Writing prompt #73: TELLTALE LISTS

Hi Everyone,

I recently reread Mavis Gallant’s short story, “The Wedding Ring,” and was impressed by the intriguing list of her opening line:

“On my windowsill is a pack of cards, a bell, a dog’s brush, a book about a girl named Jewel who is a Christian Scientist and won’t let anyone take her temperature, and a white jug holding field flowers.”

YOUR PROMPT: Follow Gallant’s lead and start off (or restart) a story, a chapter, or a poem with a list that gives us an immediate sense of the character—voice, preoccupations, sense of humor, sensibility. Keep it to five or six very specific, provocative details that invite us into the world.

Enjoy—and please feel free to share your list!

Abrazos,

Cristina

PS: For the holidays, why not give a gift subscription?