May 19, 2014  Prompt #18

Instructions

1. Locate an object in your home that is generally considered ordinary, outdated, or unnecessary. Don’t spend too much time thinking about what to choose.  One option: If you have a junk drawer in your home or accumulated odds and ends at the bottom of a bag, close your eyes, reach for something, and use it.
2. Write about this object as if it is something you value dearly. (Tell us why.) Use the word “surprise” once in your writing. Write for 10 minutes.
3. Write about the same object as if it is something you no longer want, but cannot give away. (Tell us why.) Use the word “regret” once in your writing. Write for 10 minutes.

How This Prompt Can Strengthen Your Writing

• Encourages you to look at an ordinary object in a fresh way.
• Encourages imagination and perhaps playfulness.

Further Writing

• Imagine someone else holding this object. What would surprise them?
• Write as if a family member asked for this object. Why do they want it? Do you relent?

Variations for Writing Groups

1. Ask each member to bring in one or two objects. Use them as your springboards.
2. Write as if you discovered the object in a trunk of old table clothes in your attic or basement. You know it belongs to another family member. Write a letter to that person to accompany the returned item.

Thoughts on this writing prompt?