For this blogpost, I’ve combed through my notebooks to come up with a list of six new PROMPTS you may try during the upcoming long weekend:
- Take an abstract noun–here’s a brief list below–and form an idea around it. Work on the idea to form a plot. Make it reflective and semi-autobiographical. It is amazing how abstract ideas can be useful foundations for writing deep, imaginative, or philosophical stories. These conceptual lenses or themes can shape character arcs, world-building, or conflict.
On the theme of “FREEDOM” (since India is celebrating her independence day on August 15, that is just a day away), I will be writing a “freedom-themed” piece. Possible venue for “freedom-themed” stories currently open:
Stonecoast Review: They are open for submissions for their Fall 2025 issue (#24), with a theme of freedom. The deadline for submissions is September 15, 2025.
2. READ a POEM describing mental health/stress/anxiety. Make a list of associated emotions/objects from your own experiences, memory and observations. Now, write a story around it. THIS Poetry Foundation page could be a good starting point.
3. WRITE A STORY in 400 words max USING ‘Before’ and ‘After’ as alternate segments. OR, USe THE FOLLOWING to headline alternate paragraphs/segments:
- ‘Spring’ and ‘Fall’
- “Drought” and “Flood”
- ‘Whole’ and ‘Fragments’
- Me and You
- ‘Forever’ and ‘Never’
4. Write a story with TIME JUMPS using an object of repeat occurrence like a key, a couch or a street that threads the narrative together.
LASTLY 5. Kate Chopin’s “Dr Chevalier’s Lie” is about 385-words and is what may be called postcard fiction. Write a story where ‘suddenness’ is captured, or where a temporary fleeting moment is pivotal to the story, keep it under 400 words. You may read dr chevalier’s lie here
As always, happy writing!
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