In the unlikely event a book club ever comes to Wattpad and picks out a story to read, and, for whatever reason, ends up being this one, mull over the following questions and watch your discussion sparkle. Or, just use these as prompts to start telling your own story. Maybe they'll be the next inspiration for your newest creative project. If you'd like, publish your writing and leave a snippet in the comments.
1. The author discusses many favorite bedrooms of the past: a yellow Pooh-themed paradise, the pink bedroom she lived in for nearly twenty years, and even a small dorm room in an old house that may have been her favorite. Think about a favorite room and why it was your favorite. What did it look like and why was it special? Why do you think rooms hold importance?
2. Think of an old hobby of your past. In the style of "Diaries of a Theatre Geek," write a present-tense journal entry for each year or stage of that hobby.
3. The author recounts her time as a moderator for a SpongeBob forum---a part of her life which very few real-life acquaintances knew about (if any). What is something few people know about you? What did you learn from the experience, if applicable?
4. There are many points where something from the author's life resurfaces. From reconnecting with Ben, to grandparents moving to the complex where her school often volunteered, and even working at the place where she first received swim lessons, there are a lot of places and people that circle back. When has something from your past returned to you in an unexpected way?
5. In this story, many important milestones are covered:
-Meeting your best friend
-First jobs
-New siblings
-Going to school for the first time
-Graduating
-Moving
Pick one of these instances and write a story about it.
6. In this book, the author chases romance several times but has yet to find it. Describe someone you know who you liked. Tell the story, perhaps as if were a romance novel. If it didn't work out, change the ending. Discuss the characters, too. Which interest interested you most: Roger, Ben, Tim, or Joe?
7. The author enjoyed many unusual activities in college outside of "official" extracurriculars. Describe something you did in college outside of the classroom. Drunk encounters at parties don't count---think of something unique and tell the story. What did you learn that you couldn't in a classroom?
8. Write your own "year in the life" chapter about your own family traditions.
9. Sometimes we remember unusual things. Details that the author remembers are her first grade teacher's frequent use of Comic Sans, a classmate "hitting the duck" at a Valentine's party (and subsequent reactions), and some kids spearheading a campaign to save bald eagles on a walk back in kindergarten. What's something strange and small you remember? Share, then write about it.
YOU ARE READING
Once Upon a Time: True Stories of an Aspiring Writer
Non-FictionPLEASE DO NOT CONTACT ME SOLICITING YOUR APP/SERVICE. Where do young writers get their ideas? In this ongoing memoir project, the author will tell you. Do you know about the never-ending love story that started in middle school? Or the time she com...
