For Tuesday, August 12

Walking around Beach Haven, New Jersey last Wednesday, I came upon this fabulous house.  Over the next week, walk around your own neighborhood (or a new one) and find a house, townhouse, or apartment building that captivates you. Stand or park in front of it for 5 to 10 minutes, writing down notes on what you see, hear, and feel.

Later, expand your writing by responding to one of these questions (or one of your own.) Let your imagination run wild on this one.

• Imagine a quarrel between two people who live there.
• Imagine a perfect day at home for one of its residents.
• Imagine how the house looked the day that the current owners moved in. What were they thinking, worrying about, anticipating?

For Friday, August 8

From small towns to big cities, window displays hold a special allure. For this prompt, stand in front of a window display for 5 to 10 minutes, writing down notes on what you see, the display’s design, who its intended audience might be, and most importantly, your emotional response to it.

Later, expand your writing by responding to one of these questions (or one of your own.)

• What emotions does the window display bring up for you (or your character)? What does the window seem to promise?
• If you could own one thing in the window, what would it be and why?
• Imagine stealing one item in the window? Who would steal it? Why?
• Is this the kind of store where you normal shop? Why or why not? If not, write about walking inside for the first time. If so, write about passing it by.