19th Century writing prompt
The Confederate and His Prisoner
Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, write from the perspective of a Confederate soldier who befriends a Union prisoner. Explore the complexity of their relationship as they share stories and discover common humanity amidst their opposing sides, ultimately planning a daring escape together.
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.
- 1Keep the famous event offstage and show its ripples.
- 2Make the dialogue sound of its time without becoming hard to read.
- 3Tell it from someone the history books ignored.
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- Smugglers on the MississippiWrite a story set in 19th-century New Orleans during the height of the steamboat era. The protagonist is a young deckhand who uncovers a smuggling ring that threatens to destroy the city's economy. In the mix of their adventures, they encounter a mysterious woman who is seeking justice for her slain father, a former riverboat captain.
- Railroad BrothersImagine a tale set during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860s. It centers on an Irish immigrant and a former enslaved person who, despite their disparate backgrounds, forge a strong friendship as they face labor disputes, harsh conditions, and racial tensions. Their bond becomes pivotal to their survival and the success of the monumental project.
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