Mel’s Midweek Writing Menagerie #1

Mel's Midweek Writing Menagerie


You may or may not be aware of this, but I previously ran a writing prompt series at Writing Room 101. The series was in need of a reboot, and as part of its development I made the decision to host it here. It is a weekly prompt, which I will run every Thursday. The title is a work in progress, so love it or hate it, please feel free to leave feedback. Until I settle on a name for this challenge, the badge will have to do!

I’ll keep it simple, and post two options each week. There’s a handy link-up button at the end of the post, so you can upload your contribution and share it with others. If you prefer to use the pingback method, I’ll check out each link I receive.

So, let’s get to it.Β The rules are simple:

  • Grab the badge.
  • Write a post based on the prompt.
  • Link it to the handy tool provided each week.

All other rules will be included in the weekly post.

Here are the prompts:


Option 1: Sentence Starter – β€˜Only a fool would rush in where others fear to tread – it turns out I’m a fool.’

The sentence can be used anywhere in the story. The maximum word count is 1,000 words. The genre can be any of your choosing; either factual or fiction based. You may use art to interpret the sentence, or poetry if you wish.


Option 2: Fanfiction – Take a favourite character from book, film, or television (including animated) and tell a story from their perspective, based on the following:

You are trapped in a room in an unknown location, and the only thing in the room with you is an old piece of paper. The paper holds a terrifying secret. You must escape, using the only tools in your possession (on your person) and ensure the message sees the light of day.


Thanks for stopping by.

Have fun!

Mel

23 responses to “Mel’s Midweek Writing Menagerie #1”

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thank you, Charles πŸ˜€

      1. Charles Yallowitz Avatar

        You’re welcome.

  1. mrbkoostachin Avatar

    Prompts are helpful in getting the creative juices flowing, from one’s noggin to the blank document. I think I have used couple, who knows a 1000 words could become a short story, a novella, a novel or even a trilogy

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      That would be exciting, and I know what you mean. Sometimes short stories explode and before you know it you have a novel! πŸ˜€

      1. mrbkoostachin Avatar

        Indeed one’s WIP sometimes can have a life it’s own. Its been a while since i blogged πŸ˜› I feel old too,

      2. mbarkersimpson Avatar

        Time certainly has a habit of getting away from us! I hope you’re keeping well πŸ˜€

  2. callummclaughlin Avatar

    Excellent prompts! They’re sure to get some creative juices flowing, I’ll bet πŸ™‚

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks, Callum. I hope so. I thought it might be fun to add a fanfiction element. I’ve never explored that side of writing before, except for a prompt a few years ago which sticks in my mind. I hope people have fun with it! πŸ˜€

  3. moldydaisy Avatar

    This looks like a great time!! I think I shall join in πŸ™‚ And kudos on adding the fanfiction … I’m a huge fan of it and plan to write a whole post on it someday!

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thank you, and that’s excellent news! πŸ˜€ I’ve had a few discussions about fanfiction recently and I remember a particularly entertaining writing competition a while back which incorporated favourite characters. It’s what prompted the idea. I will look forward to your post on the subject πŸ˜€

  4. moldydaisy Avatar

    Also, i think the name is great. Definitely caught my attention and made me smile … it’s fun

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks for that. Nobody else mentioned it, so I wasn’t sure whether to take that as a good thing or a bad thing! Fun is good – it’s what I was aiming for πŸ˜€

  5. Jacqui Murray Avatar

    I’m intrigued by your topic choices, Mel. I am not much for quick writes like this, but love reading them.

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      I have to admit I enjoy writing flash fiction. I don’t take part in the series very often though, because I created it for other people to enjoy. And, like you, I enjoy reading short works πŸ˜€

  6. […] also mentionΒ my new writing prompt series,Β which I titledΒ Mel’s Midweek Writing Menagerie. I’m really excited about it, and the series still links back to Featured Fiction so readers […]

  7. Vagrant Rhodia Avatar

    Reblogged this on Bohemian Nerd and commented:
    AHHH!! A new prompt challenge site! Go check it out πŸ˜€

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thank you for the reblog πŸ˜€

  8. Solveig Avatar

    Will you be doing a prompt this week? As I have more or less reestablished my writing habit I would love to join the fun this week.

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Yes. I will be posting it in a few hours. It would be fantastic if you joined in πŸ˜€ Great news about your writing schedule. That’s exciting.

  9. LindaGHill Avatar

    This looks like fun! I’ll try to join in this week. πŸ˜€

    1. mbarkersimpson Avatar

      Thanks, Linda. I do enjoy creating the prompts πŸ˜€

I’d love to hear from you.

I’m Melissa

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