Saturday, January 30, 2021

Writing Prompt: Absolute Power

 Power.  They say it corrupts absolutely.  Sometimes you can really see it.  Whether it's a Facebook group administrator or a President, you can see new leaders flex it, test it, and enjoy it.  Of course, power isn't easy to maintain.  You need presence and charisma or gravitas and fear.  You need also need allies, henchmen, and other mechanisms for exercising your power and enforcing your edicts. 

Mussolini declaring war
 You also have to safeguard power against enemies and rivals.  You have to know when someone is trying to usurp your power from within your entourage.  You also have to survey the political landscape for people who want to oppose you.  Someone out there always wants to fight the power!

Power is truly a tricky thing.  Do you think you could exercise it wisely or justly?  Would you even want to?  You might need the wisdom of Solomon or the ruthlessness of a Stalin.  You might not be able to trust anyone.

Today's writing prompt is to create a story about how you would handle absolute -

Power!

 

If you want to organize your power, try the Battery Daddy as seen on TV.  I bought one recently through Amazon and it's pretty cool.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Writing Prompt: Big Money

In the United States, we've recently had a rash of big lottery jackpots.  One person won almost a billion dollars.  These jackpots are amazing and life changing for the winner.  But, experts warn that winning a big lottery jackpot has a dark side.  Long lost family members come out of the woodwork seeking money.  Criminals and con artists flock to the winners.  I would imagine it could be dangerous and lonely for many winners.  But, still, for the winners who can manage the huge winnings, the experience must be incredible.

For today's writing prompt, create a short tale about a person who suddenly receives --

big money!

Photo by Maklay62, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Friday, January 22, 2021

Writing Prompt: What's in Box 1494?

The popularity of unboxing videos is one of the most curious phenomenons on the Internet.  People just can't resist opening up a package and seeing what's inside.  Quests for hidden treasure are similar.  People just want to know what behind the door or in the treasure chest or what around the bend.  Perhaps it is just a reflection of human curiosity and our thirst for knowledge?  No matter.  It's a human foible that works in our favor as writers.  We can write up a box, put something in it, and hide it!

For today's writing prompt, I present this humble row of post office boxes.  Your mission is to create a short story about -

 the contents of Box 1494!

Photo by MarkBuckawicki, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Setting Writing Prompt: The Old Shack

America's countryside is littered with old houses, barns, and shacks.  Many of these are documented and explored in Abandoned Places pho...