When telling a story, we usually use a variety of modes such as action, description, inner thought and dialogue.
Your challenge is to tell us a story using only, or primarily, dialogue. This could be a conversation between people or objects, texting or email, or an overheard conversation.
We are open to poetry forms and different ways to interpret this idea and these prompts.
prompt 2: a one-sided conversation
Imagine that you can only hear one side of a conversation!
Maybe your character is on the phone - or talking to someone who you cannot hear responding.
Your challenge is to make sense of this conversation so that your reader can figure out what is going on.
Think about the story that is happening "between the lines".
Give enough clues to understand what is NOT said and also what is happening that we cannot see.
Write out the conversation without dialogue tags or any action.
Here's an example from Rykin in Year 6
Shark – One-sided conversation
Yay, I’ve got the shark that I wanted!
No, Dad. It won’t bite your head off, and if it does I’ll pay for the surgery.
I know I’m only ten but I’ve got the money from last Christmas, and anyway, if it does bite your head off then I’ll freeze your head so you won’t die.
It’s in the shark tank in the lounge.
Don’t get too close Dad.
Dad! Why did you get too close?
... Mum, How much room is in the freezer?
I just need enough room for something the size of a watermelon.
Okay. Oh, and one more thing. I need to borrow some money to pay for Dad’s surgery.
Extra Tip:
Test your one-sided conversation out on a reader/ listener. Ask them what story they were "hearing" and "seeing". See if you need to add any more clues.
Polish up your conversation and submit it to the Write On: In Conversation Competition. Please read all of the terms and conditions here
We will have more prompts up soon!
DEADLINE: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27 2024
(c) Write On 2024
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