June 13, 2014.  Prompt #44

In honor of Friday the 13th, here’s a lucky writing prompt.

Instructions

1. Write about a superstition that you believe in, don’t believe in, or are on the fence about.
2. Write for 13 minutes.

Further Writing

• Make up a superstition. Give it history or cultural background.
• Write convincingly why we should believe in a superstition that, in reality, you don’t take seriously. Or the opposite.

Variation for Writing Groups

1. On index cards, write a short description of an existing superstition or one you’ve constructed. For instance, It is unlucky to walk under a ladder. It is lucky to see two magpies together. If it rains on your eighth birthday, you will be prosperous in life.
2. Place the cards face down. Choose one randomly and write about a character who challenges the superstition. Write for 13 minutes.
3. Research superstitions from cultures not your own. Write about one for 13 minutes.

Finally, if you drop your pen while you are writing, spin it 3 times on the floor while repeating the word “demiurgic” the entire time it is spinning. This will welcome back the creative spirits.