American Revolution writing prompt
The Drummer Boy at War
Imagine a day in the life of a young drummer boy during the American Revolution. Describe his fears, dreams, and the realities of war at such a young age. Incorporate a key battle that changes his view of the war and his own role in it.
Suggested length: A short story: 1,500 to 5,000 words, or flash fiction under 1,000
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Three ways to take this prompt somewhere nobody else will.
- 1Give the hero a rule of the era they have to break.
- 2Choose one real detail of the period, like a price, a law or a song, and build a scene around it.
- 3Keep the famous event offstage and show its ripples.
More american revolution prompts
See them all- A Tribal Leader in the RevolutionExplore the impact of the American Revolution on Native American tribes. Narrate the story of a tribal leader who must navigate shifting alliances and the effects of the war on his people and their lands.
- A Signatory in PhiladelphiaWrite a tale centered around the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, but from the perspective of a lesser-known signatory. Include his journey to Philadelphia, the behind-the-scenes debates, and his personal contributions and reservations about the future of the thirteen colonies.
- The Midnight Printing ShopTell the story of a printing shop owner who secretly prints revolutionary pamphlets. Explore the dangers they face, the characters who visit the shop under the cloak of night, and the power of the written word in fueling the revolution.
- The Drummer Boy's First BattleImagine you are a young drummer boy in the Continental Army, experiencing your first battle. Describe the sights, sounds, and smells around you and how you cope with the fear and chaos. Include a friendship you strike up with an older soldier and the lessons you learn from him.
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