My writing group’s favorite social activity has become Pint & Prompt. We science fiction and fantasy types meet at a local watering hole after work for a light meal and a beverage … not necessarily a pint but that ‘s my preference. After a bit of socializing, catching up on one another’s news, we select a prompt from a hat … all submissions are accepted.
The clock is set for five, seven or ten minutes. I’m always amazed at how many self-described unimaginative people generate interesting pieces. To those who have never tried or might be afraid to try this, I’d ask, “How did you learn to walk, swim, or ride a bike?”
Last week’s prompt was: “She appraised me, canted her head and shrugged apparently disappointed.” Ten minutes, GO!
I wrote:
“Take him down,” she said raising her eyebrows at the strapping blond fellow behind me.
“But I’m a, a, a sage,” I cried, dragging back on my chains.
“What’s a sage?” she laughed without looking back.
“A sage can tell you what’s going to happen. Help you with your plans.”
“Like a fortune teller? I have one of those already,” she said and asked the blond fellow to turn around.
“No, hmm, like your son’s running away.” She paused, raised a hand, and my chain slackened. I’d seen a youth’s breastplate and short sword discarded on the floor behind the dais. So I guessed.
“You know my son?”
“I do. A fine lad with great potential—but he needs the guiding hand of a sage.”
“Describe him to me.”
I looked at her and took a deep breath. “Handsome, raven hair, long-limbed, strong and impetuous. He’s rash and arrogant. He often angers you and his friends. He told me he embarrassed you in court and—”
“Stop. Bring him back.” She motioned to the gaoler then eyed me more closely. “Sage, your appearance is most unappealing, but your words ring true.”
“Thank you, your Highness.”
“You will instruct my son in the ways of manhood and good character. Is this within your ability?”
“Yes, oh yes, your Highness. It is what I do best.” I took my first even breath.
“I will be the judge of that. You have one week.”
Strange Things Done 
Excellent. You may be happy to know we plan another P&P later this month. You will be in our cups (pints) freshly remembered. We await your prompt.
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I miss the Pint and Prompts! I would love if you’d continue to post when you guys do one. I held off on reading your response so I can Pint and Prompt at a more appropriate hour for pints. I’ll be back to see what you came up with. =)
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It’s not necessary to have a pint in hand when you read a pint and prompt … but that is my preference. P&Ps are a lot of fun. We’ve had one each of the last three months. I’ll send along some others.
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As a scientist, I thought I should alter as few variables as possible ;). And wow, yours went in a different direction than mine. That’s what I love about the Pint and Prompt, everyone has such an array of interesting ideas. I scheduled mine for later in the week, since that’s when I allegedly post such things. Dunno if you’ve read Paulo Bacigalupi’s “Windup Girl” (great read, btw), but mine went that way.
Looking forward to the next one!
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That sounds like a lot of fun!
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I recommend this to a fellow writer. I’m not prone to writer’s block, but it does loosen up the neurons for new possibilities. This approach is also good to pull fellow travelers together.
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If you do have the friends-and the pints- is a great technique 🙂
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