Fictional Fixation

Prompt of the Day:
Your protagonist is a young, ambitious historian who specializes in ancient artifacts. While visiting a small, out-of-the-way antiques shop, they come across an old, intricately designed clock. The shopkeeper claims it is a rare piece, with a history stretching back centuries, but the clock’s origins are shrouded in mystery. The moment the protagonist touches it, they feel a strange jolt of energy. That night, the clock begins to tick backward, and with each tick, the protagonist experiences vivid flashes of a past life—memories that aren’t their own. They discover that the clock is not just an object, but a time-travel device. As the protagonist delves deeper into its secrets, they must navigate the complexities of their past life, learning shocking truths about their former self and the dangerous choices they made. The deeper they go, the more they realize that someone—or something—doesn’t want them to remember the truth.

Tips for the Prompt:

1. The Clock as a Symbol: The clock should be more than just a timepiece; it should symbolize the passage of time, memory, and fate. Describe the clock in rich detail—perhaps it’s ornately carved, with symbols or markings that hint at its magical properties. The ticking, especially when it reverses, should feel unnatural, as if time itself is unraveling with each passing moment.
2. Flashbacks and Past Lives: As the protagonist begins to experience memories from a past life, these flashes should be surreal and fragmented. Are the memories connected to a specific event, place, or person? Maybe the protagonist was someone important, like a revolutionary, a ruler, or a witness to a great tragedy. The past life could hold a deep secret that ties into the protagonist’s current existence and presents a moral dilemma.
3. The Conflict with Time: Time travel stories often explore the complexity of altering or understanding the past. In this prompt, the protagonist’s memories are not their own, which can create internal conflict. Should they try to change the mistakes of their past life, or should they let it remain forgotten? This conflict between knowing too much and the desire to change the past can add layers of suspense.
4. The Antagonistic Force: There should be an opposing force that wants to prevent the protagonist from uncovering the full truth. This could be a person from their past life who is still alive in the present, a secret society trying to protect the knowledge of the clock, or even the clock itself, which has a will of its own. This force should add a sense of danger and urgency to the protagonist’s quest for answers.
5. The Resolution: The resolution should come when the protagonist uncovers the final piece of the mystery—what happened in their past life, what consequences it has for their present life, and whether they can change their future. This revelation should force the protagonist to make a difficult choice: will they accept their fate, or will they take action to alter their destiny, knowing the risks?

This prompt is perfect for writers who enjoy stories about time, memory, and the connections between past and present. It allows for a deep dive into self-discovery, fate, and the consequences of uncovering hidden truths. Happy writing!