Every month, we release new creative writing prompts to help you launch your next collaborative fiction journey.
This month’s theme: Percussion
Established in 1623, Zildjian is one of the oldest companies in the world as a maker of cymbals since the Ottoman Empire. Present the dramatic migration path of a single brass cymbal with each chapter set in a distinct place and time. (Bonus: Write with someone who loves history.)
• Contributed by SelectOther than updating her Youtube channel, Benedetta only cared about being the best goddamn percussionist in the history of her high school band. (Bonus: Write with a former band or orchestra member)
• Contributed by SelectLast night on the subway platform, a bucket drummer saved my life. (Bonus: Write with someone who loves psychological thrillers.)
• Contributed by SelectYour city is an instrument. In each chapter or stanza, describe a single scene that creates any form of percussion – the striking of one solid object or body with or against another – to arrive at an unpredictable and rhythmic portrait of place. (Bonus: Write with someone who lives in your city or neighborhood)
• Contributed by SelectWrite the origin story of a Tibetan "damaru" – a double-sided drum made of two human skulls – leading up to its use for a ritual. (Bonus: Write with someone who loves the mystical, mythical, or horror)
• Contributed by SelectYou can also continue without a prompt and start a story on your own.
Start without a prompt
