How to write a story prompt

 

tell me how to write a story prompt

Here's how to craft a compelling story prompt:

1. Spark the Imagination:

• Genre: Consider the genre (mystery, romance, sci-fi) or prompt a specific one to spark ideas within that genre.
• Intriguing Scenario: Pose a situation that piques curiosity. What if... questions are great for this.
• Sensory Details: Include details that paint a vivid picture, like a dusty attic or a bustling marketplace.
• Emotional Hook: Elicit an emotional response, like fear, wonder, or hope.

2. Give Direction (Optional):

• Character: Briefly describe a character or their goal (e.g., a cynical detective, a chef seeking a rare ingredient).
• Challenge: Introduce an obstacle the protagonist must overcome.
• Twist: Add an unexpected element to keep the writer guessing.

3. Keep it Open Ended:

• Leave room for interpretation and unique approaches. Don't be too prescriptive.
• Prompt can be a sentence, paragraph, or even an image.

Here are some examples to illustrate these points:

• Basic Prompt: A lone traveler discovers a hidden door in a forgotten forest.
• Genre Specific: Write a science fiction story where humanity discovers a message from a long-lost civilization on Mars.
• Emotional Hook: A young woman inherits a mysterious mansion filled with secrets.
• With Character and Challenge: A cynical journalist must team up with a reclusive scientist to stop a global catastrophe.

Bonus Tip: Combine elements! You can mix a genre with an emotional hook or a sensory detail with a character description.

Remember, the best prompts spark creativity while providing enough direction to get the writer started. So go forth and prompt away!