Fictional Fixation

Prompt of the Day:
Your protagonist discovers a mysterious antique mirror hidden in the attic of their new home. Unlike any mirror they’ve ever seen, it doesn’t just reflect their appearance—it also shows flashes of moments from their past, but not the ones they remember. In the mirror, they see versions of themselves living different lives, making different choices. Each reflection is a glimpse into an alternate reality, and with each glance, the protagonist becomes more obsessed with understanding these alternate versions of themselves. As they continue to interact with the mirror, they begin to notice strange coincidences—events from the alternate realities start to bleed into their own life. The boundaries between the worlds begin to blur, and the protagonist must decide whether to continue living in these parallel lives or confront the consequences of meddling with their fate.

Tips for the Prompt:

1. The Mirror’s Power: The mirror should feel otherworldly, almost alive. Describe its frame and surface in vivid detail, perhaps with engravings or symbols that hint at its magical properties. The reflections within the mirror shouldn’t just show physical appearances—they should capture the emotions, decisions, and lives of the alternate versions of the protagonist. The more the protagonist looks into it, the more these alternate realities should start to overlap with their own.
2. Exploring Alternate Realities: The concept of parallel lives can open up a wide range of creative possibilities. Each version of the protagonist should be distinct, living in a world with different choices and consequences. Perhaps one version is living a dream life, while another is in a much darker reality. These alternate versions could be subtly different in terms of relationships, career choices, or personality traits. How does seeing these versions affect the protagonist’s sense of self?
3. The Obsession: The protagonist’s growing obsession with the mirror should be gradual. Initially, they may just be curious, but over time, the pull of these alternate lives becomes too strong to resist. As they start spending more time with the mirror, they might begin to neglect their own reality, becoming disconnected from the world around them. This obsession could be a central theme, exploring how the desire to escape one’s life can lead to dangerous consequences.
4. The Blurring of Realities: As the alternate realities begin to interfere with the protagonist’s own life, the tension in the story should escalate. Perhaps the protagonist begins to notice things from the alternate lives appearing in their own—an object from a different reality, a conversation they’ve never had, or a relationship they never formed. The line between what’s real and what’s imagined should start to break down, making the reader question what’s truly happening.
5. The Climax: The climax should involve a pivotal decision where the protagonist must choose whether to continue exploring the alternate lives, risking losing themselves in a world that isn’t real, or to face the reality they’ve been avoiding. This moment should force the protagonist to confront their own desires, fears, and regrets. Will they choose a life of illusion, or will they reclaim their own identity?

This prompt is ideal for writers who love exploring themes of identity, fate, and the consequences of choices. It allows for deep introspection and offers a unique twist on the idea of alternate realities and self-discovery. Happy writing!