The Prompt Book

Prompt 9

Wow, the day is nearly over. (I'm sorry to those with a different time zone.) What a perfect time to have more prompts! TheCouch here, (as usual, awake late at night.)

Your next prompt consists of more trauma than build up. Dramatic shock factor is always good (for your story, not so much for your reader's feels). Whether you are within the first section of your story or the last stretch, this is great to lead into what is going to happen.
Although vague, this prompt is focusing mainly on creating particular emotions throughout your writing.

For example, your character could have just turned around and saw their best friend/lover falling from a gunshot wound. Your character could have just picked up a spider saying "oh look, how cute," and then popped it in their mouth. Perhaps a cliche "Twist Fate," kind of idea, where a seemingly good guy turns out to be the evil mastermind.
Even simply changing or adding a different piece of dialog can come as a shock to the reader. Imagine an upbeat, kind, and forgiving character. Now imagine them turning to another character and saying in a calm voice: "Stop following me. I don't need you anymore."
Sparks some interests, aye?

Important things to keeps in mind, is that this shouldn't be a random thing you throw at your characters. It should advance the plot and lead into the next phase of events. You can consider "shock factor" to also be a "mini-plot twist." This means that the sudden "twists" must have a purpose to the story, even if it is not entirely evident at the moment. It should relate to the character(s) and generally make logical sense.

If I didn't make this prompt very clear, feel free to ask. We love when you use our prompts and sometimes it's good to have a vague prompt to allow your imagination to run free. Hopefully this wasn't TOO vague though.

Thanks for reading and have fun writing!! :)