Summer Camp 2025

Prompts

Week 4

Tomorrow

Prompt 25: (Title) Describe a recently created title or honor.

Well, I'm thinking of Adam and his little captain title he's about to get in my rewrite of the original story! In fact, I love the timing of this prompt because I was going to add more professions to my world, and I might have put the captain there. Seeing this, though, I much prefer making it a title. Adam's profession is public servant, right?? And the "recent" part is golden for me since my whole world is new!

Prompt 26: (Building) Describe a building that hasn't been finished yet.

Well, if I'm locking in on the time period of the current rewrite, this could be literally any building. They've just arrived at the place Willowmoor will stand, so there are presently NO finished buildings! That is clearly taking the easy way out, though, so I'm swearing it off right here. Let's fast forward to the completed Willowmoor. What's a building that might not end up finished and why?

Prompt 27: (Character) Describe a visionary that changed the course of history.

Ah, unfortunately, I've already written lengthy articles about the two characters I would choose for this prompt, so this one is automatically out. ^-^ Beside that, the way they "change the course of history" is actually a vital part of the story arch later on, so I would be giving too much away anyway!

Prompt 28: (Condition) Describe a new condition unknown in olden times.

I would have to think outside the box for this one. My characters are living as they do in so-called "olden times" since they've lost the use of most modern technology. They have enough learned people in their number that if someone got some old-timey illness like cholera, someone would certainly recognize it, though, so it wouldn't be a "new" condition. This leads me to think it would have to be something to do with the dystopian setting, some harm in the environment due to all the bombing, or an outbreak specific to Willowmoor that simply can't be reasonably diagnosed.

Prompt 29: (Technology) Describe a cutting edge technology expected to change the future.

This is tough in a post-apocalyptic world because I know a lot of technologies that will change the future as they come along, but most of them are less "cutting edge" and more reinvented or replicated. In my case, I have to think of how people might improvise based on available resources or how they might combine different technologies into something "new" that does change their future. THEIR future. Let's bear that in mind as well!

Prompt 30: (Document) Describe an idealist manifesto published by a movement, political party, or other organization.

This is interesting, but I really have to give some thought to who would write such a manifesto. I have a couple of baddies that might do it, but they're not part of a movement, political party, or any organization at all. If it's being published by a group, I have to give thought to the ways Willowmoor splits into factions as it's being erected.

Prompt 31: (Organization) Describe an organization seen as the next superpower.

I do like this because Willowmoor is about to form their first government, and certain members are going to find more power there than others. In fact, a faction of followers forms around Adam, and that could well be the first political party in the village. In fact, thinking back to the previous prompt, could their eventual opposition announce themselves via manifesto? Hmmmm.

Prompt 32: (Vehicle) Describe a vehicle hailed as the transport of tomorrow.

My initial thought is this can be an article for a future Willowmoor where they're on the cusp of moving on from their traditional horses. That's because for a long time, horses are the common mode of transportation. This is another where I would be trying to turn something old into something new. I have to remember, too, that it's something perceived as the vehicle of the future now. It doesn't have to end up being the common mode of transportation...

Wildcard 7: (Material) Describe a resource with an alternative or secret application.

I'm working within the realms of the natural world, so I have to give thought to things being used in surprising ways.

Wildcard 8: (Item) Describe a tool used by a nomadic culture.

Ah, backtracking to the days of the caravan! Or, this could be a brainstorming session for the future. What if a nomadic culture one day stumbled upon Willowmoor after all?

Week 3

Metamorphosis

Prompt 17: (Settlement) Describe a settlement that has been rebuilt several times.

I don't know that this fits into the part of the timeline I'm currently working on, but eventually there will be settlements like this all over in the area around Willowmoor. This may be worth exploring later down the road, but unfortunately not during the lovely time that is Summer Camp! Probably.

Prompt 18: (Geography) Describe an ever-changing location that requires its inhabitants to adapt.

Like the last prompt, I don't think this exists in my world yet. Considering the rapidly changing environment due to the already-changing climate combined with the acceleration of war, there are bound to be plenty of places like this around the world. I can think of none that are near Willowmoor or would add to the current plotline, though, so I may be kicking this prompt down the road, too. Again, probably. >_>

Prompt 19: (Ethnicity) Describe a subculture that appeared due to social changes.

Here's one I can sink my teeth into! I'm at the point in the edit where Book 1 is dwindling to an end as our survivors arrive at the plot of land they'll turn into Willowmoor in the next book. As they'll finally be turning into a proper society, what better time for subcultures to pop up within the community? What would those subcultures be in the context of burgeoning Willowmoor?

