Story Starter Challenge #3

So, have you written anything lately? Need a kickstart? Here's another image for you.

What's most significant about this image is that there is a person. You cannot have a story without a person.

That doesn't mean your person has to be human, or even alive. Stories have been written about rabbits, dogs, rats, trains, cars, robots and even a toy canoe. But even if you write a story about a rock, in very short order you will discover that your rock gains personality, purpose, even dreams; it becomes a person.

So, back to the image. Here we have a place, a person, and an action (running).

Who is this person? Is it a he or she? (You decide.) What is the person's name? (You decide.) How old? (You decide.)

Where is this taking place? (You decide, of course!) When?

What is the structure?

And, of course, why is the person running?

There, I've given you a start. Look back at the other story starters (#1 and #2). Maybe you can combine these ideas. (Hey, if I saw a skull hanging in the trees in a strange wood, I might have a reason to run...)

As always, there is no right or wrong choice; just the one that makes your story better.

--- Howard Shirley

Story Starter Challenge #2

Here again is another treasure I spotted not too long ago in a journey through the woods. Now, you tell me how it came to be there; what is the story of this object. Think about your questions: What is it? Where is it? Who put it there? And most importantly why?

For an added challenge, go back to Story Starter Challenge #1 and combine these two into a single story. The more elements you have, the stronger the story becomes.

And don't forget to share your story with others! A story that is not shared is a story that has not been told.

--- Howard Shirley

Story Starter Challenge #1

I found this old hollow tree a few weeks ago. It has the "look" of story all about it— and I'm offering that story to you. Tell me about this tree. What is its story? Does something live in it— or someone? Is something hidden in it? Where is the tree? When is it (past, present, future)? Give us a story! It can be as long or as short as you like. When you're done, share it with your friends. You can also share it here; just post it in the comments or send me an e-mail. If I like it (and it meets the family-friendly nature of this site), I'll add it to the blog under your by-line.

--- Howard Shirley

(Photo ©2007 by Howard Shirley)