One day I decided to take pictures of interesting book covers based on their titles. Here is a scenario I created based on the cover and title:
They all came. Tea was ready. We drank from real china cups with saucers. No mugs for this group. I had covered my coffee table with a white lace tablecloth from my great-aunt Hilda's collection. I also used my grandmother's vase to elegantly arrange flowers in it. Bright, uplifting classical piano music was playing in the background. Everything was perfect.
After tea, we moved to sit by the window. Somebody mentioned that natural sunlight would enhance our discussion. After all, we were discussing which is more important: telling the truth or keeping a secret. Discussion was lively. Everyone had an opinion and an example to support their view. Some views were based on moral truths and others had to do with a specific situations.
More hot water was boiling when a screeching bird flew into the living room window. Half of the club members were by now standing in front of the window. Looking down and looking up. Quiet. Then the tea kettle whistled; scaring everyone to turn around. I turned the kettle off, walked to the window, and decided to take a look at the building opposite mine. The street below was busy. Cars trying to drive as fast as possible on a congested traffic. Above the sky was blue; too bright to really even look at it.
Then my eyes shifted to the first window on the right Could it really be R? I needed my binoculars. But there were too many people in my house to take them out at this moment. I wasn't ready to share my secret with them--not yet.
If you would like to read the real story, you can find it here.
Nice! This piece was full of mystery, suspense, surprise, calm, excitement all rolled into one! Great idea to use a book cover for inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAmy, read Chris's idea! I can't believe that I didn't think of that!
DeleteWell, now there's an idea for a writing prompt. Nice story exerpt...maybe better than the actual book? You may have to read the real thing now to find out!
ReplyDeleteDonna, I think I really have to read the actual story now!
DeleteI love this as a writing prompt...and your story is full of suspense. It may be a sunny day, but something evil is afoot!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tara! I have many ideas for further stories....just need time.
DeleteI love this idea!!! I will share it with some of our staff via recommending your blog. You could have kids try this, and then they could compare/contrast their predictions with the real book or even just with the actual blurb on Amazon. :)
ReplyDeleteChris, I have to attend a 3-day training pretty soon. This might be a great writing activity while I am gone! What a great community of writers we have!
Delete...another idea--you could take photos of book covers in your classroom or school's library and "advertise" them with your idea. That should generate new interest!
ReplyDeleteChris, great idea! Why didn't I think of that??
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