Pocket Prompt Expansion: Something Explodes #3 – Dire Consequences

In my last post, I explores the concept of an emotional explosion, to pair up with the idea of a literal explosion. Today, we’re going to look at a different way of using the ‘Something explodes’ card: it’s time to look at dire consequences.

One question comes to mind every time the news channel plays a story about an explosion in a major city: Does someone die?

Pocket Prompts being what they are – non-specific but useful tools for creative writing – I’ve looked at this point in a number of ways. We have a few paths to take with this expansion, which takes into account literal deaths and metaphorical deaths through the use of hyperbole.

• If the explosion is literal, does someone die?
• How do they die? In the explosion, or by being trapped in the rubble?
• How many people die?
• If it is an emotional explosion, is the death still literal?
• Who dies? How?
• If it is an emotional explosion, is the death hyperbolic? (e.g. dying of embarrassment)

With every question and every additional prompt on the back of a Pocket Prompt card, ask yourself these two questions:

• How does this affect my protagonist(s)?
• How does this move the plot forward?

By having an answer to both questions, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about where your story is going, and how to move forward from this point.