Welcome to the final week of the Spring Writing Challenge!
It’s the final week! This has been such a fun challenge. You’ve all done so well with your stories. There are so many interesting and unique ways you have taken the prompt. It’s now time for the final week, so let’s do this one last time! We can’t wait to see what you come up with.
So, without further ado, here’s your final prompt!
Week Six Prompt – The Character Prompt
Write a story about a character that experiences a rebirth
Wait…what’s a character prompt?
A character prompt is a prompt that’s about a specific character. It doesn’t matter where your story takes place or what’s said. What matters is that your story must be about a character who experiences a rebirth.
Before you start writing, we have some important rules for you to follow.
Writing Rules
1. Please keep the content of the stories you post to a PG rating. Please avoid real curse words. Violence/fighting should be limited and purposeful. Please do not include any spice.
2. Your story must be 1,000 words or less, and must contain the prompt to be counted for the challenge. You’re not required to post it in order to “win” the challenge, but if you want it to count for your team, your story must be posted by Sunday at 11:59 PM ET, and you must include your team name.
Remember to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and post your story as an “answer” to this question, not a “comment”. 🙂 You’re all doing such a great job! I’m so proud of all the stories you’ve posted.
Happy Writing!
We’re so glad that you participated Juli! 🙂
Team 1
A Renewed Sense of Purpose
“I’m going back to school!” Diane told Beth with a big grin. “Finally, I will get a college degree!”
“Um, you do realize that you’re 45 years old, right?” Beth’s eyebrow shot up so high it nearly vanished into her hairline.
“Of course, I know my own age! But this is my chance. I missed out on going because I was pregnant, and Bill and I got married. After raising three kids and going through a divorce, I am ready for a change! Something just for me. Not going to college has been a major regret.”
She sat back to watch Beth’s face. “I hope you will support me in this decision.”
Beth wrinkled her forehead, remained quiet for a few minutes, and then relaxed.
“I’m not worried about your academic abilities, but you haven’t been in a classroom for years. Are you ready for the rigor of college-level work?” Beth wondered.
“I know it has been a long time, but I have the passion and drive to do this. And life experience!”
Beth pursed her lips, considered a moment, and gave a big smile.
“Congratulations! You are going to be a college student! You will do well too! What can I do to help?”
“I hope you want to go shopping! I’ll need all the usual school supplies, plus a laptop. Probably a backpack too!” Diane laughed. “So much to do!”
A few weeks later, armed with a new backpack and bubbling nerves, Diane stepped into her first lecture hall. Am I really ready for this? As she peered around, the students, who were the same age or younger than her children, became quiet.
She heard whispers: Is that our professor? Is she someone’s mom? What do we do?
Flustered, she stepped quickly into the room and headed for the back row. She didn’t want to be the center of attention, just quietly adjust to class and campus life.
The professor, a woman about Diane’s age, entered the room, causing the students to refocus their attention.
“I am Professor Elizabeth Brown. Welcome to English 103: Intro to Fiction. Is everyone in the right place?” Her eyes flickered briefly to Diane. Nobody moved a muscle and class began.
After the lecture, the students shuffled toward the door. Diane hesitated but decided to approach the professor and introduce herself.
“Hello, Professor Brown. My name is Diane Williams, and I am pleased to meet you.”
“Happy to have you in class, Diane. Are you interested in fiction writing?” she said with a smile.
“Yes, I enjoy reading fiction and am looking forward to this course. I have a lot to learn, especially as an adult learner.” She had looked up this term just for this moment.
“Welcome to class, and if you need anything, please let me know.”
As Diane passed through the door, she noticed three students waiting outside, eager to learn more about her.
“We saw you introduce yourself to the professor. You are so brave! We would be too scared to do that. I hope we are allowed to text her instead. Or email. Not face-to-face.”
Diane reflected that her own children had asked her for help approaching adults and behaving professionally. She might be able to help!
“Hi! My name is Diane, or Ms. Williams, if that makes you more comfortable. I’m finally going to college after raising my kids. It’s nice to meet you!”
After agreeing to call her Ms. Williams, they invited her for coffee so they could get to know each other. Diane learned that Taylor, Lily, and Grace were friends from high school and very nervous about college. She gently worked to put them at ease. Just think, I was the one who was nervous!
“I am happy to help you with talking to your professors. Would you be willing to help me adjust to classes and learning study skills? I have been out of school for a pretty long time.”
The girls eagerly agreed to assist her in any way!
As they laughed over coffee and class schedules, Diane realized that she wasn’t just a student; she could be a mentor too. Her life experience was valuable. She could provide guidance, support, and friendship!
After four years of college together, Diane and many students she had mentored proudly received their diplomas. Lily was valedictorian and gave a heartfelt speech about her college experience, including the support provided by Diane, whom she referred to as her “mom away from home.”
After the ceremony, everyone gleefully tossed their graduation caps into the air, whooping with joy! Her hands proudly clutching her diploma, Diane wiped away her tears with trembling fingers. She had found her purpose!
When the new prompt arrive, my first thought is, Oh no! What am I going to write to make that work? But the Holy Spirit ALWAYS shows up and I get an idea every time. It amazes me. Thanks for a thought provoking six weeks.