I wanted to share a prompt from a writing class.
The Piggy Bank
The quarter fell in alone, it was dark. She expected pennies, dimes and hoped for folding money to sleep on. She moved over to sleep on the rubber plug because it was warmer.
But for days she was alone, waiting for company. Twice someone shook the bank and she was afraid she would be dropped.
Several pennies joined her
Long, fun sentences.
...I had a clear understanding with the Pentagon: no guns. I'll carry your books, I'll carry a torch, I'll carry a tune, I'll carry on, carry over, carry forward, Cary Grant, cash and carry, carry me back to Old Virginia, I'll even 'hari-kari' if you show me how, but I will not carry a gun!
Writing Tidbits
Characters
You can search names on the Social Security website by year, e.g. 1940s.
I often translate the characters quirk to another language.
You can find entire families in the obituaries.
In the early stages of a book, make a list of the characters. Avoid having similar names unless it is for red herring purposes.
Introduce your characters gradually, not all in the first chapter.
Is your villain rotten to the bone, or does she pull weeds at the lake front on Saturday mornings, after reading to the fish?
Does every character need a name if their role small? If they open a door or seat you at a table in the restaurant, their task may be enough.
Avoid similar names, e.g. Ann and Anna, but consider using them if mistaken identity is your red herring.
Pointers
Write a little every day. Don't start editing until you finish the first draft.
We all approach writing in our own way.
Explain terms like ATM, automated teller machine) or CTA (Chicago Transit Authority). This will preserve the sanity of your reader.