Fictional Fixation

Prompt of the Day:
Your protagonist, a curious amateur photographer, comes across an old, abandoned house while exploring a quiet, rural area. Drawn to its eerie charm, they decide to take some photos of the decaying structure. However, when they develop the film, one photograph stands out—a clear image of a woman standing in the window, though they never saw anyone there. Intrigued, the protagonist returns the next day, only to find the house exactly as they left it, with no sign of anyone living there. When they develop the next roll of film, the same woman appears in every shot, her expression more distressed with each image. It becomes clear that the woman is trying to communicate something, but the deeper the protagonist digs into the house’s history, the more they uncover about a tragic event that occurred there long ago. Soon, the photographs begin to change in unexpected and frightening ways, and the protagonist is forced to confront the possibility that the ghost’s message may come at a deadly price.

Tips for the Prompt:

1. The Haunted House: The house itself should feel like a character in the story. Describe it as old, overgrown, and full of secrets. Perhaps it has a history of strange events, or there’s something unsettling about the way it looks at certain times of day—shadows that seem to move or a chill in the air that no one can explain. This creates an atmosphere of suspense and dread that will pull readers in.
2. The Ghost’s Message: The woman in the photographs should be mysterious and haunting. What is she trying to communicate? Is it a warning, a cry for help, or a message from the past? As the protagonist learns more about her history, her motivations should become clearer, and the photos should begin to change in ways that add to the suspense. The ghost could be stuck in time, replaying her final moments, or trying to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.
3. The Unpredictable Nature of the Photos: The photos taken by the protagonist should become increasingly surreal or disturbing as the story progresses. Maybe the woman’s image begins to morph, or the photographs start to show scenes of the house from a different time. As the protagonist delves deeper into the history of the house, the photos could start revealing things that shouldn’t be possible—events that haven’t happened yet or disturbing images that suggest a connection between the ghost and the photographer.
4. The Protagonist’s Obsession: The protagonist’s desire to understand the ghost and uncover the mystery behind the house should become an obsession. As they dig deeper into the house’s past, they may become more isolated, drawn to the mystery despite the dangers. This growing obsession can heighten the tension in the story, especially if they begin to experience strange occurrences themselves or if the line between reality and the supernatural starts to blur.
5. The Climactic Revelation: The climax of the story should revolve around the revelation of the ghost’s tragic past and how it ties into the protagonist’s present. Perhaps the house was once the site of a terrible crime, or the woman was wronged in a way that has cursed the place. The protagonist must face a choice: help the ghost move on by solving her mystery, or risk becoming a permanent part of the house’s haunting legacy.

This prompt is perfect for writers who enjoy blending mystery, supernatural elements, and psychological suspense. It’s a chance to explore the idea of messages from beyond the grave and how uncovering dark secrets can come at a cost. Happy writing!