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DAE have trouble with writing prompts where the big payoff takes decades?
I'm trying to write from a prompt about a family guarding a secret vault that only opens every 50 years. It's been a month and I keep writing myself into corners because how do you show that passing time without it feeling like a history textbook? I started with journal entries from each generation, but it got messy real fast. Now I'm thinking of focusing on one key moment right before the opening, but then the whole wait feels wasted. My writing group said to use objects that change over time, like a worn key or a fading map, but idk if that's enough. Anyone dealt with a similar slow-burn prompt? What's your go-to method for making a long stretch of time feel impactful and not just boring? I could use some fresh perspectives.
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patricia1676mo ago
Oh man, I feel your pain with those slow burn prompts. Journal entries sound cool but can get real messy like you said. What if you showed how the wait messes with each person in the family, like do they get obsessed or give up? Also, have you tried writing the opening scene first and then flashing back to show why this time is different? Like, what makes this 50 year wait the one where everything boils over?
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james5336mo ago
Patricia's idea about showing each family member cracking in their own way is brilliant! That weird clock story from Karen is giving me chills too, like the vault could have some creepy countdown artifact. Opening with the big blow-up and then rewinding to show the slow build sounds way more fun than just straight journals. Man, now I want to read this story!
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karen_wells6mo ago
Heard a guy at the bar once talk about his grandpa's clock that only chimes on leap years. Said it drove the whole family nuts waiting for the next chime, like some weird heirloom anxiety. Maybe your vault family just needs a weird clock.
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