EXERCISE: And then what happens?

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original Posting 3 March 2013

In my magic mirror, I can see... Someone's fingers are just itching to write a story! So, here are some possible prompts. Pick a number from 1 to 6, then see which one you have selected! Then build up that scene and write a little story.

1. When the main character is offered a job, that's good. But when they start work, they are really attracted to someone in the office. That same day, the special person suggests spending the night together. What should the main character do?

2. The main character got to the airport early and checked in to get the window seat he or she wanted. But on the airplane, an old man asks the main character to change seats with his wife so they can sit together. The main character really doesn't want to sit in the middle. What does the main character do?

3. The main character's family says they haven't seen enough of him or her, and they want to visit. Just before they arrive, the main character's mate announces that she or he has been unfaithful. What happens next?

4. The main character has been out of work for six months. A large organization involved in practices that the main character disagrees with offers to hire him or her. What should the main character do? Note: criminal organization? Weapons maker? Feel free to make your organization and their practices whatever will make your main character have to struggle.

5. A friend asks the main character to write a reference. However, the main character feels that friend is poorly qualified. What should the main character do?

6. Soon after the main character's spouse dies, the 19-year-old daughter asks permission for her boyfriend to stay overnight. What does the main character do?

All right? Sex at work, airplane seating, unfaithful mates, work that doesn't agree with you, friendship or honesty, overnight guests. These are mostly based on dilemmas from the game A Question of Scruples. Of course, your story will be based on your thinking.

Have fun!

For bonus points: What was that early TV show that had a woman who looked through her magic mirror at us? I see Bobby... and Jane... Gene, quit picking on Anthony!