The Weird & The Wonderful: Abstract Writing Prompts
Tired of conventional storytelling? We explore surrealism, absurdism, and philosophical concepts to help you break through writer's block and look at narrative in a new way.
What does "Freedom in Today's Literature" mean? This session sparked a lively discussion and prompted stories that explored censorship, artistic expression, and the power of the written word to challenge the status quo.
This session was "That's Just Absurd." Inspired by surrealist art, we let our imaginations run wild and wrote stories that defied logic, physics, and common sense, resulting in some wonderfully weird and funny pieces.
The theme "Mouth Full of Mirrors" was a surreal and abstract prompt. It inspired stories about reflection, identity, distorted perceptions, and the difficulty of speaking one's truth.
This session invited us to imagine "Alternate Realities." We wrote stories set in parallel universes, worlds with different laws of physics, or timelines where history took a different turn.
How can you make your writing more vivid and sensory? This session on "Flavourful Writing" used the language of food and taste as a metaphor for creating rich, textured, and delicious prose.
"What Radicalized You?" This provocative prompt challenged us to write about a character's journey toward a strong, uncompromising belief, exploring the events and ideas that can lead to radicalization.
The theme was "Standstill." We wrote stories about moments of pause, stagnation, and quiet contemplation, exploring the tension and beauty found in moments when everything seems to stop.
Inspired by the art of ballads, this session explored "Parallel Perspectives." We wrote stories that told two sides of the same event, creating a lyrical and multi-layered narrative.
"Expect the Unexpected!" In this collaborative writing exercise, we swapped unfinished stories halfway through and were tasked with completing them in the most subversive and unexpected way possible.
The theme for this session was "Fin," the end. We took a surrealist trip into the concept of endings, writing stories about purgatory, final moments, and what lies beyond the last page.
About The Weird & The Wonderful: Abstract Prompts
In these sessions, we do not just stare at a blank page. We kick things off with a prompt, perhaps writing from an animal's perspective or describing a world where logic does not apply, and then dive into a focused 40-minute silent writing sprint. The magic happens during the open-floor reading afterward, where we dismantle our own logic to see how everyone else interpreted the same bizarre starting point.
Exploring Surrealism and Absurdism
Writing is often equated with structure, plot, and character arcs. But at Write Club Bangalore, we believe the most exciting stories happen when you throw the rulebook out the window. Our 'Weird & Wonderful' cluster is dedicated to themes that challenge the literal mind. Whether it is writing about alternate realities, the Rashomon effect, or turning gibberish into poetry, these prompts are designed to stretch your creative muscles.
What happens at a session?
Our sessions are not classes; they are collaborative experiments. You do not need to be a published author or a literary critic to join. Whether you are a beginner looking to get words on paper or a pro trying to sharpen your prose, you will find a place here.
- The Prompt: A host introduces a concept. It might be abstract, philosophical, or just plain weird.
- The Sprint: We take 40 minutes to write in silence. No distractions.
- The Review: You can choose to read your piece aloud. Our group offers honest, supportive feedback. It is not about polishing for a publisher; it is about sharing the journey.
Join Us This Saturday
We meet weekly at Sana Plaza near Trinity Metro in Bangalore, and we also have a global online presence. All you need is a pen, a notebook, and a willingness to be a little strange. Come by, grab some chai, and let us see what bizarre stories we can create together.
Write Club
We are a gang of writers who love stories, chai, and the occasional bizarre plot twist. You will find us every Saturday on a terrace near Trinity Metro, scribbling away and laughing about metaphors. Everyone has a story, and we are here to help you tell yours.
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