Writing Prompt Wednesdays - Life Before Book (tags #writingprompts #writing #authors)
Originally published at Ramblings from the Flip Side (Site under construction). You can comment here or there.
Today’s Writing Prompt Wednesdays is going to take a page from my actor’s handbook. The most valuable acting lesson I ever learned was that a character does not just magically come into existence when she appears on the stage (or the page). Characters exist both before and after the performance (even if they’re “dead”). My acting professors taught me to think of my roles as people with their own lives, dreams, and problems. So that’s what we’re going to do as part of today’s writing prompt, create life before book for our protagonist (or side character).
NOTE: I’m actually having an issue with one of my supporting characters in Circle of Fire, so this is a great opportunity to indulge in a writing prompt that I myself am using.
Da Prompt: Take one of your characters (protagonist, villain, or supporting cast) and write up what they are doing with their life before the book starts. Obviously they didn’t get born as full blown characters in Chapter 1, so write a “slice of life” piece from before the story starts. Are they getting ice cream? Getting into a car / spaceship wreck? Did they just fail seminary school or get kicked out of the military?
This scene MUST be something that does not happen in the book. Remember, this is “before the book.” Develop your character using the little interactions in her life that may not be meaningful to the character herself but showcase the flaws and strengths of this character. And remember, this is not meant to be another scene added to your book. It’s background only, a POV scene meant to help you birth the character before the story actually starts.
Da Wordcount: 2,000+ (in other words, as long as you need it to be).
Have fun!
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Writers are frequently asked the question “Where do you get your ideas?” The question is a hard one to answer because we all find our inspiration in different places. Some people need to be given prompts, little snippets of ideas to spark their imaginations.
With that in mind, I am posting Writing Prompt Wednesdays. The goal is to inspire writers with exercises meant to train their skills and fire up the creative juices. There are rules. Most prompts will have associated word counts or style instructions. These are not meant to restrict the writer, but give the writer a chance to explore different ways of writing.
If you are an author in search of that one juicy idea, I hope these posts help. If you have ideas for writing prompts, please let me know.
Da Rules:
1) Anything goes so long as you stick to the spirit of the prompt.
2) I ask that if you do publish something based on one of my prompts, that you post the good news (and the link) in the comments of the prompt that inspired your success. You want other people to help you celebrate, right?