Turn to page 49 of any book and take the first full sentence as your writing prompt. For the next 30 minutes, write a story. See where the words take you.
*****
My first sentence came from “The Other Queen” by Philippa Gregory
In his absence, it fell to me, his widow, all alone in the world, to defend my inheritance on earth. To stand alone against his three children and ex-wife as they contested the old man’s will. Gerald left everything to me; the estate in Dover, the castle in Tingsborough, the villa near Lago di Garda, the stable of antique cars and motorcycles, and a Swiss bank account with more money than I knew what to do with in three lifetimes. But it was mine and I decided to do whatever I needed to because not one dime was going to the blood sucking vermin he called family.
They all hated me. They hated that I married Gerald, a man thirty years my senior. I didn’t care. My friends told me that his ex-wife, who I nicknamed, The Spawn Of Satan, was just jealous because Gerald left her and her leeching sons for someone beautiful and fun loving.
Gerald and I would often lay in bed together, laughing at their attempts to claw their way back into his good graces. Gerald Jr. invited his dad to play golf every Tuesday. Stephen would invite dear old dad to Friday dinner with his wife and their two snotty daughters. Only Edwin had the good sense to stay as far away from Gerald as he could. Because Edwin knew if he played by my rules, he’d get his share of the pie…and me.
I met Edwin three years ago in Cozumel. I was there with my girlfriends on spring break. Sun bathing on the beach the first day, I removed my bikini top and there he was.
“Care if I put this on you?” he held a spray bottle of Coppertone Aztec Gold in his hand.
“Sure.” I smiled as he misted my back.
“Mind if I rub it in?”
I nodded. The warm sun making me drowsy.
“I’m Edwin.”
I looked up. “I’m Bridget.” I noticed his blue eyes and his California surfer dude smile.
*****
Now it’s your turn! If you write a story, leave a comment with a link to your blog so I can go read it! Have fun with this!
11 Comments
December 23, 2009 at 1:07 PM
I just love reading your writing. Even just your exercises. Good stuff Peggy. I can’t wait to read your bestseller one day!
December 23, 2009 at 2:20 PM
Aw…thanks Angelia. Maybe one of these days I’ll stop telling myself I write crap
December 23, 2009 at 3:27 PM
I love this Peggy! This is such an awesome way to get your creative juices flowing…I am surely going to try this…and I will tell you about it for sure.
Hey between all your tv interviews, awards and book promotions..dont forget us little people ok 
And your story was just beautiful. You write like a seasoned author….believe me…very soon I will be holding a book written by YOU in my hands and saying…this is mY friend Peggy
Lots of love
Z
p.s. California surfer dude smile…gosh that beats Gerard Butler hands down
December 23, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Hi Z – you are so making me blush
I so appreciate your comments and will remember them when I’m struggling with my characters!
December 23, 2009 at 3:58 PM
That first line reminds me of something out of a Jane Austen novel. Which made me think of “Clueless,” which made me think of Brittany Murphy, which made me sad. Great scribble off the prompt, though!
December 23, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Thanks Mrs. Scribe! I’m sad for Brittany Murphy, too…:-(
December 24, 2009 at 5:36 PM
You have a fantastic imagination and that’s the stuff good writing is made from.
December 26, 2009 at 7:41 AM
How do you it? Such creativity that I want flowing in my mind. If I only have such a gift, I could have made something worthwhile.
December 26, 2009 at 8:48 AM
J.D. – Thank you!!!
Walter – This is my favorite writing exercise and it’s so easy. Just pick the first sentence on page 49 of ANY book and use that sentence to start your 30 minute story. Just see where the words take you
December 26, 2009 at 5:34 PM
I love these prompts! I’ll have to do the next one!
December 28, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Let me know when you do so I can read what you write!