Don’t even think of telling me you can’t think of anything to write.
Not with a site like Pinterest at your fingertips.
What is Pinterest? It’s a virtual scrapbook where people grab and save images from the web, all neatly categorized and ready for your browsing pleasure. It’s like looking over the shoulder of everyone in the world, but being able to choose only the topics that you’re interested in right now.
This week we’re going to use Pinterest to create the elements of a story that you will write.
The Prompt
First, your setting. Choose a picture of an interior or an outdoor vista, and use that as your setting.
Next, characters. Click here to find the face of your characters in the story. Choose at least two (one can be minor, one should be your major character). If you choose a celebrity, just steal their face for your story. Look at their features, forget about the persona. Use their features in any descriptions in your story.
Now that you have your character and setting, something needs to happen. Browse this eclectic page until a picture jumps out at you, and suggests a question or an event. I found this picture of a teacup and saucer and immediately saw an opportunity for a story — some kind of inter-generational story with the teacup coming down to a young woman from an elderly relative; the story behind it; life lessons; redemption; who knows? But it’s a spark on which to hang a story.
Tips
- Don’t worry about your audience and who might read it
- Make sure your story travels from start to end: don’t just write a scene, make someone or something change between the first word and the last.
The Rules:
- You should use the prompt in your story (however tenuous the connection).
- You must write the story in one 24 hr period – the faster the better.
- Post the story in the comments — if you’re brave enough.
- Find something nice to say about someone else’s story and leave a comment. Everybody needs a little support!
Optional Extras:
Share this challenge on Twitter or Facebook
Some tweets/updates you might use:
Don’t miss my Pinterest-inspired short story: #WriteOnWed #storyaday bit.ly/xk1FwJ
This week’s #WriteOnWed short story prompt is all about Pinterest! #storyaday bit.ly/xk1FwJ
Come and write with us: #WriteOnWed #storyaday bit.ly/xk1FwJ
See my story – and write your own, today: #WriteOnWed #storyaday bit.ly/xk1FwJ
If you would like to be the Guest Prompter, click here.