I’ve never been one to rely on creative writing prompts, but last night I thought of something different. We had Chinese food for dinner and with the food came a fortune cookie. So I thought I would take a crack at writing something prompted by the fortune in the cookie.
The fortune cookie read: “What’s vice today may be virtue tomorrow.” Um … okay. As writing prompts go, it seems as good as any.
So here goes nothing.
Oh, by the way, I thought I would write this in screenplay format, since I write screenplays as well as novels.
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE – NIGHT
CLYDE, 28, and RINGO, 45, both dressed all in black, creep toward a safe.
I’ve got a bad feeling about this.
RINGO
You worry too much.
Ringo pulls a bottle from his pocket. He removes the cap and pours the contents on the safe’s lock mechanism. The metal smolders and hisses.
But burglary’s against the law.
RINGO
What’s vice today may be virtue tomorrow.
CLYDE
What the hell does that mean?
RINGO
What do you think it means?
CLYDE
That you’re an idiot.
RINGO
We’ll see.
Ringo turns back to the safe. The lock has completely melted through. He opens the door, revealing stacks of money.
How about that?
CLYDE
Incredible.
RINGO
Oh, ye of little faith. You brought the sack?
Clyde pulls a burlap bag from within his jacket.
Load her up.
CLYDE
For real?
RINGO
No, I do this for fun.
CLYDE
But I thought …
RINGO
Never assume, for when you do you make an ass of you and me. Get it?
CLYDE
Um …
RINGO
Let’s get this done.
INT. ANTEROOM – DAY
Ringo and Clyde sit in visitor chairs. A MAN IN SUIT rushes out of an office to meet them.
(to Ringo)
You were right. We were hit by a burglar last night.
RINGO
Now do you believe me? Our firm can provide all the security you need.
Clyde stares at Ringo, but says nothing.
But our losses … I’m doomed.
RINGO
Leave it to me. Ringo’s Security Systems has an investigative arm.
MAN IN SUIT
I should call the police …
RINGO
And bring on unwanted attention?
My investigators will be happy to find the perpetrators and recover your money in exchange for
a percentage – quietly and without involving authorities.
MAN IN SUIT
When can you start?
RINGO
As soon as we sign my retainer agreement.
Ringo pulls a folded paper from his pocket.
I’ll sign that right now. Follow me.
Man in Suit takes the paper and hurries back to his office. Ringo and Clyde follow slowly.
I think we’ve found a new business model.
CLYDE
Shut up.
RINGO
No really–
CLYDE
No really! Shut up.
I realize this doesn’t amount to much. However, I wrote this last night, during the lull before I sleep, because this what writers do for fun. Or something.
Okay, so I made a few changes before I posted it. Even so, I see possibilities in Ringo and Clyde. Maybe even the core idea for a short story or short film. Or, who knows, maybe a novel, in the vein of … that funny author who wrote about heists … Donald Westlake! That’s it. Well, that and a few other names. 🙂
Now, if I change Ringo and Clyde to Thelma and Louise (or names to that effect), that could lead to something!
It’s almost enough to make me believe in creative writing prompts!
What would you do with that fortune from the cookie? Would you write a different story?
Feel free to leave your own story in the comments!
