I’m very familiar with prompts. A weekly writers group I attend does one to three each meeting, and then we share with the group. I convince myself that these prompts will help me come up with new ideas for novels and short stories. After almost a year going to this group, it’s happened only once. My husband’s solution was to try using my characters in the prompts to help me get to know them better. Total times I’ve done this: 0. I do think it’s a great idea.
So here’s attempt #1. The Daily Prompt for today was ‘Luxurious,’ the one luxury you can’t live without. And here’s my attempt to show my male protagonist, Tony, within these confines. Enjoy!
Driving down the street, Tony couldn’t wipe a satisfied grin off of his face. The grey Lincoln attracted attention on its own, there as no need for him to draw even more by cruising slowly and making eye contact with pedestrians. He loved the feeling of being seen in the car. A Lincoln meant money and a need for speed. It meant he was living the high life in his penthouse apartment and that alcohol was a lucrative business.
If Tony had been a gentleman, he would have picked up his date in the grad car and driven her to a restaurant where he would woo her with a gourmet meal and champagne straight from France. But honestly, what seventeen year old heir to a mobster throne is a perfect gentleman? He parked the car behind the hottest speakeasy in Cicero and waited for attendants to open the door for him. There was a group of fine looking debs huddled near the door. Tony smirked, it would be like shooting fish in a barrel tonight.
“Ladies,” he said, coming up to them with a smile. “Why are you waiting outside of this fine establishment? Wouldn’t indoors suit you much better?”
A tall girl in a navy blue cloche giggled. “They won’t let us in yet; they say the place is packed and there’s not enough room.”
Tony grinned. “Nonsense. I’m sure these fine gentlemen can find some space for three dolls.” Every girl blushed. “Come on, you’re with me.” He started walking to the entrance which was carefully hidden next to the garbage pile.
“Was that you who drove up in the Lincoln?” a girl in a red knee-length dress asked. “It was really nifty.”
It was too easy. “Yes, yes, that’s one of them. The black one’s my favorite but I could only get the grey one tonight.” The girls exchanged excited glances as Tony knocked on the door. A small panel slid open and the bouncer eyed him up and down quickly. The loud jazz poured out of the hole and Tony’s heart started to rush in anticipation of the evening.
“Tony Pellerito?” he asked.
“That’s me,” Tony said, flashing a smile.
The door opened quickly. “No need to speak easy tonight, Mr. Pellerito. Welcome.”
Tony flashed the three girls a devilish smile and walked in. He put an arm around two of the girls as they followed. Life was just too easy for Tony these days.
Taking On a World of Words 