I've written, more than once, that I subscribe to two monthly writing magazines. I have succeeded in both getting letters published, and I have entered several competitions in them.
I look forward, each month, to when they arrive through the door at home. They are two slightly different publications, both doing the same thing, encouraging us to write and assist with all the 'technical' stuff while writing stories and poems.
Both magazines regularly have a couple of pages of writing prompts. These are brilliant ways of waking the writing muscle daily and can lead to something else, as did the one I tried on Tuesday.
It was rather weird. As we approached where we were going, I spied someone on the roof of a bungalow. The man was removing roof tiles and stacking them up. Fair enough, but the Health and Safety Officer in me sparked my 'spider' senses. He wasn't wearing a safety harness and had no scaffolding or safety surround. If he slipped or fell, he would be in real trouble.
Getting back to the writing prompt, what do you think it was? Here is the prompt;
Create a scenario starting from the question: Why is that person on the roof?
Who is telling the story?
Why and how have they observed the person on a neighbouring rooftop?
What is going through the observer's mind?
What might happen?
Write a new piece of prose or poetry stemming from watching the person on the roof and wondering what they're doing.
After about an hour of writing, I came up with a story which I think that with a bit of editing and reworking, could be the next story for my entries to the Bath Flash Fiction awards,
I seek further writing prompts to stir the story writer in me. I am enjoying entering these competitions. You never know; I might win one someday!
Tip of the week - always email your work to yourself. You'll have a copy saved, and it will prove your copyright.
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