Author Archives: Brian A. Klems

You and two friends are out to dinner when a woman walks up to you and says, “My husband and I have a disagreement and we’d like you to decide who is … Read more

You arrive at work to find all the items in your cube packed up in a box. There’s no note and you have no idea what is going on. Write this scene. … Read more

You’re riding an elevator when the power goes out. The situation take a turn when the pregnant woman next to you goes into labor. Post your response (500 words or less) in … Read more

You’re late for work because you overslept, but your boss hates over-sleepers. He does love entertaining stories, so create the most outlandish excuse as to why you were late. Post your response … Read more

A friend knocks on your door. Her father has had a heart attack and she must leave town immediately to visit—only problem is she needs someone to watch over her very unusual … Read more

One week after attending the funeral of a close friend, you receive a postcard in the mail with the words, “I’m not dead. Meet me tonight at Guido’s Pizzeria. Tell no one.” … Read more

Write a 20-line poem (rhyming or non-rhyming) dedicated to your favorite piece of clothing (could be a shirt, hat, shoes, etc.). Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.

You’re at work and you print something personal (and sensitive). Unfortunately, you’ve sent it to the wrong printer and, by the time you realize it, someone else has already scooped it up. … Read more

Write about your favorite childhood memory of playing in the snow. If you’ve never been around snow, write about what you dream it’d be like. Post your response (500 words or less) … Read more

Your name is called: You’ve won the “Album of the Year” Grammy for your album, (fill in the blank). You step up to the podium to accept your award and, halfway through, … Read more

It’s time for you and Writer’s Block to part ways. Write a letter breaking up with Writer’s Block, starting out with, “Dear Writer’s Block, it’s not you, it’s me … .” Post … Read more

You’re standing outside a restaurant next to a phone booth when, suddenly, it rings. Your gut tells you not to answer it, but with each ring you can’t resist. Finally you pick … Read more

Your plane crashes on a deserted island. You and two other passengers survive. The only salvageable items from the plane are pair of scissors, a stopwatch and an electric keyboard. Use these … Read more

Write the last line to an unwritten novel that’s so intriguing that others won’t help but want to read the book. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.

What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2010? Post them here and then at the end of the year, I’ll feature this in the newsletter and ask you to check in to … Read more

The countdown clock for Christmas is ticking. Santa’s elves begin working their magic on the assembly lines, but the line comes to a screeching halt when rumors leak that one elf is … Read more

Write about the only time you hosted Thanksgiving. Start with the line, “For my first Thanksgiving as host, I bought the biggest turkey they had in the store,” and end your story … Read more

You wake up one day with an unusual super power that seems pretty worthless—until you are caught in a situation that requires that specific “talent.” Post your response (500 words or less) … Read more

You wake up shackled to a chair and can’t remember how you got there. Two voices are talking. You recognize one of them. Post your response (500 words or less) in the … Read more

You arrive at an annual Halloween party only to discover that someone else is dressed in the same costume as you. Bad things start happening to you throughout the night and you … Read more

Write a one-paragraph bio about your writing career to date. Then, write the one-paragraph bio you expect to have in 2020 (including all your major writing accomplishments). Post your response (500 words … Read more

You’re 12 years old and have entered a school Halloween costume contest. There’s stiff competition, though you’re confident you’ll win—until you find out someone has bribed the judge. Write this scene. Post … Read more

Your closest friend has asked you to give a speech at his/her wedding. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.

You’ve been waiting in a line for days to get concert tickets to your favorite band’s upcoming show. You’re keeping track of your experience in a journal. What does it say? Post … Read more

Write about a car negotiation from the perspective of the car. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.