Dive Into Historical Fiction with Emily Neuberger

Prompt #1: Memory Mining

Pick a memory of your own, or a moment from history that interests you. What year was this, and where were you? What else was happening that year? Think about who was president, what was happening in the world, or if there were any major events that took place during that time.

List some cultural details of the time period. What clothes were in style? What movies were popular? What kind of music?

Think about how this time or place might affect your characters in a different way than today. What activities or personal expressions were not accepted back then?

Prompt #2: Character Creation

Think of a main character (could be based on you!). What is their name, age, family situation? List some things about them—what are their likes, dislikes, mannerisms?

Think about what your character wants. What are their “big picture goals” (talking to a crush, resolving conflict with a friend, telling their parents something important)? What about “small picture” (convincing someone to dance with them, getting the donut on the counter)?

Now think of a second character to introduce. Imagine that this is someone your main character wants something from. Who is this person? What are they doing in this scene? And what do they want?

Prompt #3: Write a Scene

Write a scene where your main character approaches your second character in order to attempt to get what they want—big or small!

Try to have them fail in their first attempt, and have to reassess their strategy and try again. By the end of the scene, something should have changed.

This event was recorded on May 22nd, 2020.