Happy December!

Since this is the first of the month, I thought it’d be fun to do an advent calendar of sorts- but with writing prompts!

However, instead of one curated prompt every day, I’m going to make it a little more interesting.

Introducing: Roll for Prompt!

Every day, roll a 6-sided die and see what kind of prompt you get. There are four sections: Genre, motive, main character, and setting.

When you’re ready, take your dice and roll once per section, then use the combined results to get your prompt. Easy!

Let’s go.

Section 1: Genre

1. Romance
2. Fantasy
3. Sci-fi
4. Steampunk
5. Horror
6. Mystery

Section 2: Motive

1. Love
2. Hate
3. Revenge
4. Desperation
5. Money
6. Power

Section 3: Main Character

1. Teenager who’s failing math class
2. Staff member at a nursing home
3. An ADHD wizard
4. Someone you know personally
5. A character from your favorite book/movie/tv show
6. Create your own

Section 4: Setting

• A desert oasis
• The middle of the ocean
• A shopping mall
• In a car on the highway
• A castle/ castle ruins
• Create your own

Time to play!

To get us started, I’m going to use this digital dice roller (though, I MUCH prefer the real thing) and see what I can make of it.

Roll one was a 4, so that gives me a steampunk genre.

Next roll was a 1, so my motive is love.

Roll three is a 4, so my character is based off someone I know personally. Probably my kid.

Final roll is 3, so my setting is a shopping mall.

Now, all I have to do is put it together! I’ve never experimented with steampunk before, so this will definitely be a challenge. Let’s see what I can do.

The Twilight Market

Emma adjusted her goggles as she approached the ornate doors that guarded entry to the market. Her purse dangled from her leather belt, the pouch nearly bursting with the week’s payment, and she smiled as she pushed her way into the dark building.

People were everywhere- mechanics and inventors trying to debut new gadgets, bakers and cooks selling hot meals and wine, jewelsmiths selling necklaces and bracelets that sparkled like stars- but none of them had Emma’s attention. She was focused on the smallest stall at the market, and she ignored the constant barrage of sales pitches as she approached it with glee.

A young girl sat behind the counter, her hands busy as she sewed the last details onto a black leather corset. She smiled when she saw Emma.

“Emma! Just in time. Look, I’m nearly finished.”

The girl held up the corset, her face a mask of pride as Emma oohed and awed over the design.

“It looks amazing, Daphne! You really are the best in the business.” Emma placed the pouch of coins on the counter. “Here’s my final payment.”

Daphne weighed the coins on a brass scale before nodding.

“We’re settled, then.” She finished her stitches, then handed Emma the corset. “Here you go! One custom corset.”

“Thank you! It’s perfect.”

Daphne smiled, then leaned back in her chair.

“May I ask a question?”

“Of course. Ask away.”

“I know this corset is too small for you. Is it a gift?”

Emma smiled softly as she held the corset close.

“It is, yes. For my daughter. She’s only seven, so this will be her first.”

Daphne’s eyes lit up, and she grabbed something from beneath the counter.

“First corsets are an important milestone! Here, she’ll need this as well.”

She handed Emma a small belt that had a matching leather pouch attached. Emma took it reverently.

“Daphne! It’s beautiful. But I couldn’t possible accept it.”

“Yes you can!” Daphne insisted. “You’ve become one of my biggest clients. It’s the least I can do.”

“Well. Thank you. Charlotte will love it.”

“You’re welcome.” Daphne picked up her next project and began threading her needles. “And remember to bring her by when she outgrows it!”

“You know I will.”

Emma tucked the corset and belt into a linen bag and tucked the handles under her belt before making her way out of the market. As she stepped into the bright sunshine, she smiled to herself.

All these hard weeks of working overtime at the apothecary had paid off, and she now had the means to make this birthday something special for the person she loved most.

Try it!

Your turn! Roll the dice, make your prompt, and let your imagination flow!

Don’t forget to save this post so you can come back to it daily, and feel free to post your stories or poems in the comments!

I’d love to see what you come up with! 🎲