Category: Writing Journal

Your character finds a magical music box. When it plays, the listener can see their own future, either the best thing that will ever happen, or the worst. What does your character see as the music plays? 

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your handyman protagonist flips houses for a living. As he’s knocking down a wall in his latest home, he discovers a false wall in one of the bedrooms with a decaying skeleton behind it. Describe the scene as it unfolds.

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your character has only one day left to live. What does she do with this last precious day? Who does she spend it with?

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your protagonist is hiking for the weekend and comes across a grizzly bear on the trail. What does he do?

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

While your character is camping, two strangers show up and ask if they can share her site. Far from populated trails or help of any kind, your protagonist and her friend must decide whether to let them or not.

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your protagonist is flipping through a book at the library when a note falls out. It contains a message from someone begging for help, along with an address. What does your character do? 

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your protagonist is enjoying a bonfire with friends when he spots lights in the sky. Describe what happens next. 

One Stop for Writers

Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your character finds a magical music box. When it plays, the listener can see their own future, either the best thing that will ever happen, or the worst. What does your character see as the music plays?

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

Your character can hear something scratching beneath her bed, but she’s too old to believe in the Boogeyman. She pulls up the bed skirt, expecting to scare away a mouse that found its way into her room but instead discovers fresh claw marks on the floorboards. Write what happens next.

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway

At a rock concert, your protagonist is mistaken for someone associated with the band and is given a backstage pass. What happens next? 

One Stop for Writers

 Guidance & tips

Write the scene of discovery (i.e., tell a story), or brainstorm and create a list of related ideas.

Here’s five story elements to consider:

• Character
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Never forget, writing is a process. The first draft is always a mess.

The first draft of anything is shit.

Ernest Hemingway