Well, it’s the weekend again. I’ve been in a mood since yesterday, so today’s writing prompt is going to deal with the darkness in our minds. From Edgar Allen Poe to Stephen King, darkness clearly sells. Even fiction that is not necessarily a commercial success can be considered better-written because it is so dark; for me, “The Half-Skinned Steer” by Annie Proulx comes to mind. In this writing prompt, I want to challenge you to dip into your dark side and make something productive out of it.
The prompt itself is rather simple. Think of your most twisted nightmare OR the darkest thought you’ve ever had. Now use this nightmare or dark thought to write a scene, flash story, short story, poem, whatever you want.
I know this sounds vague and overly simple but it’s a lot harder than you’d think. I can’t speak for anyone else but I don’t like to explore the darker corners of my mind too often because I’m scared of what I’ll find there. Unfortunately for me, that’s what would make it good fiction–if I’m startled just thinking about it, imagine how it could effect readers!
Well, good luck diving into the darkness and returning with your sanity intact.
