The Prompt

Write a story in the form of a list

Tips

• You could write
  • a ‘to do’ list,
  • a list of grievances addressed to your character’s boss/children/spouse;
  • a shopping list;
  • a McSweeney’s style list;
  • a list of steps you are advising someone to take,
  • any other type of list you like.
• The title is hugely important. You might need to write it last. It should perhaps have a double meaning: it might mean one thing to the reader before they read the story and yet peel away a layer once the story is in their brains.
• Don’t be afraid to let the reader work. Leave things out. Imply much, explain little.
• Don’t feel the need to wrap this up neatly. Jennifer Egan doesn’t.
• The twist in this kind of tale, comes because the form betrays the meaning: a list is a utilitarian, ephemeral thing. The more important/dramatic the issue your character takes on in the list, the more impact the story will have (this can be dramatic, funny, ridiculous, dark, or anything else!)

Go!