[Write On Wednesday] Magical Realism

This prompt was inspired by Amy Silverberg’s story Suburbia! which you can find in The Best American Short Stories 2018

The Prompt

Write a story with some magical realism in it

Tips







Magical Realism is a type of writing in which much of the story is realistic, but there are magical or fabulist (fable-like) elements. Real world rules need not apply to everything. (In such a story, if someone is wrestling with jealousy, a literal green-eyed monster might turn up and chat with them, without explanation. Just there, in coffeeshop, not causing a commotion…)If you’re new to this/uncomfortable with it, start your story the way you would normally start it. Let it grow and see what possibilities open up.The point of this exercise is to stretch yourself; to play with different forms and see what dimensions might be added to your storytelling. The beauty of short fiction is that it doesn’t have to follow the same rules as a novel. As you write, pay attention to the theme that is emerging and the metaphors you’re using. Can you take one of those metaphors to absurd lengths? For example, if someone has a metaphorical black cloud hanging over them, could it be a literal black cloud that follows them around? If it’s raining cats & dogs, could it literally rain cats & dogs? Perhaps your main character is lonely and adopts one of the precipitated kitties? (And if you’re wondering why all my metaphors have weather in them, I’m sorry, I’m British.)If you normally write fantasy, experiment today with writing a realistic story, and then see where you could introduce just a hint of fantasy, that ties in with the themes of your story. Or perhaps you could invent a new genre: reverse magical realism, where your fantasy has an element/character that is restricted to the physics of our world!

If you share you story somewhere (and here’s why you might not want to) post a link here so we can come and read it.

Did you write today? How did you get on? Who did you write about? Leave a comment!