Pumping Your Muse Prompts

Then and Now

2009-07-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

Today's writing prompt we're going to use history to help develop a scene. This prompt was inspired by the most recent Twilight Zone marathon. One of the episodes had a scene of children playing. Some on a teeter totter, a few jumping rope, and other such activities. Simple...active and having fun. I thought of children today and how the scene might be in front of a screen of some sort...TV, computer, maybe even a game of some sort to which they are plugged in electronically.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Today's prompt will will generate two scenes. One "Then" and one "Now". Have fun with it. If you want to go back to the 1940's, medieval times...or whenever you want, that's fine. OR if you want to flip the exercise you can go into the future for your "Then" scene. Use the following triggers for an idea, or create one of your own.

*Eating Dinner
*Going to a place of worship
*Getting married
*Buying groceries
*Visiting a hospital

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Video Prompt: Night Moves

2009-06-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I heard this song on the radio and was actually listening to the lyrics. Images of life flashed memories of other times and then the song surprised me. It applied to today...but that's for me. It stimulated my muse to write an inspirational story. Not that I'm saying that's what you'll write, but I challenge you to listen to this whole song and while you do, jot down your thoughts. From that list of thoughts develop a story or poem.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

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Picture Prompt: The Doll

2009-06-23T04:31:00.000-07:00

Subtle details weave through a story line to give readers the information they need to know, to engage them, as they not only wonder what happens next but also what has happened in the past, Such a detail may lead to the ah-ha moment that brings the entire plot together. I think of the Planet of the Apes when they found the doll that said, "Mama."

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Today's prompt is The Doll. Write a three to five paragraphs scene based on this photo. I'd love to hear what you did with this one!

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Stop by Dayana Knight's blog for my guest post on The Why Behind the Setting.

Pacing and Sentence Structure

2009-06-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Good writers use varied sentence structure for effective pacing. When you use repetitious sentence patterns it is much like talking in a monotone...boring.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

For today's prompt choose something you've already written and check your sentences. The most common pattern you see is a simple subject and verb sentence. Include shorter sentences to add tension, While working on your sentences check for the following:

Omit the and how, or and then

Check your pronouns to be sure they reflect back to the correct noun

Look for awkward sentences -- these become clear when you read your work outloud

Vary the length of your sentences to keep the story interesting and moving forward.

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Stop by Dayana Knight's blog this Friday where I'll be stopping by for a guest post on creating an effective setting.

The Itch

2009-06-07T05:33:00.000-07:00

Learning to show rather than tell your story takes practice. Today we'll use an itch to practice this skill. Today we'll take a little itch and use it as a prompt to help develop a scene that challenges you to show the itch.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt
Think about it. If you say your character has an itch people know what that means, but they don't necessarily feel it or understand if it is a slight sensation that's going away or something more. Is it a deep itch that almost drives your character crazy? Is it a foreshadowing of something more to come? Such as the first symptom of a pandemic? Or something less threatening like lice or poison ivy?

Write a short scene or story based on the itch.

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And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

Beyond the Norm

2009-05-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid my imagination often crossed the barriers reality tried to keep in place. As a writer, prompts help me cross those barriers today so I can tap into that carefree imagination. Today we're going to kindle our senses with the use of various settings.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt
Use the following settings to tickle your senses. Write down the smells, sounds, and less noticeable sights you'd see.

*Fresh water lake
*The gym
*Church
*Cafeteria
*National park

When your done, make a list of possible story ideas that come to mind.

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Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

First Sentence

2009-05-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

I received good news from one of my Pumping Your Muse Prompts followers. She has had a story accepted! The only way to have a story published is to write and submit! Congratulations Amy

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Today we have a first sentence prompt. Use it as the first sentence of a short story. This one can take all kinds of directions. Have fun.

First sentence: Angela wanted to cry.

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Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

3 Words Writing Prompt

2009-05-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

I know I've been more sporadic than ever with posting prompts, but I must confess--the characters in my Beyond the Fifth Gate sequel have taken me captive! The working title for the new book is Lost Cantos and I'm loving the creation process--but it certainly is time consuming. In the meantime, I just have to post a prompt.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:
It's been awhile since we've done a three word writing prompt. I have a fondness for them because such a prompt was behind one of the first stories I ever had published. The idea is to use these three words in a story:

*spark
*garden
*phone call

OR

*tooth
*broom
*television

Have fun!

