Reading the Lines: creative writing ideas

Entries Tagged as 'creative writing ideas'

Semi-Fictional Character of the Day #day17

March 5, 2014

‘The Semi-Fictional Character of the Day’ is a joint, one-month project by Louiza Mallouri and Constantinos Xenofontos. Constantinos will be sketching a semi-fictional figure every day, and Louiza will be writing an accompanying storyline, as inspired by that character. The aim of this project is to explore the way two semiotic systems, the visual and the linguistic, interact and complement each other to tell a story.

Haven’t you heard? Pushing your lips together, sort of like puckering and pouting at the same time when having your picture taken is all the rage. #duckface #howdoilook #layersofstickylipgloss #bodysideways #sparklylashes #blankgaze #amitryingtoohard #nofilter

Semi-Fictional Character of the Day #day14

March 2, 2014

The highly esteemed prize. The picture within the picture. It was around the time I was appointed as a junior lecturer to the University that she had received this international distinction. I was the youngest member in the department. She was my director and also my bully. At the playground I didn’t have to deal with any, but I had to in academia… She tortured and burdened me with trivialities, constant nit-picking and aggressive, demeaning comments. Thing is that I looked up to her so I thought, ‘Maybe if I work harder,’ ‘Maybe if I do it this way.’ Unrealistic and poisonous. And then, there were the rumours she spread about me. I looked into how I could make a difference but I realised that people who attempted to were rewarded with more abuse. I was trapped: my supervisees, my research funding, my collaborations. I was a grown up. What do grown ups do when they are bullied?

Semi-Fictional Character of the Day #day13

March 1, 2014

The glam squad is almost done: feathered gown and high heels on, make-up and fake lashes in place. Time for wig and jewellery. He opted for a black, shoulder length type of wig today. ‘So femme fatale, no?’ Everyone agreed. A tantrum on the opening night should be avoided at all costs. ‘And no jewellery. Just one black glove on my right arm.’ They happily obliged. He took a look in the mirror and exclaimed, ‘It’s show time!’

Semi-Fictional Character of the Day #day12

February 28, 2014

Dear friend, This ovesized, woolly jumper is an excellent choice. Your mum might hate it, but you will have it for a very long time. It is a little worn here and there, but don’t throw it away. Let it travel with you as you change rooms, apartments, cities, countries. Whenever you feel that you don’t have the strength to face another day, whenever you are overworked and sleep-deprived, wear this jumper and it will offer you comfort, reassurance and get you through the day. Yours truly.

Semi-Fictional Character of the Day #day11

February 27, 2014

‘Could you be a volunteer with Double Double?’ the leaflet read. She hesitated at first, but she finally contacted the organisation’s manager and before she knew it, she was helping older people in her area who needed support. She was a sought after stylist, so in between fittings, sample sales and shopping for her rich, busy clients, she would drop by for a coffee, check that someone is alright or help with a trip to the shops. She made friends; real, unpretentious ones. Like the one she had stopped in the street, back in December, in freezing cold, asking if she could borrow his cashmere overcoat for her shoot.That’s when it all started.

Semi-Fictional Character of the Day #day10

February 26, 2014

The talk is amazing. She is always amazing: in every book, every publication, every interview… In a league of her own. The auditorium is crammed, people sit on folding chairs, others stand in the back row and I sit on the steps to get a chance to see her. I can’t help but laugh at myself: a young scientist, crazily infatuated with this leader in the field and who is, by the way, married. Happily, I hear. Questions time! 15 minutes. As she nails every question, I try hard to think of something to ask, just to get her to look at me for a few seconds.’And our last question?’ the facilitator asks. Still can’t think of anything, but I somehow raised my hand. All eyes on me, but all I want to know is how she has her coffee, and where she wants to travel next and what books are on her nightstand. ‘May we have the question, please?’ the facilitator asks. I stammer, ‘That was a great talk. Thank you.’

Semi-Fictional Character of the Day #day9

February 25, 2014

My mama was a storyteller. I grew up surrounded by stories but I never listened to any of them. Years went by and I was still not paying attention, still rolling my eyes, as if I had heard it all before. And before I knew it, I was 17. Broken, bruised, scarred. Mama didn’t judge, didn’t ask, didn’t punish. But she gave me a story. That’s when I started listening.

Semi-Fictional Character of the Day #day8

February 24, 2014

‘So you wanna race me? You don’t stand a chance.’ That was true. He was three times my age, but he could outrun, outwork, out-anything me. That’s my boss. A ball of energy. We first met when I was still a barista at the local café, where he’d come to pick up his morning latte. At first, I felt that he was an annoying, talkative buffoon. Plus, I could not stand his cheeky face. Day after day though, I got somehow absorbed into his creative vision, I admired the way he was passionate about life and wanted to make the world a better place. So one day, when he came in, I told him, ‘That’s my last day here. Tomorrow I start working for you. What time do you need me?’

Semi-Fictional Character of the Day #day6

February 22, 2014

The Professor is expecting me, pacing the corridors, ready to reprimand me for my tardiness. I arrive. He acknowledges my presence with a glare and rushes down the staircase. I follow. We are greeted by a guard who takes us through the cobbled path, past the library, into a small walled garden. The Professor studies our shadows. This would be the last time we see them. The town’s bell peals begin. It’s time.

Semi-Fictional Character of the Day #day5

February 21, 2014

Everything seems better at my nana’s house. There is always freshly brewed tea in the pot, a record is playing and it all smells of cinnamon. At nana’s I can; and it’s my nana who said that there’d be days like this. And that’s comforting, because nana would have me believe that those days will eventually add up to something. Something good. And whenever I lose faith, I look at all the lucky charms on the chain she secured around my wrist. Everything feels better through my nana’s eyes.

It’s never too late to have you life changed by a children’s book.

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