Writing Prompt Story Starter: Decorating


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Spring isn’t far off, and with it, the thought of spring cleaning.

And maybe even doing some decorating!

Might it help start a story for you, this week?

Spring Cleaning

Having a good clear out.

Maybe heading to the charity shop.

Bin bags or boxes marked, save, chuck, donate.

Colour Charts

Colour charts. Tester pots.

Swatches of fabric. Samples of wallpaper.

First-Time Buyers

Renting or buying a house, in need of decoration.

First-time buyers, freshening up a flat.

Getting everyone on board to help!

Decorating one room at a time.

Decorating Disasters

Little ones, ‘decorating’ the wall with crayon!

Putting wallpaper up. Or trying to!

Or finding something, whilst decorating – under the wallpaper?

DIY

Maybe your character’s new home could be described as a ‘fixer-upper’?

Or maybe they’re getting round to DIY that’s been on a to-do list for ages?

Or had a DIY disaster?

Painters And Decorators

Ladders, overalls, the smell of turps.

Estimates, and painters’ vans.

Cover sheets. Letting everything dry.

Before and after photos. A fresh start.

Painting

What about other types of painters?

Sign writers, perhaps, for businesses?

Students at art college.

Illustrators – for books or magazines?

What’s their story? Who can help them tell it?

Other Decorations

As well as home decor – other types of decoration.

Medals.

Cakes.

What We’re Looking For

For more short story writing inspiration, why not click here for more Writing Prompt Story Starters?

We’re now looking at early summer stories, for the weekly, and late summer, for the Special.

We consider stories for our annuals year-round, and these are the most traditional of our short stories.

Wishing you the best of luck!

 

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!