Prompt 20: (Natural Law) Describe a transformation caused by a celestial body.

While I love this prompt for another of my worlds that actually does have natural laws I devised myself, in the universe of Willowmoor, there is no such creative stretching allowed. I won't forbid myself to think of a way to make this prompt compatible with the dystopian future I'm writing, but it's not likely I tackle this one for the world I'm focused on for Summer Camp.

Prompt 21: (Military Formation) Describe a formation known for its adaptability

At first, this one seemed like another made for a future version of this world since Willowmoor is in no way going to have the resources for a proper military for a long time. Even so, though, the more I think about it, the more I think it's perfect. They already have the scouts, who would have their own formations. And why shouldn't they have some kind of guard to protect their people when the village is built? I might be able to work with this one after all!

Prompt 22: (Technology) Describe a technology invented to prevent or delay a transformation.

I honestly feel like there's something there. My group of survivors are lacking most modern technology, so they're having to build things from scratch, relying on their memories of old technology or the insight of those with inventive minds. It's a great time for anyone to have an idea that turns into something useful for our burgeoning village. The question is - what would delay a transformation? What is the transformation in question? My mind goes to pregnancy because you would want to be able to control that in a setting like this.

Prompt 23: (Tradition) Describe a ritual that's changed meaning throughout the years.

Willowmoor is going to have a lot of these by the time the original trilogy reaches its end. I could certainly pluck one or more to write about with this prompt, especially since we're just reaching December in my edit of that trilogy. We'll see since now I'm getting excited about some of the other prompts this week! If nothing else, though, this prompt reminds me that I am changing up holiday traditions, so I may as well get those written about and added to the world. ^-^

Prompt 24: (Species) Describe a species that undergoes a metamorphosis.

This is definitely not for the world of Willowmoor, though it's excellent for another one of my worlds. I'm confident in saying this is one prompt I won't tackle this time.

Wildcard 5: (Character) Describe an animal celebrity.

Now, I don't know if I'll end up doing this one, but I love this idea for Willowmoor - especially since they'll be acquiring horses once I dig into the Book 2 edit. Adam's horse would absolutely become locally famous since its rider becomes so by the time the loyal steed comes along. Of course, they don't just acquire horses, but two cows (famous for being the only ones; then their baby becomes famous for being a baby cow) and some sheep; or, I could brainstorm an idea for Book 3 when their animal collection expands to include cats, dogs, and pigs...

Wildcard 6: (Profession) Describe a job many people aspire to, but few can achieve.

I love this one for the new village of Willowmoor. There are so many good options to choose from for a burgeoning society of few people! I've already mentioned the scouts, who have spent the journey to Willowmoor taking on the dangerous job of scouting head. They'll continue to wander the wilderness, poking their noses into "unexplored" areas, so it's a job that requires high qualifications and bravery. There's also the envious singular role of captain (the title may change), which is what the people elect Adam into. It wouldn't be a society of people if there weren't others who wanted that job.

Even thinking outside of those two most obvious ones, I'm thinking of roles filled by scientists or there might eventually be a smaller group of guards that specializes in protecting something (or someone?) important or even a specialized job from "the olden days" that I haven't looked up/thought of yet... The possibilities are endless!

Week 2

Roots

Prompt 9: (Organization) Describe an organization rooted in controversial principles.

I'm thinking obviously of my hard-done-by caravan conclave or any other iteration of Willowmoor's leadership (they just happen to be in the caravan right now as of this morning's story editing session). That seems too easy, though. I should brainstorm some other organizations that could pop up in the village's early days should I decide to tackle this prompt...

Prompt 10: (Myth) Describe a myth surrounding the birth of an important person in your world.

My first choice is Adam, of course. That myth would develop so far in the future when compared to my current edit that it might not serve the story at this time. Genji is choice number two, especially since he already had legends built around him. On the stream, someone has brought up the idea of prophecy. I could certainly play around with that for Emilie Eldritch, future ruler of a future nation...

Prompt 11: (Character) Describe a character known for their numerous progeny.

Oh, Adam...why are you my first thought again?? -_-; I don't think this fits into the Willowmoor storyline yet, although I'll continue to give it some thought...

Prompt 12: (Document) Describe a foundational document for a country/religion/organization.

