Writing Prompt Story Starter: Dundee Eye


story starter

I have a high-flying Story Starter for you this week!

If you visited the capital before the present coronavirus situation, you may have taken a trip on the London Eye to get a bird’s-eye view of the capital.

Here in Dundee, our October break usually falls around the first two weeks of the month — so just ahead of half-term in the rest of the UK. Shortly before the holiday, a big wheel similar to the Eye appeared in Dundee’s Slessor Gardens.

At 33 metres high, it gave the opportunity to get some amazing views all across the city, as well as across the Tay bridges to Fife.

I thought it might make an interesting writing prompt for this week.

Inspiration

A different perspective. Being able to see clearly. A 360 degree view.

Fairground attractions. The Big Wheel. Dodgems. The waltzers.

Old-style fairgrounds. The helter-skelter. And the coconut shy!

Fairground food . . . candy floss. Hotdogs. Toffee apples — especially around this time of year.

School holidays. Half-term. A break from routine.

Heights. Vertigo. Reminding us of Hitchcock, and thrillers, perhaps?

High places. Montserrat in Spain comes to mind. It’s a mountain-top monastery, around one hour by train from Barcelona.

We visited a few years ago, and were stunned by the way it nestles amongst the rock formations. It’s breath-taking!

 You can get there by funicular railway, or cable car — or go up one way and back down another, as we did. A good head for heights is definitely helpful.

There’s also a really lovely Stations Of The Cross to make your way around.

At the moment, of course, funfairs, trips to the capital and holidays abroad are still on hold. But they are something we can look forward to in future.

Every day that passes is a day closer!

Hope this helps spark some story ideas this week. Over to you!


Are you looking for another Story Starter? Click here to take a look through Fiction Ed Lucy’s archive. You’re bound to find some inspiration!

Lucy Crichton

Fiction Editor Lucy is always on the look-out for the very best short stories, poems and pocket novels. As well as sourcing enjoyable content, she enjoys working with our established contributors, encouraging new talent, and celebrating 155 years of 'Friend' fiction!