One good prompt could be 'The time when a family member surprised us all.' Another could be 'A family vacation that changed everything.' And 'The family heirloom and its story.'
Just pick a prompt like 'A family argument and how it was resolved.' Then start thinking about the real events in your family related to it. Recall the feelings, words, and actions. And start writing or telling the story.
One way to start is to introduce the family members involved. 'My parents, my siblings and I were all excited as we set off on our family vacation. We had planned this for months, and the day had finally arrived. We were headed to a small cabin in the mountains, and little did we know the adventures that awaited us there. The car was filled with our laughter and the smell of freshly made sandwiches for the journey. As we drove further away from home, the anticipation grew, and we couldn't wait to reach our destination and start exploring the beautiful nature around the cabin.'
One good prompt could be 'A mysterious door appears in the middle of a forest'. This can lead to various stories such as a magical adventure where characters enter the door to find a different world filled with strange creatures. Another prompt might be 'A letter arrives with no return address'. It could be the start of a mystery or a long - lost connection story. Also, 'A person wakes up with a strange power' can create a story about self - discovery and the use or misuse of that power.
Good prompts for short stories include 'A broken - down car in the middle of nowhere'. This might lead to a story of survival, self - discovery, or an encounter with unexpected help. 'A photograph that shows a different time and place' can inspire a story about memories, nostalgia, or time travel. Also, 'A magic potion that has an unforeseen side effect' which can result in all kinds of creative and wild short story ideas.
One good prompt could be 'A mysterious letter arrives in the mail with no return address'. This can lead to a story about mystery, secrecy, and perhaps a journey to uncover the sender's identity. Another prompt is 'You wake up in a world where colors have disappeared'. It allows for a creative exploration of a dull, monochromatic world and the character's attempts to bring back color. And 'A strange noise coming from the attic at midnight' can inspire a spooky short story.
A haunted house is a classic prompt. Imagine an old, dilapidated mansion on the outskirts of town, with creaking floors and shadowy figures in the windows. Another could be a cursed object, like a mirror that shows a different, terrifying world when you look into it. And a dark forest at night, filled with strange noises and unseen threats.
One prompt could be 'Describe a character who has a unique quirk and build a short story around how this quirk affects their daily life.' For example, a character who can't stand the color yellow. Every time they see it, they freeze. This could lead to all sorts of comical or tense situations in a story.
Well, start with physical details. It could be a scar on the face or a limp that makes them stand out. Then, consider their desires and fears. A character who desires power but fears loneliness can lead to complex interactions. And don't forget about their speech patterns. A character who talks in riddles can add mystery.