Writing Prompt Story Starter: Women’s Prize For Fiction


Shutterstock / focal point © story starter

Recently, we’ve been discussing our Writing Prompts, and how different things may be inspiring to different people. You might have noticed that last week’s Story Starter was written by Fiction team’s Tracey.

So, we’re now going to take it in turns. Every Friday, a different team member will post a Story Starter.

The Women’s Prize For Fiction

This week, I’ve been reading about the Women’s Prize For Fiction 2021.

Books for the Longlist have been chosen — one of which, “The Vanishing Half”, has been featured in our Book Reviews.

And Dawn French’s “Because Of You” is on my own “to-be-read” list!

Good luck to everyone who’s been long-listed!

I’ve been thinking that there could be some ideas for “Friend” stories here.

Prizes. Competitions. Awards. Ceremonies.

(We’ve got a cracking story coming up in April from “Friend” author Alison Carter set around Hattie McDaniel’s Oscar win. It’s a great example of how to treat a real historical situation in “Friend” fiction.)

Winning. Runners-up.

Longlists. Shortlists. To-be-read lists.

Pen Names, And Working From Home

Writing, especially for the women’s market. Incidentally, did you catch our International Women’s Day event on Dundee’s first female professional journalist, Jessie M. King? No worries if not, you can click here if you’d like to catch up.

Jessie wrote under the name “Janette” – so pseudonyms, pen names. Writing under an alias.

International Women’s Day. Celebrating women’s achievements. Our current serial by Katie Ashmore, “A Tale Of Two Sisters”, is a great example of this — with the focus on the characters.

And getting back to the present-day “Friend” team: working from home. Relying on internet connections, and “Zoom” calls.

Hope this helps with your writing this week.


For another Story Starter from Lucy’s back catalogue, click here.

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!