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A woman in line at the Portland library gave me a prompt that still haunts me.

I was waiting to check out some books on writing. This older lady behind me saw my notebook. She tapped my shoulder. Said, 'Write about a character who finds a key that fits a lock they didn't know they had.' She was so serious. It was raining outside. The library smelled like old paper. I just nodded. But that idea stuck. I've tried to write it maybe five times now. It always feels just out of reach. Has anyone else gotten a random prompt from a stranger that you just can't let go?

2 comments

2 Comments

calebrivera1mo ago

Honestly, that kind of thing happens more than people talk about. I get weird little ideas from overheard conversations or things I see on the bus that just stick in my head for weeks. Tbh, it feels like the best creative sparks come from those random, quiet moments, not from trying to force it. That library prompt is perfect because it's simple but it digs into something real about people. Ngl, I hope you find a way to write it that feels right.

lindaw291mo ago

Yeah, I had a whole story start from a guy arguing with a vending machine once. It's wild what sticks.