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May-3-2007 21:33

I have recently had an idea to write a story just after the Civil War. I have my prompt, but I still need to think up what my character should do in the story.

My idea is what if John Wilkes Booth had a daughter, what would her life be like. While researching Booth, I found a book written by his granddaughter showing her family tree. I will probably make my character a twin of one of the two children Booth had.

If anyone has any ideas please feel free to post them here or PM them to me.

Thanks!
Elizabeth93

May-14-2007 07:55

Beef? I like this story already, how bout pork, that's my favourite.

May-15-2007 23:10

There is no beef or pork in my story unless it is served as a dinner.

If you have any ideas for scenes that might be funny, sad, or whatever PLEASE let me know.

I now have an outline but I have to figure out what kinds of details to connect Point A to Point B to Point...

Thanks for all the comments, whether serious or funny, they have really helped brighten my day and my story!

May-16-2007 00:20

No dream sequences. They're yesterday's news, 'specially as a surprise ending. And nothing's not funnier with the addition of pork. What if, right at the emotional climax, the protagonist gets so carried away, what with the emotion and all, that s/he throws caution to the wind and reveals that s/he was wearing a diaper full of bacon all along? Gotta say in real life, that'd get me the hell off point A and onto point B mighty quick, yo ...

May-16-2007 13:01

In all seriousness:

The story should include muffins. It doesn't have to be the main theme of the story (although it would be nice), but subtly mentioning muffins in a well-written story has the potential to brighten anyone's day.

It's important that a good story lacks no details. So describing what KIND of baked goods they were eating on that sunny, June afternoon (i.e. muffins) is a way of packing in detail without overloading the reader.

And always remember--if you want to make a story fun, just add a keg of rum.

May-17-2007 13:12

So far I think we can all agree on a breakfasty sort of theme. We've got beef, pork (bacon, to be precise) and some muffins. So, building upon this theme, allow me to offer you a sample intoduction for your story.

It had been yet another long and grueling night of working the streets on my latest case. My dogs were barking and my gut was empty. Sadly, not many diners were keen on allowing their customers to sidle up to the counter with two doberman-retriever mixed puppies . It was an unfortunate combination leaving the offspring both angry and amorous - much like my ex-husband.

After a few more hours of hounding the streets, we finally stumbled upon a sight for sore eyes, The Greasy Spoon & Bowl - a food salvage operation serving 2 and 4-legged patrons alike.

My dogs, Cerberus and Romeo, immediately caught the scent of the heavily seasoned, not-so-fresh meat being fried up just to our likings. So with a bowl full of the undiscernable parts of both cows and pigs, and a slightly stale blueberry-tuna muffin, we made our way to an empty table.

Come to think of it, all of the tables were empty, which suited me just fine. After all, I had to attend to the business of filling my diaper with some hot bacon. I could scarceley contain my satisfaction that at some point today or tomorrow I would be unveiling my little secret at the perfect opportune moment.

Hope this helps get you started Elizabeth. And feel free to edit if you need to. I wasn't too sure about the dog's names anyway.

May-17-2007 20:36

Again, CT . . . you're my hero. ;)

May-27-2007 22:37

Muffins will probably make it into the story and all other foods since my character and her family have to eat, so PLEASE no more posts about the different foods the story should mention. I know that most of us, including me, get a laugh out of these posts but I would prefer any posts to have SOME sense of seriousness to them. Other than that, if you want more info about the story so far, PM me, I don't get to check this board that often.

THANKS!!!

Elizabeth93

May-27-2007 23:08

Have you tried hot air balloon rides?

That could be a hoot!

Especially if there was PIZZA!

Ceres, you continue to rock my world :)

Jun-3-2007 03:01

Were hot air balloons even around in the 1870's? It's a great idea and I think my character would love something like that. Just how to fit it into the story line....

Unfortunately my story has gotten pushed aside because of everday things. Maybe once softball season ends I'll have a little more time to gather my thoughts on this story.

Keep posting!!!
Elizabeth93

Jun-3-2007 04:00

Montgolfier (sp?) pioneered hot air balloons around late 1700's early 1800's (I think, eh I'll google it later). So you're safe. Hot air ballooning would have been risky and dangerous back then so even better for your heroine. :)