Writing Prompt Story Starter: Bridges
For the story starter this week, I’ve been inspired by one of the most impressive landmarks in Dundee – the Tay Bridge.
There are so many possibilities for stories when it comes to these epic structures.
Setting the scene
Taken literally, a bridge could be a great setting for a story.
There is something romantic about travelling into Dundee over the Tay Bridge on the train, the sunset to the left, the river leading to open sea to the right, and the shape of the city ahead.
Is your character heading to a new place? Are they embarking on a holiday? Meeting an old friend? Are they designing a bridge? Petitioning for one? Do they discover an old stone bridge across a brook? Where does it lead . . . ?
Or maybe your character is traversing a rope bridge – an adventure story a la Indiana Jones? Or even an outing to a high ropes course to face fears!
Burning bridges
There are so many quotes relating to the idiom of burning bridges. Can you find a character who believes in one of the following to the full?
Does their belief serve them well? Can their mind be changed?
“The hardest thing in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which to burn.” – David Russell
“It makes no difference if I burn my bridges behind me ― I never retreat.” – Fiorello LaGuardia
““I never wanted to set the world on fire. So I never had to burn any bridges behind me.” – Dinah Shore
A transition
Bridges are liminal spaces. They can symbolise an in between state or transition.
Is your character making a big change in their life?
Perhaps they’re growing up – neither a child, nor an adult but somewhere on the journey in between.
I hope this has sparked some ideas for you! Good luck with your writing.
Click here for more writing prompts from the Fiction team.
