Tag Archives: Writing Prompt

Writing Inspiration: Animal Inspired Children’s Stories

17 Apr


For the past few Friday writing prompts, I’ve had suggestions for memoir, fiction, and poetry, but today I thought it would be fun to consider something that could be used for a children’s book.

There is one member of our household who is truly loving the stay at home order, our cat, Pixel. He has been taking the opportunity to get extra pets, though he isn’t so crazy that I’m spending a lot of my time in his favorite desk chair. For me and my son, who is homeschooling, this is a dramatic change from our daily routine, but for Pixel the house is his whole world. The staircase railing is his balance beam, a fly is in an invading enemy who must be destroyed, our bow window is where he watches live musical performances by song birds.

Think about your own furry, feathered, or finned pet; what might their daily life look like in your imagination? What funny antics could be transformed into a story? Which of their distinctive behaviors make you smile? Would your anthropomorphized pet have a signature look such as a beret or a paisley tie? Would your polydactyl kitty be the world’s best baseball player? Could your canary win a singing competition? Let your imagination run wild. If you have your own children, then have them come up with ideas with you. Those artistically inclined might want to sketch out some illustrations. If you don’t have a pet, instead consider the wildlife out your window such as pigeons or squirrels.

Maybe your fur baby can join Splat, Mittens, or the legendary Pete in the pantheon of critters who have captured kid’s hearts!

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Head of Reference

Tags: , , , , , ,

Friday Writing Prompt: My Most Memorable Trip

20 Mar

We realize that a lot of our readers may be looking for things to fill their days right now.  We love sharing our favorite books and media with you and will continue to do so, but now we are starting a new feature on Fridays, Writing Prompts to get you creating your own great work!

March 20, 2020 Writing Prompt: Favorite or Most Memorable Trip
Right now a lot of us are working or schooling from home and some of you may be under quarantine, but lets instead focus on the best (or most memorable) trip you ever had.  It could have been a fun camping trip as a teen or it could have been your first time traveling overseas to Paris on your honeymoon.  Think about what made the trip specifically memorable.

Think what you experienced with all of your senses.  What were the unique sights and sounds?  Did you taste anything especially good, you tried for the first time, or something so awful you’d never eat it again?  What did it feel like being there; what was the weather like?  Smell is one of the most evocative senses so if you remember the scent of pine, fresh baking bread, or the ocean waves include it in the piece.

You can also talk about the people you interreacted with.  Did you meet someone new; are you still in touch with them?  If you went on the trip with a friend or family member, how did the trip change your relationship?

You might want to see if you have any pictures from your trip and reach out to talk to others who might have been on the trip with you for their impressions.

Prefer fiction, do some research on a travel destination of your dreams to use as a setting. Did you know eBCCLS has some always available travel guides; check them out now for some ideas.

For speculative fiction fans create a new world or land that exists in your imagination.

For you poets out there this topic would make a terrific poem!

You can share in the comments what destination you are planning to write about!  Also let us know if you would be interested in connecting with other writer’s in an online writing group.  You can also reach me at hplwriters@gmail.com.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Head of Reference

Tags:

Newer Entries →