Something's Gotta Give (writing prompts!)
And some inspiration from Louise Erdrich.
I was reading an interview with Louise Erdrich where she said: “My characters choose me and once they do it’s like standing in a field and hearing echoes. All I can do is trace their passage.” And...I don't know if I always believe that??? Sometimes I do. Some characters don't guide you forward as much as other characters do. Do you feel like your characters choose you?
Okay, let's write!
Today’s prompts were inspired by the Nancy Meyers movie Something’s Gotta Give.
EXERCISE #1: “I don’t want my bearings. I’ve had my bearings my whole goddamn life.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Write about the last time you did something new and terrifying.
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, write a monologue where your protagonist tells a specific character at least ten things they DO NOT want.
EXERCISE #2: “I feel something with you I never really knew existed.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Think of a partner or a best friend and write about all of the reasons this person is unique. What have you learned from them?
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, write a scene where your protagonist talks to another character about their relationship history. What kind of person is your protagonist drawn to? (Have the second character ask them some difficult questions.)
EXERCISE #3: “You can’t hide from love for the rest of your life because maybe it won’t work out, maybe you’ll become unglued. It’s just not a way to live.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Write about the things that you do that prevent yourself from getting things you want. How and when and why do you get in your own way?
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, do some freewriting about your protagonist and all of their faults. Analyze their character flaws. PICK THEM APART.
EXERCISE #4: “I have never lied to you. I have always told you some version of the truth.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Write about a time when a lie got you into trouble.
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, write a romantic scene. Include an over-the-top declaration of love, and at least three “little” lies.
EXERCISE #5: “I think it’s the drama in life that makes you strong.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Write about a challenge you’ve faced that made you stronger.
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, make a list of challenges your protagonist has faced in their life – they should all be from before the start of the story you’re telling. What were the uphill battles in their past?
EXERCISE #6: “If I were writing this, this is where I would write ‘an awkward moment.’”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Write about your personal awkward tics, habits, behaviors – how do you behave when you’re feeling uncomfortable?
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, put your protagonist the most awkward situation you can think of for them. Then as the scene goes on, make things worse for them at least two more times.
EXERCISE #7: “When you hear the same story about yourself over and over, your life begins to make sense and the future becomes your only salvation.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: What’s the story from your life that you think OTHER PEOPLE tell the most often? How do you think your loved ones talk about you?
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, write a scene where two other characters are talking about your protagonist. Include: a compliment, a mistake, a piece of gossip, and a prediction.
EXERCISE #8: “To the forces of destiny that brought us together tonight.”
JOURNALING PROMPT: Write about a moment from your life that felt like destiny.
FICTION PROMPT: If you’re writing a narrative, write a scene where your protagonist has a chance encounter with someone from their past. Include a line that begins “There’s something I always wanted to tell you...” and a sense of serendipity.
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