Elivra, Mistress of the Dark (writing prompts!)
And some inspiration from Michela Cole.
Let’s start with some inspiration from Michaela Cole:
“I just wrote a little something for writers, really. Write the tale that scares you, that makes you feel uncertain, that is uncomfortable. I dare you. In a world that entices us to browse through the lives of others to help us better determine how we feel about ourselves, and to, in turn, feel the need to be constantly visible, for visibility these days seems to somehow equate to success. Do not be afraid to disappear, from it, from us, for a while, and see what comes to you in the silence.”
Listen to her! She knows what she’s talking about!
Now let’s do some writing.
Today’s writing prompts were inspired by the movie Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.
EXERCISE #1: “I must apologize for my behavior in the office. It’s just, your appearance was a bit of a shock to me.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: What’s your personal style? Pick three pieces of clothing that you own and write about how each of those items of clothing makes you feel. If they could each tell a story, what story would they tell?
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, pick a character who you don’t know very well and imagine what their closet looks like. Pick out three outfits and write a memory attached to each one.
EXERCISE #2: “I didn’t know I had a good aunt, let alone a great one.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Write about a distant relative who you don’t know very well. Come up with at least ten questions you’d like to ask them.
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, write a scene between your protagonist and a distant relative. Even if it’s not something that would ever end up in the story you’re telling. Have your protagonist dig into some of their family history.
EXERCISE #3: “My name’s Elvira, but you can call me tonight.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Write about a time when you acted out of desperation.
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, write a flirtation scene. Pick two characters who might have a thing for each other and see how long you can maintain a back and forth banter between them. Ingredients to include: a moment of singing, a confession, an embarrassing act, and the color blue.
EXERCISE #4: “I only ask that people remember me by two simple words. Any two, as long as they’re simple.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: How do you want to be remembered after you’re gone? Make a list of three qualities and how you embody them.
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, write a eulogy for one of your characters in the voice of one of your other characters.
EXERCISE #5: “This town isn't big on fun. But there is one place! The bowling alley. It gets pretty wild on league night.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Write about one of your “spots.” A place where you used to (or still) go so often that it feels like a second home. A restaurant, a bar, a movie theater, a bowling alley, a coffee shop, etc. Why do you feel so connected to this place?
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, pick a location that your characters LOVE. Write a scene where your protagonist is there alone and strikes up a conversation with a stranger. Include a moment of recognition, a misunderstanding, and a moment of crying.
EXERCISE #6: “I've never been so humiliated in my life! Just wait until I get my hands on that Patty. I'm going to rip out every single bleach blonde hair out of her scalp, gouge out her eyeballs, then use her head for a bowling ball!”
JOURNALING PROMPT: What was your worst humiliation? Let it burn in your cheeks as you recount it.
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, write a monologue where your protagonist confesses their most embarrassing story. Let it be a moment of bonding between them and whoever they’re sharing this with.
EXERCISE #7: “The local council is horrified if someone in Fallwell, wherever or whatever, is having a good time.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Freewrite about anything and everything that gives you a sense of FOMO. What are you afraid of missing out on?
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, make a list of your protagonist’s worst fears. At least five. Then pick one to explore more deeply.
EXERCISE #8: “Trash does not compete with class.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Write about something you do that would be considered “trashy” and something you do that’s “classy.”
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, write a scene where your protagonist fights with another character and let the fight go into either a trashy or a classy direction, your choice.
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Commission a prompt via Cameo: https://www.cameo.com/erikpatterson
Read one of my plays: https://www.camdenhighstreetbooks.com/plays