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The Dead Friend – Writing Prompt from Gregory Frost

It’s here! StoryADay May 2017 is here!
I know you’re excited, so I won’t take up much of your time.
Just remember:
  • Set your own rules for the month
  • Get to the end of the story
  • Post in the blog comments or in The Victory Dance group
That’s it!
Here’s your first (optional) writing prompt, from Gregory Frost, who is not only a great writer, but is also a wonderful writing teacher here in Pennsylvania. If you get a chance to see him at a conference or a college don’t miss it!

The Prompt

You attend the funeral of an old friend.
Afterwards, in the mail you receive a postcard. It’s from the friend, and it reads “I’m not dead. Meet me Tuesday night at 8 at ____________.” And signed by him/her.
First make a list of possibilities for how this could be the case.
Begin your story with, or after, the arrival of the postcard.

 About Gregory Frost

Gregory Frost is the author of eight novels (including Shadowbridge, Lord Tophet, and Fitcher’s Brides) and various stories of the fantastic, including “No Others Are Genuine,” a Stoker Award finalist, and “Lock Up Your Chickens and Daughters, H’ard and Andy Are Come to Town,” a collaboration with Michael Swanwick that took home an Asimov’s Magazine Readers’ Award for 2015.
Leave a comment to let us know how your story turned out or post in  The Victory Dance group. And we’ll see you back here tomorrow

16 thoughts on “The Dead Friend – Writing Prompt from Gregory Frost”

  1. Loved this prompt … trying to decide to stop where I left off on Monday or to keep going … I can see this developing into a novella or at least a small collection of short stories!

  2. I liked the prompt! However, I went with a previous flash fiction I wrote two years ago and wrote up a nine page sequel. I had such fun with it I might write up another sequel.

  3. Thanks for the challenge. I completed NANOWRIMO last November but lost my momentum with the holidays. This is exactly what I needed to get back into daily writing habit. Love this first prompt! I’m a panster and have written about a thousand words so far. Can’t wait to see how it ends😜

  4. Thank you Julie, I’ve never participated in this type of challenge before. I’m really looking forward to it! Wonderful first prompt.

  5. Great prompt! I like that this version leaves the meeting place blank. I’m going to have fun with this one.

  6. Thank you, Julie, for putting together this challenge. What a fabulous first prompt. I can’t wait to get started.

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Find out more about the StoryADay

Superstars

The only qualification to be a ‘Superstar” is a desire to write and support your fellow writers.

A supportive group of committed writers, who meet virtually, support each other’s efforts, and inspire each other.

Registration for 2024 open now-June 8, 2024

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