Continuing our week of prompts aimed at creating rich backstory for novelists and short story writers alike, today we create an alternate story for your protagonist.
The Prompt
There is a moment in every story where a protagonist has to make a choice: to take up the challenge of the story or to turn away. Everything else flows from that.
Today, write a story in which your protagonist makes the other choice.
Tips
- This will, of course, result in a shorter story than otherwise.
- It will still have fallout. (Think: It’s A Wonderful Life, Sliding Doors etc.)
- Examine that fallout in a story.
Don’t forget to leave a comment, or do your Victory Dance in the community.
My Day 18 Refusal Planning Post, at last! I loved this prompt, Julie, because it gave me a little ray of light with a character whose story is very dark and tormented. Just that one choice could have made such a difference!
https://shanjeniah.blog/2017/05/27/sting-and-bite-for-storyaday-may-day-eighteen/
Oops…I posted the wrong thing… now I have the proper post for the day – it holds planning information and links to both complete stories for the Refusal prompt.
http://shanjeniahslovelychaos.com/lovely-chaos-blog/2017/5/28/a-refusal-for-stad-may-day-eighteen
I did it! I went to my novel-in-progress and instead of having my protagonist accept the call, she says no. It was strange to write something I know I’m not going to use in the final draft, but it was great because it help me clarify her insecurities. So thanks! Looking forward to tomorrow now!
I had a similar experience. I KNOW this character isn’t going to win against her demons, and that bothers me. This was a bit of balm that also showed me emotional vulnerabilities that have added texture to the stories that follow, and the novel that is getting ready to be born.