Author Archives: Brian A. Klems

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.

Write a 20-line rhyming poem about something that really annoys you. Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.

You’ve accidentally dialed the wrong phone number, but the person who answers sounds familiar. Immediately he/she recognizes you, but because made the call you’re too embarrassed to ask who it is. Using … Read more

Write about a heated argument you had with your parents (real or fictitious). Post your response (500 words or less) in the comments below.

You roll through your favorite fast-food drive-thru, order your usual and wait for the cashier to repeat it back to you. Only, he doesn’t repeat it. Instead, through the speaker, you hear … Read more

You and a friend break into your neighborhood swim club late one night to go for an after-hours dip. While splashing around in the pool, you go into shock when a dead … Read more

You head into the bathroom at work, walk into a stall and close the door. Moments later, as you leave the stall, you notice two people standing there and there’s one major … Read more

Poking fun at you, a relative gives you a dubious award at a family picnic (“Worst Horseshoe Player,” “Best Beer Holder,” etc.). In a twist, you accept the award and give a … Read more

M&M Candies “Melt in your mouth, not in your hands.” Miller Lite “Tastes great, less filling.” Describe yourself (or your writing) in ten words or fewer. Post your response (500 words or … Read more

You and your spouse welcome a beautiful baby into your lives and, after going round and round on names, you choose one that’s very unusual. Write a scene where you announce the … Read more

Your favorite newsletter editor Brian A. Klems hosted a 4th of July party for the WD staff, forum members and newsletter loyalists. It was all fun and games until one guest got … Read more

You forgot to make your bed this morning and your mom is on the prowl, ready to hand out punishment. In an effort to avoid grounding, make up an excuse (no matter … Read more

Write about someone you envy. Start your story with, “I wish I didn’t envy (fill in the blank) so much, but I can’t help it.” Post your response (500 words or less) … Read more