Laughing at Back Trouble

2009-05-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

Back trouble is not a laughing matter in real life, but it can be used for comedic effect in your writing. Placing a character in an unexpected situation can cause conflict, growth and all that, but if you use it right, it can make the reader laugh. Writing for comedic effect is like breathing for those who have the knack, but for those of us who like to laugh but don't have that gift, it takes some work. Today's prompt is designed to help us flex our comedic writing muscle.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Place your character in a setting where they think they are asserting their independence--and then it strikes--back trouble. They can't straighten up, or can't walk. Can hardly move. You get the picture. If you don't know where to start, try one of the following settings:

*The garden
*The shower
*A public restroom
*A job interview
*Camping
*The kitchen

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Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

Mother's Day Special from the Heart

2009-05-06T06:17:00.001-07:00

One thing that's true. We all have a mother. What that means to each individual is different. In honor of Mother's Day, today's writing prompt is a story generator and the topic will be mothers.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Set the timer for 10 minutes. Sit down with a sheet of paper and make a list. Write down memory snippets, whatever comes to mind with the word mother. Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

Mom
homemade cookies
making lunches
the ringer washer
folding diapers
rinsing diapers
chipping my front teeth and afraid to tell you
the time I said I hate you when I was seven
putting on plays and watching you laugh
cooking for family gatherings

This list is a short example to help you see exactly what I want you to do. Once you have your list, use it over the next couple of days to write a short story. If you get it polished enough, slip it into your Mother's Day card as a Mother's Day Special gift from the heart.

If you get it done, you can submit it to Cup of Comfort for Mothers, but the deadline is May 15. You can check out the details at my Anthology News and Reviews blog.

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Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

Mug of Memories

2009-05-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hold that steaming mug in your hands and there's something comforting, something that carries you away to another time, another place...let's you think through things going on.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Today's prompt offers two choices. One for the fiction writer and one for the non-fiction writer. Both include a mug:

For the fiction writer:

Place your character at a table with a steamy mug. Use it to get him thinking, but be sure to include senses other than visual. How does the mug feel? What's the smell...or taste? What memories does it bring back?

For the non-fiction writer:

While you enjoy your own steamy mug, write down whatever comes to mind. Keep it up as long as there is liquid in your cup. You'll be surprised where it takes you. Just make a list and then use one of the items on your list to write a short essay.

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Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

First Impressions

2009-04-22T04:29:00.000-07:00

First impressions of people aren't always on target, but what about first impressions of inanimate objects? Today's writing prompt will include such a first impression.

Wondering what on earth I'm talking about? Here's one example:

When we moved into our house the white porcelain sink brought back memories of childhood. Even though it was a double sink, unlike the sink I remembered, I thought it was perfect.

Then everyday reality set in. Pots and pans left gray streaks that needed regular cleaning with lots of scrubbing, coffee stained the sink, and the the middle section that divided the two sinks combined with the curve of the faucet made it difficult to rinse the coffee carafe. I after about the third clink of glass to porcelain I started to question the functionality of this sink.

I could go on, but you see what I'm getting at.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

For today's prompt include an inanimate object the character thinks is perfect at the onset. Develop a scene or short story about a first impression and how that impression changes through circumstances.

If you don't have something in mind, choose one of the following:

*Dress for a special occasion
*A new or used car
*Television
*Bowling Ball
*Shoes
*Lawn Mower

Use This Sentence Prompt

2009-04-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today's prompt is a take off of the first sentence writing prompt, only this time you can use the sentence anywhere in your story.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

I stood stunned; the body of our guide in a pool of blood in the secret room.

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It's Not Funny

2009-04-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

Today's prompt is an exercise in creating tension and building conflict through an unlikely agent: laughing.

