Story Ideas for Writers
This last month–especially in the last week–has been one of loss, chaos, and uncertainty. A couple of weeks ago we lost my father-in-law. He collapsed while working in the yard, and by the time a neighbor found him and dialed 911, he was gone. The rescue squad and the hospital staff worked a long time to see if they could bring him back, but they couldn’t. And my wife lost a father, I lost a role-model, my Mother-In-Law lost a constant companion of the last 39 years, my children lost their beloved “Pampa,” the community lost a decidicated volunteer, a man that could always be called upon to give of his time generously (of both time and money) for any good cause that aided those who were less fortunate.
He was a constant in my life for the last 30 years or so. Always there, mostly in the background at my kids’ soccer games, concerts, or wearing my daughter’s hand-painted apron while grilling burgers, brats, or steaks out on the grill.
We had a quiet easy-going relationship where we didn’t need to say much and could sit in companionable silence, or discuss the latest goings-on with the grandkids, or our major point in common, his step-daughter, my wife, who we both greatly admire and are proud of. He helped me pick out my first suit for my first “real” job interview, could always be counted upon for a “probability seminar” (Texas Hold’em), and available to discuss the latest current events and politics. This short post is woefully inadequate for describing who he was, explaining how much I learned from him and how much he touched my life I’ll miss you, Fred, the world is a darker place without you in it.
Provocative Phrase Friday — The Writing Prompts
As I write this at 7:48 am on November 6, 2020, there is still no declared winner of the contentious 2020 presidential race. During election night I truly thought that all was lost. That somehow America voted to keep a narcissistic con-man in the Oval Office for another four years. That is the definition of an “all is lost” moment.
“I thought you lost it” is a great way to start a story, but any loss is an inspiration for a story. We have all experienced it, we all know it, and can relate to it. Fear of loss is a powerful motivator.
Try these 11 other writing prompts. Use these random phrases to create something good from nothing.
- That’s why we do it.
- He does know how…
- Privacy, please.
- Say what?
- We follow…
- So you sent him away?
- Don’t get mad.
- Tell us more about…
- Why don’t we go on a…
- No, John…
- They’ll let you do this?