Fictional Fixation

Prompt of the Day:
Your protagonist receives a mysterious letter with no return address. The letter is dated from years in the future, detailing events that will happen to them personally, including a life-changing decision they will soon have to make. The letter provides precise details about their future, from a hidden truth about a family member to a pivotal choice they will soon face. The protagonist becomes obsessed with the message, trying to figure out how it arrived in their hands, and whether they should change their actions to alter the predicted outcome. But the letter’s final sentence reveals a terrifying twist: “You will regret reading this.”

Tips for the Prompt:

1. The Mysterious Letter: The letter should feel like a puzzle. Think about how it looks—its condition, the type of paper, and the handwriting. Is it typed or handwritten? Does the letter feel unnervingly accurate, or are there details that are slightly off? These small details will add to the suspense and mystery.
2. Future Predictions: The content of the letter should be specific enough to convince the protagonist that it’s real. The more accurate the predictions, the more intrigued (and disturbed) the protagonist will be. What kind of choices or events are predicted? Are they mundane or life-altering? The protagonist’s decision to follow or avoid the letter’s advice will drive the plot.
3. The Protagonist’s Emotional Journey: The protagonist should be emotionally conflicted. Do they believe the letter is a warning, or is it just a hoax? They may become obsessed with finding the person who sent it, or they might begin to fear that they are doomed to follow a predestined path. This internal conflict adds depth to their character.
4. The Impact of the Letter: As the protagonist makes decisions based on the letter, the ripple effects should be noticeable. Perhaps they start to see hints of the future in their present life—small things that match the letter’s predictions. But the twist of regret should loom over every decision they make, adding an element of suspense.
5. The Final Twist: The final sentence, “You will regret reading this,” should haunt the protagonist throughout the story. What does it mean? Does the protagonist regret uncovering the truth, or do they feel trapped by fate? The twist could lead to a haunting revelation about free will, destiny, or the consequences of knowing too much.

This prompt is great for writers who enjoy psychological thrillers and stories about fate, free will, and the ripple effects of choices. It allows for deep character exploration, mystery, and suspense. Happy writing!