Fictional Fixation

The Writing Prompt:

In the year 1943, during World War II, a small village in the French countryside holds a secret that could change the course of the war. When young soldier Lieutenant Henry Mason is assigned to oversee a quiet, rural area, he discovers a mysterious journal hidden in the walls of an old church. The journal, written by a French resistance fighter named Isabelle, contains coded messages, plans for sabotage, and the names of collaborators within the German forces.

As Henry reads more, he becomes increasingly obsessed with Isabelle’s words. His curiosity soon turns into a quest to uncover her identity and to understand how she managed to evade the Nazis for so long. The deeper he digs, the more he realizes that Isabelle’s story is interwoven with a deeper, dangerous secret—one that could change the balance of the war itself.

But Henry is not the only one seeking the journal. As whispers of the hidden resistance plans begin to spread, both Allied and Axis forces close in on the village, and Henry must decide whether to risk his life—and the lives of those he cares about—to protect the secret Isabelle left behind. The stakes grow higher when it becomes clear that some secrets are worth killing for.

Tips for Writing This Prompt:

1. Historical Accuracy with Creative Freedom: While you should ensure that the major events of the story, such as World War II and the setting, are accurate, allow yourself the creative freedom to weave fictional elements that bring the historical period to life. Research the resistance movements, the role of women in the war, and the countryside settings to build a rich, immersive world. This historical accuracy helps give your story authenticity while allowing you to explore untold narratives.
2. Create Complex Characters: The characters in this historical setting should reflect the struggles, ideologies, and emotional toll of the time. Henry could be a young, idealistic soldier who is torn between following orders and doing what he believes is right. Isabelle could be a resourceful and determined resistance fighter, using her intelligence and wit to outsmart the Nazis. Show the moral complexities of the time—people had to make life-or-death decisions, sometimes sacrificing their own beliefs for survival.
3. Incorporate Real Historical Figures: Weave real-life figures and historical events into your story. Perhaps Henry has a mentor who is a famous war hero, or he could encounter historical figures involved in the French resistance. Integrating these elements into your story makes the narrative feel grounded in reality, and it helps connect your characters’ personal stories to the larger historical context of the war.
4. Focus on the Tension and Paranoia: War stories thrive on tension, and historical fiction set during WWII is no exception. The constant fear of betrayal, the sense of being hunted by both sides, and the paranoia of not knowing who can be trusted should pervade the story. Henry’s investigation into the journal could lead him to question his own allegiances and the morality of his mission. The stakes should feel high—if he fails, innocent lives could be lost, and the war might take a turn he couldn’t foresee.
5. Unraveling the Mystery: The journal should not only be a tool for Henry to uncover the past but also a puzzle that takes time to unravel. Have the journal’s messages be cryptic, requiring Henry to decode them or find key people who can help him understand its significance. The journal could also contain a web of secrets—perhaps it reveals something bigger than the names of collaborators, like a traitor within the Allied forces or a secret operation that could shift the tide of the war.
6. Themes of Sacrifice and Courage: World War II stories often focus on themes of sacrifice, courage, and survival. Henry’s journey should reflect these themes as he struggles with his role in the war and his responsibility to protect Isabelle’s secret. Isabelle herself could embody the idea of sacrifice—someone who risked her life and others’ to fight against tyranny. Show how both of these characters grow through the hardships they face, and how their actions will leave a lasting impact on the war’s outcome.
7. A Bittersweet Ending: Consider an ending that blends hope and loss. Perhaps Henry uncovers the full story of Isabelle and her heroic actions but is unable to protect her from the inevitable dangers of the war. Or maybe he must make a choice between saving the journal’s secret or the lives of those close to him. In historical fiction, not every ending can be perfect, but the personal journey of the characters can still provide a sense of closure.