Here’s a killer writing prompt:
A character crosses an ocean in a canoe.
That’s it. That’s the prompt. What makes this so cool? Well, start by reading this article about a woman who did just that.
Pretty cool, huh?
This prompt is gonna get weird really fast, but it’s also has a TON of potential. Start with a blank piece of paper. On one side, write the name of a character (make up a character using this handy guide from the Gotham Writers Workshop). On the other side of the page, write the character’s goal: to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Now, draw a line between the two. How do you make this a story? By creating obstacles and challenges that prevent your character from reaching their goal. Be creative here! Storms and waves are obvious (but good!). Salt-dried clothes are better. Delusions happen frequently (from the repetitive rowing). What else?
Now you’re developing a story. But let’s go one step further. Let’s try to implement The Hero’s Journey to make the story even cooler. I’m going to simplify this into three prompts:
Your character initially refuses the challenge to cross the Atlantic. Why? And what causes your character to change their mind?
Your character will encounter a profound failure during the journey that nearly kills him/her. Identify this moment and brainstorm how he/she will overcome it.
Your character arrives … where? Where is the final destination? And why is this destination important to your character?
Now write your story.
OPTIONAL: TURN IT INTO A SCI-FI
Take your initial outline and turn it into a sci-fi story. Make the canoe a “pod”. Make the destination a planet. Take a look at the challenges and obstacles your character initially faces crossing the Atlantic Ocean … how can you transform them so they fit in an adventure through space?
OPTIONAL: TURN IT INTO A ROMANCE
Add a second person to the canoe. Make the two characters enemies to start, but eventually they’ll fall in love. Brainstorm how the challenges they face will bring them closer together!