Fictional Fixation

Prompt of the Day:
Your protagonist, a struggling author, stumbles upon an antique fountain pen in a dusty old shop. The shopkeeper insists the pen is special and warns them to use it wisely. Intrigued, the author takes it home and begins writing with it. To their astonishment, the pen seems to write on its own, creating stories that are both captivating and hauntingly vivid. The protagonist publishes these stories, becoming an overnight sensation. But as the pen continues to produce work, the protagonist notices that the stories it writes begin to come true—leading to tragic, surreal, or even horrifying events in the real world. Desperate to stop the chaos, the protagonist must uncover the origins of the pen and find a way to break its power before it writes something they cannot undo.

Tips for the Prompt:

1. The Pen’s Origins: The antique pen should feel like a character in its own right. Is it cursed? Enchanted? Describe its physical details—perhaps it’s made of a rare material or inscribed with strange symbols. As the protagonist investigates its history, they might uncover its dark origins, adding depth and intrigue to the plot.
2. The Stories That Come True: The pen’s magic is both a blessing and a curse. Show how the stories it writes begin to manifest in the real world. At first, the consequences could seem harmless or even beneficial, but over time, the events become darker and spiral out of control. This escalation builds tension and raises the stakes for the protagonist.
3. The Ethical Dilemma: The protagonist’s newfound fame and success create an ethical dilemma. Do they keep using the pen to maintain their career, even knowing the consequences, or do they stop and risk losing everything? This internal conflict adds layers to their character and keeps readers invested in their journey.
4. Unintended Consequences: The pen’s power should feel unpredictable. Maybe the protagonist tries to use it to create a happy ending, only for the pen’s magic to twist their intentions. The unexpected outcomes create suspense and force the protagonist to grapple with the consequences of their actions.
5. Breaking the Curse: The climax of the story should focus on the protagonist’s quest to destroy or neutralize the pen’s power. This could involve finding the shopkeeper again, uncovering an ancient ritual, or confronting the pen’s original owner (or spirit). The resolution should tie back to the protagonist’s growth and their decision about whether they truly need the pen—or whether their own creativity is enough.

This prompt offers a blend of supernatural intrigue, moral conflict, and high-stakes storytelling. It’s perfect for writers who want to explore the consequences of power, fame, and creativity in a world where magic has its price. Happy writing!