered members of WriterMag.com are allowed to comment on this article. Registration is FREE and only takes a couple minutes.

Register Today!
 
STASCIA HORTON from MASSACHUSETTS said:
To her, it's her heart and soul

To you, it's a photo of a girl and boy

To her it is a bittersweet sentiment

To you it is a moment of magic

What appears to be a photo of a brother and sister

Is really a mother and son

A frozen moment in time

That time when souls still blended

Before the boy was stolen from her

The sweet is the love and smiles remembered

The bitter is the fading of their bond

Imprisoned by the confines of twisted bones

Distant she was against her will

His mind spoiled by thieves

His will incinerated by deceitful imposters of spirituality

Sent to wrest asunder what threatens their control

A mother grieves loss of the fight

While determined to win the war

The photo reminds her what she lives for:

Bringing into alignment again

Magic between best friends.
4 stars
RENA TRAXEL from CANADA said:
I never thought about what my protagonist or any of my other characters would have on his/her wall. Something to think about!
KRISTINE A FRIEND from NEW JERSEY said:
Phoebe Summerall, an entrepreneur, loves photos of nature and living things. An avid photographer, many of the pictures surrounding her are her own, taken during daily walks, her overseas travel and greenhouse events. The poster above her desk is a collage of her favorite beach photos and is used during moments of high stress to relieve the pressure behind her eyes and remind her of the need for extreme patience. Phoebe is struggling to create the life of her dreams and the beach is often a refuge when financial crises are at their peak. The office was supposed to be an extension of her vision board however, the realities of life have entered and made their home on the bulletin board near the door. Shells, laughing children and flowers bright colors are featured on the board as well. The attempts at serenity often fall short but Phoebe keeps on trying to find the peace amidst the chaos.
Free Newsletter
Get our free newsletter