Welcome to Story Spark Sunday, where each week I’ll post a short, creative prompt to help you stretch your writing muscles. Your challenge? Write up to 500 words inspired by the spark — no pressure to be perfect, just get the words flowing.
Whether it turns into a full story, a scene for your novel, or just a fun detour, this is about building momentum, one idea at a time.
You don’t have to share it with anyone. But if you do, I’d love to hear how it went.
Now grab a brew, open a blank doc, and get stuck in.
Brilliant! Here’s Story Spark Sunday #2: The 500-Word Challenge, this time leaning into mystery and atmosphere with a slightly eerie twist — something to stir the imagination and keep the tension simmering.
🕯️ Story Spark Sunday 29th June: “The Lights Went Out at 3:07AM”
Prompt:
At exactly 3:07am, the power cuts out in your character’s apartment building. Moments later, their phone vibrates with a single message:
“Do not open your door.”
They weren’t expecting anyone. But someone is knocking.
💀 Your Challenge:
Write up to 500 words. Keep the scene contained — maybe a single room, a phone flashlight, a breath held in the dark. Let the reader feel the uncertainty.
🧠 Try One of These Angles:
- Is the warning a prank? A trap? A test?
- What’s behind the door — and what happens if they open it anyway?
- What does your character want to believe — and what’s the truth?
✨ Optional Twist:
Let the character recognise the knock pattern… and realise it’s familiar. But from where?
