Writing Prompt: The Morning After

[James Edward Gray II]

I've been reading a book of writing exercises called "What If" (http://www.amazon.com/What-Writing-Exercises-Fiction-Writers/dp/0205616887/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277348508&sr=8-3). Tim asked me to pick a favorite exercise and send it into the list as this month's writing prompt. Here is the abridged version of my favorite challenge in the book so far.

The Morning After

A man, getting ready to drive to a friend's house with his baby daughter, puts the car seat with the baby in it on top of the car while he packs some things in the trunk. He gets into the car and drives off, forgetting the baby on top of the car. The car seat flies off the roof, does a somersault, and lands on the street, upside down. The baby is unhurt.

Write the scene that takes place between the man and his wife at breakfast the next morning: how they behave toward each other, what they say to each other. The reason this scene takes place on the morning after is to let the characters "sleep on it," instead of starting to shout at each other or cry. They will have examined their life together before they start breakfast. The critical decision you're asked to make is to how their lives together before yesterday's incident will affect what they are going through now. Remember that what is not said is often more effective than what is said.

James Edward Gray II

[Tim Gourley]

I cannot WAIT to get started on this one. Thanks for posting it,
James! I'll add it to the website.

- Tim

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Geek Writers" group.
> To post to this group, send email to geek-w...@googlegroups.com.
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to geek-writers...@googlegroups.com.
> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/geek-writers?hl=en.
>
>

[Dana Gray]

I know, right? When he originally shared it with me, I thought it'd make a great writing prompt. I think it will be interesting to see what everyone comes up with.

Dana

Dana

Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Love like you've never been hurt.

[James Edward Gray II]

On Jun 23, 2010, at 10:16 PM, James Edward Gray II wrote:

> The Morning After
>
> A man, getting ready to drive to a friend's house with his baby daughter, puts the car seat with the baby in it on top of the car while he packs some things in the trunk. He gets into the car and drives off, forgetting the baby on top of the car. The car seat flies off the roof, does a somersault, and lands on the street, upside down. The baby is unhurt.
>
> Write the scene that takes place between the man and his wife at breakfast the next morning: how they behave toward each other, what they say to each other.

Attached is my rather depressing attempt at this one. Skip it if you are in a good mood.

James Edward Gray II

[Tim Gourley]

Here's my short, silly, and concise entry. Warning: it's weird. I
blame it on all the Chuck Palahniuk I've been reading.