Spin Me A Tale Series:
Incorporate the prompt text below into your short story. The story can be as long or short as you like. Once you have written it, please post the link to your story in the comments below. We would love to read it. If you ask us to, we will give you feedback and pointers on how to polish it and make it even better.
Short Story Prompt #5:
Shruti gently laid the baby down in the crib and tip-toed out of the room. It was 6 am already. The baby had kept her awake all night. Shruti made her way to the front door to pick up the newspaper. As she passed the hallway, she glanced at the large oval mirror and stopped for a minute. Looking closely at her reflection, she noticed a blue bruise on her left cheek near the eye, almost merging with her dark circles. Tears pricked her eyes. She stepped away from the mirror, fetched the newspaper and went in to make herself some tea.
What a powerful and evocative prompt. In just a few lines, it sets up a deeply emotional scene—tiredness, vulnerability, and an untold backstory simmering beneath the surface. Shruti’s glance at the mirror is such a striking moment—it immediately made me want to explore what brought her here and what might come next. I’m looking forward to seeing how others develop this prompt into full stories. Thank you for continuing this inspiring series!
Thank you Razib. I apologize for the delayed response to your comment. It went into moderation and I missed approving it.
Do write your own spin on this prompt too.