Throw a character named Alex Wilson (either gender is acceptable) in your novel. Alex is a private eye investigating a case of stolen jewels.
Write about a character whose life completely changes at a concert. Start with the line: I almost didn’t go to the concert that night, but…
In your next chapter, try to include all of the following things: an orphaned baby, misplaced mangoes, a package delivered to the wrong person, and a conversation between two strangers.
Today, write about something beautiful that you normally overlook or take for granted. This beauty could be anything – the sound of your child’s laughter, the feel of the sand between your toes, the hope that comes with each new dawn. Whatever it is, write about it.
Photo Credit: Paniti Marta
Create two characters that have conflicting goals and put them into an old abandoned castle on a rainy day. Before they are allowed to leave the castle, they must work together to find a stolen gem.
Photo Credit: Filipe Samora
The fairtytale ended as abruptly as it had begun. But looking back on it all, Annabelle could not bring herself to regret it. She turned at the sound of…
Today, start your work with the line: Life was never the same again after the ‘accident’ that took Bobby Joe’s…
Imagine your character is being followed as they walk down a deserted road. What do they do? Turn and fight? Run? Who’s after them and why?
Write about a room that’s been undisturbed for twenty years. Why has it been left alone? What’s waiting to be discovered inside of it?
Today, write about a pool party that changes everything. Start with the phrase, “The annual summer pool party always had at least one…”
While everyone else watched the fireworks, Robby slipped from the crowd unnoticed. Now would be the perfect time to commit his crime…
Write about a secret bicycle ride taking place in the middle of the night. Give the character a compelling reason to be traveling on a bicycle at midnight.
Set a pivotal argument in your manuscript near train tracks. Start with the words, “It always set Ray off when Shelia…”
Today, try writing about being different from everyone or everything else. What are the challenges of being different? What are the freedoms?
Write about finding a love letter written fifty years ago that’s been hidden away. Who is it addressed to? Is it opened or closed? Why is it hidden?
Imagine you are meeting your sister for the first time. Her existence has been kept a secret from you. Write the conversation you’d have with her. What would you ask her? What would you want her to know?
My name is Debra Weiss and I’m the editor of Today’s Teen Writer. The only thing I enjoy as much as writing is writing about writing.