Every once in awhile, writing is difficult. You know the feeling of wanting to write, but not sure which project you want to work on. Or even worse, not being able to start a new project. That’s why I’ve created these writing prompts to help you when you’re in a rut. Today’s historical writing prompt is something I’m sure many of you can have a bit of fun with!
After last month’s writing prompt where we wrote about fantasy, this time we’re headed back in time. That’s right, pick a time in history and write a scene.
March’s Historical Writing Prompt
Genre: Historical
Setting: Woods
Personality: Persistent
I drew my inspiration from one of my favorite WIP’s that I haven’t touched in forever, Split Views. Though not directly set in the 1970’s, there are scenes that take place in that time period in that story. So it was a lot of fun to take some characters to that time period for a little game of manhunt.
So go ahead and write your own 300-500 word scene that works with this prompt. Draw from whatever time period inspires you to create. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
If you’ve written from one of my 2020 or 2019 writing prompts and you want to share, please link back to the prompt you’ve completed or email me at boundtowriting@gmail.com so I can share your story.
The night is young and I sit in my secret hiding place. Behind Tommy’s house in the back of our neighborhood is a forest. Whenever we play manhunt, like tonight, I go into the woods.
There are two trees that intertwine which make the perfect hiding spot. No one ever finds me here. It’s the perfect way to win without being on edge waiting for someone to sneak up on me.
The warm summer breeze blows my long hair from my shoulders. I look up at the sky. The little stars dotting the sky and the moon shining bright above. If anyone were to venture into the woods tonight, I’m sure I would be caught.
The wind picks up, swooshing the leaves above my head. I don’t even hear the faint sound of a walkman coming up from behind me until it is too late.
“Gotcha Colby!” Greg drops his walkman and chases after me.
The first rule of manhunt is to never announce your position. The second, don’t let the person you’re trying to capture get away. I get away.
Greg doesn’t let up. He follows my every move taking every opportunity to cut me off. The thing about Greg finding me first, is that he never gives up. He will chase me until it’s time to call the game. But being that it’s a Friday night during the summer, our parents don’t expect us home until midnight.
“Man, are you running out of breath?” I call to my panting friend.
“Not at all. Now let me catch you so we can end this chase.” He shouts between breaths.
I can’t see Greg, but his pounding footsteps and heavy breathing tell me he isn’t far behind. We somehow circle back to my tree. I loop around and duck between the branches. The only way Greg can find me is by crawling and I know he’d never think of that.
Another set of footsteps enters the woods.
I squish myself against the tree.
“Greg, what are you doing out here. We’re trying to find Colby and wrap up the game. Everyone else has been found,” Tommy says.
“Colby is out here. I’ve been chasing him, but he got away.” Greg says still short of breath.
Tommy sighs. “Colby is always the last one. But we need to get home. It’s almost curfew.”
With that, they both shuffle away and let me enjoy my victory.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this newest historical writing prompt. I definitely had a lot of fun writing up this scene to share with you all.
2020 Writing Prompt Schedule
Happy Writing!
Do you like writing prompts? Did you enjoy this historical writing prompt? Do you think this would make a good full-length story? Talk to me in the comments below!
Picnic in 1836 Gettysburg – Writing Prompt 2019 #8
Simon VS the World of Camping – Writing Prompt 2019 #10
Bookshop Oasis – Writing Prompt 2019 #6
This page may contain affiliate links. Click to read full disclaimer. I only promote products I support.
I liked this clip of a story, it’s engaging and you’ve painted a clear picture of your characters and the setting, the sense of accomplishment Colby feels from winning the game.
Since I’m practicing social distancing, I’ll work on something for this prompt and share it later this week. As you know historical fiction is my jam at the moment.
Thanks Deanna! I’m so glad you enjoyed this snippet! I look forward to reading your take on this prompt! 😊