Have you ever laughed because you were nervous or scared...or just at an inappropriate time? I remember collecting frogs for my biology teacher for extra credit. A friend and I waded around in the muck and I decided to climb into a tree to see if I could spot any frogs from the air. I pointed here and there while my friend sloshed around...and then it happened. She lost her balance and landed in that slimy water! What did I do? I laughed. The more I laughed the angrier my friend became. "It's not funny!" She screamed it, but the more she said it, the more I laughed, even though my brain told me she was right. It wasn't funny.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

For today's prompt create a scene involving two to three main characters. One of those characters will laugh at an inappropriate time that causes others to react in a way that raises conflict and tension. If you feel a little stuck, here are a few scenario suggestions to pump your muse:

*Giving birth
*Attending church
*On the job
*Run out of gas
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Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

Finding a Treasure

2009-04-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, you've got plenty of stories you've started and never finished. Sometimes you can tell they just arent' going anywhere, other times, you know it needs polishing, but then you forget about it. For today's prompt, I want you to pull out one of these old, unfinished stories and dust it off.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Before you start to tread through your story, take a blank piece of paper and draw lines to create three columns. Title the columns:

*Strengths
*Weaknesses
*Ideas

At the bottom of the page, write "What I liked" and "What I didn't like."

Choose one of your unfinished stories and read through it. Make notes on your worksheet as you do, noting the strengths/weaknesses and any ideas or thoughts that are inspired by the story. Often pulling out a previously written story after a long rest can be a real eye opener. You'll be able to view it with a fresh perspective.

Once you've read it, take a look at your notes and apply your new ideas to strengthen the weaknesses and add meat to the story. If there is anything you didn't like about the story, now is the time to fix it. When you're done, you may have found a real treasure by dusting off a relic found in your files.

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Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

Interview Your Character

2009-04-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

Writing is a process and character development is part of that process. It is so much easier to know what your character will do when you understand them. One way to know your character, even a new or complex character, is to interview them.

Questions to include should be about their backgrounds, interests and other things than give them history.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Choose one of your characters and interview them. Ask the following questions or others to get the information you want to know.

1. Where were you born?
2. Who are your parents?
3. Are you close to your mom or dad?
4. Do you have any sisters or brothers?
5. What level have you completed in school?
6. Do you have a trade?
7. What do you do for a living?
8. What's your favorite food?
9. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
10. What would you like to accomplish in life?
11. Who is your best friend?
12. What is your favorite mode of travel?
13. What bothers you most?
14. Do you play a musical instrument?
15. Do you have a love interest?
16. What do you do to relax?
17. What do you read most often?
18. Do you have a secret?
19. If you could change something about your life, what would it be?
20. (Choose your own question(s)...I'm sure what you've learned has generated one or two.

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Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

Watch What You Wish For

2009-04-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

I remember a moment in time when my pre-teen daughter said, "If I could only get braces, I'll never want another thing in my life."

I said, "I wish I had a recorder."

Man by our very nature never seems never to have enough, as our current economy testifies. For today's prompt, the theme will center on a wish come true...but let's add a twist. The reality wished for is not what the wisher intended.

Pumping Your Muse Prompts

Choose one of the following wishes to use as a springboard for your story:

*I wish I had a husband just like...
*I wish I could be as thin as...
*I wish she loved me like I love her.
*I wish I could get that car, then the girls...
*I wish Sci-fi was real
*I wish I could get pregnant

I'd love to hear what you do with this one! Have fun!

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Check out my latest interview at Stories That Read You.
And my 4 star review at Teens Read Too!

The Story Behind the Lyrics

2009-03-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

Songs are inspired and inspiring. Today, we'll use a song as the prompt. Turn on the radio or use one of the following songs as the springboard to develop a new short story or maybe a poem. I've picked songs with plenty of possibilities. Have fun!

Today's Pumping Your Muse Video Prompts:

Spring Is In the Air

2009-03-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

After enduring winter's cold, snow, and winds for months, we all look forward to spring! Here in NW Georgia splashes of color decorate the dead-looking landscape as the first signs of spring bloom. Daffodils, Bradford pear trees, and even dandelions renew that feeling of hope that comes with the newness that bursts forth.

Yesterday was the first day of Spring and while buds and blossoms burst on the scene, that doesn't mean the cold is gone. I've learned not to put my garden in until April, because covering the plants to protect them from the hard frost is not--well let's say it's not fun.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt
Spring will be the platform for today's prompt. The setting is Springtime. Where you are in the world is up to you. The element to add to your story: Irony.

