Fictional Fixation

Prompt of the Day:
Your protagonist is a dedicated librarian who discovers an old, hidden section of the library during a routine cleaning. The shelves are covered in dust, and the air is thick with the scent of forgotten pages. But there’s something peculiar about these books—when opened, each one contains the story of a different person’s life. Not just any story, but their entire life, from birth to death, written in the pages as though it were a prophecy. When the librarian opens a book and begins reading, they realize that the life described in the pages is their own. The events unfold as though they are meant to happen, and the librarian starts to question whether their life is truly their own or simply the words of an unseen author. As they delve deeper into the library, they find that the books aren’t just records of lives; they are living things, influencing the world outside the library, and soon, the protagonist’s story begins to change in ways they cannot control. Will they accept the life that has been written for them, or will they try to rewrite their own fate?

Tips for the Prompt:

1. The Library’s Mystery: The library should feel otherworldly and full of secrets. Describe it as a place that feels timeless, where the boundaries between reality and fiction blur. The hidden section where the books are kept can be a room that seems to shift and change, with narrow aisles, endless rows of books, and a sense of ancient knowledge permeating the air. This creates an atmosphere of wonder and intrigue.
2. The Books as Prophecies: The books should not only describe the protagonist’s life but should also seem to predict or dictate the future. The protagonist might initially be surprised to see their life laid out before them, but as they continue reading, they begin to notice that certain events, no matter how insignificant, happen exactly as they are written. The books may even contain details about the protagonist’s thoughts, desires, and fears—things they’ve never told anyone.
3. The Tension of Free Will vs Fate: The central conflict revolves around the idea of free will versus fate. The protagonist is confronted with the possibility that their life is already determined, and their choices are merely illusions. This raises philosophical questions: Are we truly in control of our destinies, or are we simply following a script written by some higher power? This tension can drive the protagonist’s emotional journey as they struggle to break free from the narrative they are reading.
4. The Role of the Unseen Author: Who is the author of these books? Is it a higher being, a mysterious force, or something else entirely? This can be a key element in the story. The protagonist may try to find out who or what is writing their life, and whether they can change the course of their story. The author could even be someone the protagonist knows, or perhaps an ancient being who has watched over them their entire life.
5. The Resolution: The resolution should involve the protagonist’s realization about the nature of the books and their life. Can they change their fate? Will they embrace the life that’s been written for them, or will they break free and create their own narrative? The resolution should be powerful and thought-provoking, leaving the reader to question whether fate is something we can escape or if we are all just characters in an ever-unfolding story.

This prompt is perfect for writers who love exploring deep, existential themes like fate, identity, and the power of choice. It combines elements of fantasy and philosophical inquiry, making it a compelling story idea for those who enjoy writing about the mysteries of life and the unknown. Happy writing!