Prompt using Story Engine cards: An impostor wants to follow a path leading to a gilded court but they will have to break a personal rule. The setting is a growing swamp with carnivorous plants. Within it is a clearing shaped by mining activity, where a secret society is said to be gathering. Jestin swore …
The clock chimed out. The two watchers on the roof leaned forward to watch. “There she is, right on time. You’d think they’d do a bit of forward planning. Scarper at half eleven or so. That way they can get at least most of the way home in a half-dignified fashion.” “Did you spread the …
Another of the Steering the Craft exercises... Mellisande sat in the arbour of the castle’s rose garden, pretending to work on a delicate piece of embroidery. In truth, she was watching her guard. Why she was under the direct protection of one of the castle commander’s most trusted deputies was a question she dearly wanted …
From a writing exercise / prompt that started with - Gillian said that... there was an impossibly handsome man waiting in the lobby downstairs. "He has the most delicious accent too, I think he might be Italian." Rose frowned. "Can you describe him?" "Sweetie, I just did." She sighed. "I can think of two Italian …
The second part of an exercise contrasting the same place at different times of day. The other one is Attic / Dusk. As you can see, I was more interested in the conversation than the position of the sun... Jason straightened and stretched his arms over his head, “How about a lunch break, then we’ll …
Ari kept to the shadows as she moved through the streets of the lower town. It was easy enough, this wasn’t the rich end of town, with its wide avenues and gas-lit street lamps. Here, a neighbourhood was lucky to boast a single, guttering lamp at the edge of whatever square held the communal well. …
Prompt: An heiress is found dead in a shopping mall. Beside the body is a bikini and a puddle of vinegar. Can you explain what happened? Detective Sarah Michaels looked over the crime scene and heaved a sigh. This one was going to be a nightmare. Celebrity deaths always were, and this one was weird …
A writing exercise where you alternate positive and negative statements. Emrys opened his flat’s front door and scanned the interior, nothing disturbed, nothing amiss, he was home. His eyes narrowed and he pulled the recurve bow from the umbrella stand by the door, notching an arrow, drawing and firing in one movement. The arrow, fletched …
First part of an exercise contrasting the same place at different times of day, I didn't pay much attention to be honest... The light through the attic windows was fading, and Lana dusted her hands off on her jeans as she went to switch the overhead lamp on. The day might be nearly over, but …
A writing exercise around changing points of view within a scene. Marian looked around proudly. Her future daughter-in-law had done a wonderful job as always. The private function room at one of London’s top hotels was comfortably full of people chatting, laughing and enjoying the wonderful catering. It was a perfect engagement party. She turned …
The DNA of Stories 