The definition: "a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated." (Dictionary.com)

Write three to five paragraphs. This one should be fun!

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon

The Birds

2009-03-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

We've enjoyed some much needed rain here in NW Georgia, and yesterday afternoon when the sun decided to come out for a little while the cacophony of bird calls was amazing. When I moved to FL I experienced a whole new world of feathered friends, and now in GA my feeders attract even another variety. Today's prompt is inspired by these beautiful creatures.

Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Different birds frequent different parts of the world. That in itself can be used as a way to introduce where your characters live. Their reaction to the creature can also tell the reader something about the story. For example, if your character sees their first bluebird ever, that tells you they are new to the area, and it also introduces the setting.

The character's reaction can also introduce more personal details. If the bluebird brings to mind the song "Hey Mr. Bluebird" that gives a clue to the character's age, or a relationship with an older person who taught them the song. If the bird's striking colors amaze them as they watch it land in the bare branches of a tree in the back yard, it gives an idea of season.

Write a scene or short story in which you use a bird to introduce details of the story.

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Subtle Sounds

2009-03-13T04:14:00.000-07:00

Incorporating details that feed the reader's sensory receptors draws them into the story and helps them live within the pages. The trick is to feed the senses in a way that the reader can experience what is happening rather than telling them what is going on. For today's prompt we'll use a subtle sound as a springboard.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Use one of the following sounds to introduce your story:

*Dripping water
*Stomach growling
*A sneeze
*Clearing the throat
*Blood pulsing in the ears

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Enter the Unexpected

2009-03-11T05:07:00.000-07:00

Have you started a story that you like, but don't know where to take it? Has your interesting character lost his/her flavor? Today's prompt is designed to help you get that story unstuck and infuse the plot with an unexpected element of conflict that will increase tension and the need to for resolution.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Take an unfinished scene or short story that remains incomplete because you don't know what to do with it. Pump new life into it with the unexpected. Add one of the following unexpected elements and see where it takes you:

*Lost job
*Pregnancy
*Lost child
*Puppy
*Car wreck
*Death of a loved one

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

The Story You See - Video Prompt

2009-03-10T05:34:00.000-07:00

Today we'll try a video prompt. As individuals we take in sensory information and our imaginations absorb what we see guiding each of us down different creative paths. Watch the following video without sound. Based on what you see, write a short story or scene.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt:

Watch the following scene without sound. Based on what you see, write a short story or scene. Be sure to include the senses--including the sense of smell.

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Welcome to My World

2009-03-04T04:09:00.000-08:00

Where do you start your story? Once you write the first draft of a story, it's not unusual to find the hook in the third paragraph or even the third page. Before you can identify the hook, though, you have to write the story. Today's prompt gently carries us into a new scene or short story, and then identify your hook. Determine where the story really starts and cut what isn't needed.

If you want to write a novel, a prompt introducing your world may produce an exciting scene that ends up in the middle of your book. For example, in my fantasy novel Windwalker, my protagonist heard a noise. Something large crashing through the forest. The ground rumbled beneath his feet. When I started writing, I had no idea what made that noise.

Whether you're writing a short story or a novel, the key is to write!

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Use one of the following to introduce your world:

*A leaf falling from a tree
*A deer raising its head, ears alert
*A butterfly dancing on a summer's breeze
*The sound of water trickling
*The smell of smoke

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)

Wake Up Call

2009-03-03T04:30:00.000-08:00

It's almost time to change the clocks again, and we lose and hour. Not that we really lose it, but we shuffle it around in way that thrusts us into the dark when the alarm goes off. Marking this "special" occasion today's prompt is a first sentence prompt.

Today's Pumping Your Muse Prompt

Write a scene or short story using the following sentence as your first sentence:

Dawn's light crept across the cold floorboards and in the distance the old rooster crowed.

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To support the author of this blog, Donna Sundblad, consider buying her books.

Pumping Your Muse (Creative writing book)
Windwalker (Fantasy) - Check out the latest 5 star review at Amazon
Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)