An Experiment?

A number of years ago, I was leading a writing workshop for a number of undergraduates and a couple out-of-state friends who participated through online comments. Each week, we'd use a prompt to throw together a bit of flash or a larger piece for those who were going to be workshopped. Coming up with the prompts turned just as difficult as coming up with the writing, I'll say! I decided to pull out the list this week to write up some flash for our fiction workshop at the university and opted to make my life a little more difficult. Here's the experiment:

Randomly select a flash prompt, then randomly select a decently well-known friend from Facebook (or other similar online networking site). The selected person must star in the flash, and keep to the simple prompt as closely as possible. No changing because randomness makes it "tough."

Typically, I do not write under rules. I like a more free-flowing approach. That, however, threatens to make me write the same. No growth in style. No reason to try something new. Ask any good BDSM crew--some restrictions can really bring out the creativity!

But, when I pulled up "Trauma at the Bar," and Clint's name, I wondered if maybe my 'No changing' rule was being too restrictive. A number of justifications popped in my head. I don't know Clint super well yet. Who am I to write about bar-going? Do Mormons even go to bars!? But, like a good workshop-leader, I didn't take any excuses--even from myself.

The result has Clint deciding never to eat or drink anything that he has not personally unsealed himself... but it made for some lively conversation, at least.

Sorry, Clint! I love you, purely platonically. Promise.