October is a busy month here: two birthdays, a wedding anniversary, the trailer closes, the boat comes out of the water for the winter, two freelance deadlines loom, and because we’re in Canada–Thanksgiving!
AND I’ve decided to run another daily writing challenge over on my Facebook page because, well, of course, I’m going to have lots of time to write every day. It’s the routine of the writing rather than the word count that I’m working on. Small daily writing goals are the key, and I mean small–maybe 100 words–so that, if I’m having a challenging day (which will be every Tuesday with 7 hours of classes followed by choir), I will still feel successful if I only write that 100 words. And steady daily success is the plan because I want to start building the habit of writing that will take me through November, too. Kristi Holl (author of Writer’s First Aid and More Writer’s First Aid) introduced me to the ideas of small goals and building mini-habits here.
On my Facebook page, I’ll be posting encouragement, links to interesting blogs, and I hope, some humour to keep myself and you writing every day. To participate, all you have to do is post the word “done” in the comments under the daily posts, and we’ll know you met your writing goal for the day.
I hope that the writing prompts below will help you find a story idea if you need one. Some of today’s writing prompts come from the collection I’m preparing for my next set of journals for genre writers.
Have fun!
Opening Sentences
- Mira felt danger in her skin. I saw it in her eyes.
- Sometimes Henry’s smiles were warm and kind. This wasn’t one of those times.
- Helen strained to see the sails on the horizon more clearly. Friend or enemy?
- I knew one thing about my new job. Henry was going to be a pain in the neck.
- Predictable could get you killed.
- For the third day in a row, Henry knew he’d been followed.
- Red flashing lights were never a good sign.
Random Words
- clouds, wind, cry, shiver, grey, hurry
- campfire, fear, scream, hidden, red
- leaves, gold, broken, pond, clear
- stones, sun, blue, carry, escape
- city, rain, climb, smell, green, alone
Titles
The Fallen, Unbroken, Trust Not, Generous to a Fault, Road Trip, Last Chance, Love Waits, The Enemy Within, Strange Music, Kept
Dialogue
You’re Henry, aren’t you?
So?
So, Max is looking for you.
I want to go home.
You know that’s not possible.
But–
No buts. This is where we’re safe, and this is where we’ll stay.
Why didn’t you tell me you were hiding here?
There wouldn’t be much point in hiding then would there.
Very funny. You know I can help.
It’s awfully steep. I’m not sure.
Can you see another option?
No.
I’m sure Henry has it.
You’re lying. It’s you.
If you’re still stuck for inspiration, check these out, too. Just click on the covers for more information.
