Somnia
You (or a character) awaken suddenly from a strange, vivid dream. You remember that the dream involved an unusual object in a distinctive place, but you don’t know what it means. Decide on the object and the setting, then use a dream dictionary to look at common meanings behind those symbols. Alternatively, interpret the symbols yourself and apply meaning to them. Use the meaning to craft a scene about what that could mean for the character.
At the stroke of midnight, you (or a character) awaken suddenly from a strange, vivid dream. You remember that the dream involved an unusual object in a distinctive place, but you don't know what it means.
Decide on the object and the setting, then use a dream dictionary (see options below) to look at common meanings behind those symbols. Alternatively, give the symbols your own significance. Use the meanings you find to craft a scene.
Post your response to the prompt in 500 words or fewer in the comments below.
Example: I dreamed of trying to ride a white horse amid vast Saharan dunes. I would search for the meaning of "desert" and "horse" and write my scene based on what I found there.
Below are links to several dream dictionaries you can use to search for common interpretations. Note that these are not particularly scientific, but are good resources for creative inspiration nonetheless:
- Dream Moods
- Dream Dictionary, Symbols, Interpretations & Meanings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DreamStop
- DreamsCloud
- Dream Dictionary
By the way: I would be thrilled to meet you in person if you can make it to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference in NYC, coming up August 10-12. If you have yet to register, use the coupon code WDPROMPT18, good for $50 off registration.
Jess Zafarris is the Executive Director of Marketing & Communications for Gotham Ghostwriters and the former Digital Content Director for Writer’s Digest. Her eight years of experience in digital and print content direction include such roles as editor-in-chief of HOW Design magazine and online content director of HOW and PRINT magazine, as well as writing for the Denver Business Journal, ABC News, and the Memphis Commercial Appeal. She spends much of her spare time researching curious word histories and writing about them at UselessEtymology.com. Follow her at @jesszafarris or @uselessety on Twitter.
