Monday, July 5, 2010

Monday Moment #76: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress

(If you’ve already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-di-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, always get to know my character(s) better just by answering the question. I hope you do too. )


The Fourth of July always makes me nostalgic for my hometown: Livingston, MT. 

There, it's three days of celebration...all day long. It's the time of year people come back home to celebrate the special holiday in a special place.

There's the small town parade. With horses, and what they drop. With kids, young and old. With snow cones to help beat the heat. And every once in awhile a thunder and lightning storm.



There's the rodeo. Three nights worth. With cowboys and clowns. Under the stars. With corn on the cob; buttered, salted, and peppered. And elephant ears.

There's fireworks. Right after the rodeo, each of the three nights. The big ones that look like they're going to reach out and grab you up with their bright colors.

But I realize, especially now that I no longer live in Livingston, that The Fourth is such a different experience depending on where you live.

What is your character's Fourth of July experience?

1 comment:

Molly Hall said...

I know just what you mean! I personally MUCH prefer a small town Fourth of July. WAY more fun! My character has no knowledge of this holiday because she lives in another world. BUT, it did make me think about what holidays HER country might celebrate. Thanks!