Tuesday, January 21, 2014

What's Happening In This Picture?



Time for a picture prompt exercise today. I'll give you a little background on the area which may help give you a bit of inspiration. The picture above is one we snapped in Strasbourg, France which is very close to the German border in what is known as the Alsace-Lorraine area. This bit of land has been both German and French, bouncing back and forth from country to country as the spoils of various wars over centuries. But for now, it is very French.

Give yourself some time to study the picture. Then ask yourself some questions. Perhaps you want to know more about the two men walking to the carousel. Or maybe you want to know what is in the blue trash bin. How about the elegant street light next to the bicycle rack? Who might be living in one of the buildings in the background?  Why do people close to the carousel have their umbrellas opened?

Next, play the What if.....? game. What if something dangerous is in the trash bin? What if the carousel suddenly gets out of control? What if.....? Your turn to continue this little motivational game.

What happens now? Start writing and see what kind of story you come up with. Give us a sense of place, add sensory details, include some tension--big or small.

I'd be delighted if anyone would like to share what they write through the comment box. This picture might bring stories that range from comic to murder and mayhem to a brilliant discovery of some sort. Let your imagination lead you.

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