October Prompt: Toys

jgold · Oct 1, 2009

So Kerr picked me. I had a tough time deciding which thing to do, but since it's the month for Halloween... the stories should be extra scary, right? :e2teeth:

For me, the most disturbing and memorable stories are always about innocence turned evil. And nothing seems more innocent than a child's toy.

The stuffed clown from Poltergeist. The clapping Monkey in that Stephen King story. Chucky and any number of other creepy doll tales.

So here’s your prompt:

Take a toy. Make it evil. :evil

As an added challenge, do it from the POV of a child.

I hope this is fun for you and that it's not too limiting. I'm really looking forward to reading these stories.

CACTUSWENDY · Oct 1, 2009

Interesting prompt. This should be fun and can not wait to read the ones from this batch of BASOS. lol

When is the cut off?

Kerr · Oct 1, 2009

This will be a whooot, J.

jgold · Oct 1, 2009

Deadline is midnight on Halloween. :e2teeth:

EFCollins · Oct 1, 2009

Ooooh J! Nice prompt. My gears are already turning... just don't know what toy to choose...

Haggis · Oct 1, 2009

Sweet, and nicely evil, J. :e2teeth:

Twisted · Oct 1, 2009

Nice prompt J! There will be a lot of good tales from the hounds. Can't wait to read 'em.

jodiodi · Oct 1, 2009

I've never done this before. Where do we post our stories?

Haggis · Oct 2, 2009

jodiodi said:
I've never done this before. Where do we post our stories?

Post 'em in SYW Horror, Jodi, then come back here and give us the link. I'm delighted to have you join us. :hooray:

Cella · Oct 2, 2009

I wanna try! I've never written horror. It'll be horrible, I'm sure.

Haggis · Oct 2, 2009

Cella said:
I wanna try! I've never written horror. It'll be horrible, I'm sure.

You're in, Boots. Give it your best shot. :evil

Pike · Oct 2, 2009

Was just looking at some toys for my son's 10th birthday. Then saw this and had a shudder. Good choice. I haven't participated in ages. I'll have to cook up something but can't wait to see what devilish stuff others write. It's always good!

dgrintalis · Oct 2, 2009

This is a fantastic prompt!

Shail · Oct 2, 2009

Oh, J. You just had to, didn't you.

No garuntees, but I love the prompt. I'll see if I can get back on the wagon with this one.

Cella · Oct 2, 2009

Is there a word limit? I tend to be a long-winded writer.

So we have to explain WHY the toy is evil or is it just accepted that it's evil b/c that's the topic?

Shail · Oct 2, 2009

I'd venture to say that since J didn't set a word limit there is none except the one you impose on yourself.

As to the other . . . why the toy is evil? Jgold?

Haggis · Oct 2, 2009

Cella said:
So we have to explain WHY the toy is evil or is it just accepted that it's evil b/c that's the topic?

I don't want to speak for J, Cella, but understand--this is a prompt. It's a starting place. You can take it anywhere you want to go. In other words, you could explain why the toy is evil, but you might choose not to. Either way would be fine. Just make your story work for you.

Cella · Oct 2, 2009

Yeah, prompt....not assignment. Got it

Twisted · Oct 2, 2009

Hi Cella-

I'd be inclinde to show how the toy is evil. The why seems to me to be more a matter of personal preference on how you want to tell your story.

Jcomp · Oct 2, 2009

Cella said:
Yeah, prompt....not assignment. Got it

Don't let Haggis fool you. He secretly grades us. I snuck into the teacher's lounge and overheard him talking about it. Then I stole a glimpse at my report card and... well... I was previously unaware that "Triple-F" and "F-pocalypse" were legitimate letter grades...

slcboston · Oct 2, 2009

jgold said:
And nothing seems more innocent than a child's toy.

The stuffed clown from Poltergeist.

I *just* elevated my bed off the floor.

*sigh*

*goes to put it back flat on the floor*

Haggis · Oct 2, 2009

Jcomp said:
Don't let Haggis fool you. He secretly grades us. I snuck into the teacher's lounge and overheard him talking about it. Then I stole a glimpse at my report card and... well... I was previously unaware that "Triple-F" and "F-pocalypse" were legitimate letter grades...

I've been found out.

slcboston · Oct 2, 2009

Jcomp said:
Don't let Haggis fool you. He secretly grades us. [...] I was previously unaware that "Triple-F" and "F-pocalypse" were legitimate letter grades...

Yeah, but at least you didn't get a "Z-Minus"

:Wha:

That's not a grade, that's sarcasm.

(yes, I blatantly ripped that off from Charles Schultz. He's dead, he won't care.)

Cella · Oct 2, 2009

Uh-oh.

I'll probably get a "B" for boring.... I'm ten lines into it and I'm bored already. I thought it was supposed to be scary? Weird.

Haggis · Oct 2, 2009

Cella said:
Uh-oh.

I'll probably get a "B" for boring.... I'm ten lines into it and I'm bored already. I thought it was supposed to be scary? Weird.

Um, it doesn't make itself scary. You kinda, sorta have to help it along.

October Prompt: Toys

Grinning

An old, sappy, and happy one.

I vant to bite you

Grinning

World Class Rambler

Evil, undead Chihuahua

Apprentice Wordworker

Reflections of Reality

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Cella

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Chivalry ain't dead

'Tis true, she is a monstergirl

mostly normal

Cella

mostly normal

Evil, undead Chihuahua

Cella

Apprentice Wordworker

Pasture-ized

Evil, undead Chihuahua

Pasture-ized

Cella

Evil, undead Chihuahua