Fictional Fixation

The Writing Prompt:

In a city where dreams are literally woven into the fabric of everyday life, a young artist discovers that they can control the dreams of others. At first, they use this newfound power for small, personal benefits—creating dreamscapes of beauty, joy, and tranquility for their friends and loved ones. But as their influence grows, so does the weight of their ability.

One day, they accidentally begin weaving a nightmare into the dreams of a stranger—a nightmare that seems all too real, one that they can’t undo. As they try to correct their mistake, the boundaries between dream and reality begin to blur. The dreamer begins to wake up, but the nightmare they’ve created follows them into the waking world. Now, the artist must confront the darker side of their gift—one they never meant to unleash.

Tips for Writing This Prompt:

1. Set the Tone with Surreal Imagery: Magical realism thrives on the blending of the ordinary and the extraordinary. Incorporate dreamlike imagery into everyday life to create a sense of wonder and mystery.
2. Explore the Power of Dreams: Your protagonist’s ability to shape dreams opens up a world of possibilities. What kinds of dreams would they create? How would their perspective on the world change once they realize the full extent of their power?
3. Blur the Line Between Fantasy and Reality: The hallmark of magical realism is the seamless transition between the dream world and the real world. As the nightmare follows the artist into reality, show how the world around them becomes more surreal.
4. Create a Personal Conflict: The artist’s gift is both a blessing and a curse. What personal struggle do they face as they realize the consequences of altering the dreams of others?
5. Build Themes Around Control and Consequence: The theme of control—specifically the control over someone else’s subconscious—can lead to powerful questions about responsibility, ethics, and self-awareness. How does this gift affect the artist’s relationship with others? How does it change the way they see themselves?

This magical realism writing prompt is perfect for anyone interested in exploring the power of dreams, the fine line between reality and imagination, and the unintended consequences of magical gifts.