Everyone knows the story of the genie in the lamp, or some magic coin or creature that grants three wished. Part of that story is how the hero would outsmart the magic granting them their wish. Most of the time that effort fails. So how would you outsmart the magic and have endless wishes granted? […]

We all have our favorite superheroes. Who do superheroes look up to? Is it someone braver, stronger, or is it the most unlikely person you could ever imagine? Write a story around this permise. Remember: Challenges are supposed to be fun, but don’t forget to stretch yourself and take risks. If you normally write fantasy, […]

We all go through hard time, or face challenges in life. Sometimes we solve the problem easily. Other times are harder, or we can’t find a solution. Now imagine a character whose every action, every solution to simple everyday problems changes the fate of a stranger–or the entire world. What would someone do when that […]

We all have holiday traditions of one sort or another, no matter what the holiday or the culture we come from. Some our parents or grandparents instilled in us after learning them from their grandparents. Others are long established in the society we live in; still others we make up as we go along. Now […]

One of the best writing challenges of all is to take a tried and true genre trope, and make it your own. Your challenge is to take the line– “Such a tiny dragon was easy to overlook.” –and write a story. But first, rethink the concept and the trope of “dragons.” What would a dragon […]

Everyone has a favorite story or favorite book. Think about what you love most about that story, what elements got under your skin. Now think of what you’d change if that story belonged to you. Would you change the ending, the main character? The setting? Then write your own story, with your own character, and […]

You almost never dream, at least not dreams you remember. That all changes on your forty-fifth birthday. Suddenly, your nights are full of vivid dreams, dreams that exhaust you and dreams that frighten you. The worst part is you suspect all your dreams are coming true. Put a character in that scenario and write a […]

If you could bring back one thing the world has lost, what would that thing–person, creature, being–be? What would the consequences be? Now think of a character who has the power to restore one lost thing or person to the world. Do they use that power or not? Write a story about their decision and […]

The changes you see in the place where you live are gradual, and at first, you’re not certain those changes are real. Animals, birds, insects, even plants, look and act differently, grow faster and larger. At times you think they’re watching you and your neighbors. At times you think they’re planning something.What you don’t understand […]

Picture a long sterile hallway. At the end of the hall are three closed doors. Your character stares at the doors, unsure which one to choose. She finally opens the door on the left and a voice says “Welcome to your life.” Write a story about what happens next. Remember: Challenges are supposed to be […]