We were so excited about our current writing contest theme, Rhapsody of Regret, that we decided to suggest a few prompts to get those writing wheels turning! Even if you don’t plan to submit to the Black Fox Prize, these prompts offer a great starting point for a short story, poem, or creative nonfiction piece! Stay tuned for part two! Happy writing!
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1. Have your character write a letter to their younger self, advising them on how to avoid a major life regret. For nonfiction writers, write a letter to yourself.
2. Focus on a moment when a character (or speaker) realizes the full weight of a decision they made in the past. How does the decision lead to intense feelings of regret? Nonfiction writers can use their own past decisions for this exercise.
3. Explore the consequences of the choice to prioritize a career over personal life. How does this kind of decision affect a person and those around them?
4. What if you or your character had the chance to undo a major regret from the past?
5. Create a story, poem, or creative nonfiction piece about two people who are confronting a failed friendship. What kind of dialogue would these two people engage in? Is there a way to reconcile, or is it too late?
Don’t forget, we’re accepting fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry for the Black Fox Prize with the theme: Rhapsody of Regret! You can find more details here. The contest closes on November 30, 2023! We can’t wait to read your work!
