Open Novella Journal 2024

First Prompt Not Working - How About a Second?

So, given the fact I've seen a lot of people get stuck on the making sure the prompt is recognizable part by leaving out say an integral part of the prompt, one of the options is to take a second look at the prompts and find a prompt that does in fact work and allow you to make the changes you want to the other prompt - aka leave out say one of the major prompt points while retaining the others.

What, though, are some good prompts to consider? It honestly depends on the story you want to tell.

For example, the first prompt "sometimes words speak louder than actions" will be focused on a plot where a character's words at times are louder than actions in some shape or form, although mine is taking it a step further and contrasting the words that speak louder than actions with actions that speak louder than words as the actions that speak louder than words aren't loud in a positive way.

Prompt three, in turn, is about a character becoming the real monster of the story, while five is about looks being deceiving, although that prompt isn't just about that but specifically about how something grotesque and horrific. Prompt twelve could help shape a

romance story and be how the two characters meet, with the importance being emphasized by referencing

how they met at certain points in the story.

Of course, will this possibly change the idea you have?

It will honestly depend on the story you're going for. For example, if you've already got a character whose words often speak louder than their actions, you won't have to change a thing. However, if this isn't a case think of the prompt as a way to shape and brainstorm a bit further, that the changes you'll have to make aren't a negative thing. In fact, creativity in the way we use the prompts is an important part of our scores for ONC.

That's why not adhering to one part of the prompt can get one nixed, as it's really not creative to nix something whereas finding a suitable alternative instead that is still recognizable is the actual way to be creative.