Friday, July 20th, 2012

Writing Prompt – Walking on the Moon

Astronaut on the Moon Today marks the 43rd anniversary of Armstrong’s moon walk.

I remain amazed – and yet feel we should have done so much more by now. We’ve lost momentum along the way.

Don’t you feel that there ought to be colonies up there by now? Vacations?

I think the moon would be an awesome place to take a writing retreat. Few distractions, and an up close and personal look at space for those of us who write that type of science fiction.

Here’s Your Prompt:

  • Write a story about colonization on the moon. How do politics come into play? How do the nations of the world divide up the acreage of the moon?
     
  • Giant steps are what you take, Walkin’ on the moon
    I hope my leg don’t break, Walkin’ on the moon

    We could walk forever, Walkin’ on the moon
    We could be together, Walkin’ on, walkin’ on the moon

    Walkin’ back from your house, Walkin’ on the moon
    Walkin’ back from your house, Walkin’ on the moon

    ~ “Walkin’ on the Moon, by the Police (Lyrics by Sting)
     

  • Pretend you’ve been granted a deed for 100 acres of space on the moon and you’re going to turn it into a resort. What kind of resort do you build? What attractions will you have for your customers? How will people get there?
     
  • Neil Armstrong is quoted as saying, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” when he stepped out onto the moon’s surface. Write a story where the same quote could be applicable, but don’t mention the moon (or anything related to space) anywhere in the story.
     
  • A twist on an old favorite: if you were stranded on the moon, who would you NOT want to be stranded with? Now, pretend you’re stranded on the moon, and it’s that person’s fault. Write the argument. You’re not allowed to write only dialogue: make certain you set the scene and show what both of you are doing during the fight.
     
  • Write a poem about walking on the moon. This poem can’t be about the moon, but walking on it. Use your imagination to decide what it would be like to hop across the surface, or do some research to get the facts straight. Your choice.
     
  • Write a letter to your best friend about staying for a week on the moon. How was the commute? Are you camping or staying in a hotel? Do you plan to site-see or relax?
     

Good luck!