OH MY GOOSE. This is this week's Prompt That I Immediately Knew I Wanted To Do! In my story edit, my group of plucky survivors has just hit the halfway mark of their journey north, which also happens to be a pressure point in the plot. The government of Willowmoor is already forming, every tragedy or minor inconvenience shaping what the finished product will look like. I've always had a vague idea of that document, and now I get to sink my teeth into it!

Prompt 13: (Item) Describe a garment traditionally associated with a culture.

"World building exposition gold," says Janet on stream! She is correct, so I believe is this one I can sink my teeth into. Especially at the current point of my edit and with some of the characters I want to flesh out going forward after this midway point. Sadie and Mabel obviously come to mind...

Prompt 14: (Geography) Describe the place of origin of a people in your world.

I suppose I've already done this with The Arena. I've known this was a possibility, but I needed to get it written down before they left (during my edit).

Prompt 15: (Language) Describe an ancient tongue from which many common idioms spring.

This one might be beyond my current story edit, but it's worth thinking about for the distant future...

Prompt 16: (Military Conflict) Describe a war that resulted in the creation of something new.

This is another that would be so far out in the future that I don't know if it bears thinking about at the moment.

Wildcard 3: (Building) Describe a symbolic building.

Hmmmmm.

Wildcard 4: (Culture) Describe a diaspora spread around the world.

I don't think I could make this one apply to my world right now. It's far too tiny.

Week 1

Nourishment

Prompt 1: (Myth) Describe a myth about a legendary food or drink.

This is a curious thought experiment for me that doesn't fit quite inside the world I'm writing at the moment, but it will fit into the future somewhere after our heroes put down roots. I mean for a new civilization to grow around Willowmoor, and several years later, the youth would have heard of things from the Before Times. Maybe they could hear surprising myths about pizza (or spinach, a la Popeye?).

Prompt 2: (Material) Describe a substance known for its unique smell.

What's a substance that would be common in a dystopian setting that might have a unique smell? I think that's what I should consider as I think about whether or not to tackle this prompt.

Prompt 3: (Profession) Describe a profession related to spirituality or philosophy.

I think I can sink my teeth into this one. The question is, do I tackle the original trilogy and introduce a new profession related to spirituality or philosophy with Willowmoor's creation? Or do I tackle the distant future where new religions and cults are springing up in the new society?

Prompt 4: (Organization) Describe a charity dedicated to helping those in need.

This is another that I would have to think over whether it would be a charity in trilogy-era Willowmoor, or distant future Willowmoor. Distant era would be less fun or challenging, I think, since it would operate more like a modern day charity with money involved and everything. If I create a charity organization with new Willowmoor when they don't have money again yet, what would take its place?

Prompt 5: (Ritual) Describe a ritual related to agriculture.

What I love about this one is that I've got a group of apocalypse survivors who are starting a brand-new society, so not only can I write about a ritual related to agriculture, but I can do it by coming up with a scene of my heroes creating the ritual in real time!

Prompt 6: (Species) Describe a species that feeds through a symbiotic relationship.

I think this is a prompt I'll easily be able to skip because I don't see such an existing species having a role in the story, and this isn't a world that I get to create new species for.

Prompt 7: (Condition) Describe a condition you can get from eating specific foods.

This could be useful, actually. In the story edit that I'm currently working on, my characters have just left their temporary shelter to make their way north where they'll build shelter. This part of the story is one of my favorites as they ride in modern makeshift wagons on what they frequently refer to as their own "Oregon Trail". So why don't I research how people on the Oregon Trail (and other such ventures) died or grew sick from foods they ate along the way? As a history buff, that would be fun to do. ^.^

Prompt 8: (Item) Describe a delicious staple found on every dinner table.

I love this prompt because the fact is that once they do get to Willowmoor, everyone is basically eating the same things for a long time while it's a small village living off the land around it, no trading partners to diversify the menu. Plus, it gives me the opportunity to come up with a recipe I can easily tie into the story! This is this week's Prompt That I Immediately Knew I Wanted To Do.

Wildcard 1: (Settlement) Describe a city many people want to visit.

This fits a brainstorming session for the distant future version of Willowmoor, of course, when they learn that other survivors built their own cities and hear the reputations about them. This could also be the fictionalized Canadian city my crippled caravan eventually passes through and which becomes a sort of dream vacation destination among the Willowmoor population for a few years after its founding...

Wildcard 2: (Location) Describe a place people aren't supposed to go.

I like this because there are places that become off limits after they set up Willowmoor, and I should have given them more attention in the original story. This gives me the chance to do so before I even get to that crucial part of the trilogy!

SC 2025 Prep/Homework