If the stones could talk
No Comments »15th March, 2013; Category: Fiction, Short Fiction, Short Stories, Short Story Starters, Writing prompts
Roman ruins at Volubilis in Morocco
If only the stones could talk.
I was totally fascinated by the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis in Morocco when we visited during our tour of that country. It was certainly a highlight of the tour – a holiday with many highlights. These ruins are now a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Volubilis was settled in the third century BC but only reached its zenith as a commercial, cultural and administrative centre under Roman rule in the first century AD. It was occupied for at least another 700 years, so it has a long and rich history.
Many of the ruins were destroyed during an earthquake in the 18th century, and it is only in the last 20 years that excavations have revealed some of its former glory.
While wandering around the site, the writer in me couldn’t help speculate about the myriads of stories these ancient ruins could tell. At one stage over 20,000 people lived here. Each had a story to tell.
- What did they dream of?
- What struggles did they have?
- How many tragedies could be related?
- Who were the heroes – and the villains – who called this home?
Writing prompt:
- Think of some historic place you know well – or even revisit it.
- It can be a building, a monument or even a natural feature steeped in history.
- It could even be a photo of a place you have never visited – like those above and below.
- Let your mind imagine the people of the past who may have worked there, lived there or had lives changed by being there.
- Drawing on your imagination, write about those people, telling their story.
Good writing.
Roman ruins at Volubilis in Morocco
Writing prompt – sacred places
No Comments »27th February, 2013; Category: Fiction, Poetry, Short Fiction, Short Stories, Short Story Starters, Writing prompts
Inside the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco is obviously a sacred place in that country, going by the number of people visiting the site during our tour. If it isn’t a sacred place, it is certainly a very special place to many Moroccans.
We all have our special places; some of them are quite sacred to us. One special place for me is the small hill in the Flinders Ranges in outback South Australia. The panoramic view of the Wilpena Pound mountains in the moonlight was a perfect place to propose to my girlfriend. More than 40 years later she is still my wife.
This mausoleum was a sombre place. The stunning beauty of the building added to the strong sense of place and occasion.
Writing prompt:
- What sacred, or special places do you have in your life; write about them, describing why they are special.
- Write accounts of special places you have visited.
- Write a story set around a place which is special or sacred to someone else – perhaps a place special to many people.
- Write a poem about a place which is very special to many people in your country.
Good writing.
Inside the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco
Inside the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco
Writing prompt – what’s their story?
No Comments »25th February, 2013; Category: Fiction, Short Fiction, Short Stories, Short Story Starters, Writing prompts
Moroccan women at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco
During our visit to the capital of Morocco we stopped briefly at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat. This was one of many beautiful buildings we saw during our tour.
Just before we went inside, I took several photos of some Moroccan women talking. They were attired in what I assume was the standard of dress in that area.
Writing prompts:
- What is their story?
- Why have they come to visit the mausoleum?
- What did Mohammed V mean to them?
- Why is the little boy fascinated by me taking a photo of them?
- Write a poem from the point of view of the curious little boy.
- Write a short story from your point of view with a focus on the death of someone you admire, triggered by visiting this memorial.
- Let your imagination fly in any direction as a result of seeing these photos.
Good writing.
Moroccan women at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco
Writing prompt: the secluded garden
Secluded garden in the Kasbah des Oudaias, Rabat, Morocco
While on a tour of the Kasbah des Oudaias, Rabat, Morocco we went through this delightful secluded garden, walled in on all sides by the walls of an ancient fortress.
Imagine being there two, four or even six hundred years ago.
Writing prompt: transport your mind back a few centuries or so. Imagine what life was like in a different era, a different culture and in an exotic location like Morocco. Give your imagination full rein to think of exciting scenarios in this exotic location. Imagine colourful characters living in this era, and the possibility of marauding hordes trying to take over the city, only to be thwarted by the strong walls of defence.
Or perhaps a romantic and secret assignation between lovers in this garden in the light of the moon.
Good writing.
Flower in a secluded garden in the Kasbah des Oudaias, Rabat, Morocco
Writing prompt: what happened?
No Comments »20th February, 2013; Category: Fiction, Short Fiction, Short Stories, Short Story Starters, Writing prompts
Cafe in Rabat, Morocco
While wandering through the streets of Rabat in Morocco we happened upon this lovely looking cafe.
Not a single customer despite the establishment being open at the time, and with a wonderful view over the river estuary and the Atlantic Ocean.
I wonder what happened?
Writing prompt: let your imagination run wild with the possibilities. What happened to all of the customers? Is there any significance in all of the furniture being painted blue?
Good writing.