Writing Prompt: Call to Adventure
When adventure comes knocking your hero better answer (eventually)
Here’s our first prompt for January’s theme: From Zero to Hero
Call to Adventure
The “call to adventure” is the second step in the hero’s journey, after the Ordinary World.
It's when the hero gets an opportunity or a challenge that forces them to leave their everyday world and go on a journey.
This call can come from a mysterious stranger who gives the hero a quest, a personal crisis, or a sudden change in circumstances that forces the hero to act, adapt, and overcome.
To hit all the key points of this stage
- Introduce the hero and their ordinary world: this is their everyday life, background, personality, and any notable characteristics or challenges they face.
- Present the call to adventure: Clearly and concisely describe the call to adventure, whether it’s a quest, crisis, or other challenge that requires the hero to leave their ordinary world and embark on a journey.
- Show the hero’s initial response: Describe the hero’s initial response to the call to adventure, whether they are hesitant, excited, or uncertain. This can help establish the hero’s character and motivations.
- Describe the stakes: Clearly explain what is at stake for the hero if they do not accept the call to adventure. This can help create tension and motivate the hero to take action.
- Show the hero’s decision: Describe the hero’s decision to accept or refuse the call to adventure, and explain the reasons behind their decision. This can help establish the hero’s character and set the stage for the rest of the journey.
This Week’s Prompt
Write a story about a character who is living in the ordinary world, but is called to adventure by a mysterious object that appears in their life.
How does the character respond to the call, and what challenges do they face as they begin their journey?
Rules:
- 100–1000 words for the story bits.
- Tag your story as you like, e.g. Fiction or Flash Fiction But don’t use Writing Prompts please.
- 🙏 link back to the prompt so others can find it too.
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