Have you ever read the book Dracula? That was the first story I ever read that was told completely through secondhand sources, like letters and diary entries.

In some ways, this kind of writing can seem more distant since you are not there in the moment: you are reading what they wrote after the fact. However, it can also be an intimate style since people often show more of their inner self in writing.

Nowadays with digital communication you can have a story told through secondhand sources (text messages and email, etc.) but also be in the moment (the movie Missing (2023) was told completely secondhand on screens, for example). It’s not for every story but it can work really well in the right situation.

Story Prompt: May 6, 2024

Write a story that takes place entirely in text messages and other digital communication.

If you write a story for this, you can send me a link to your story if you’ve posted it somewhere or send it to me at info@greenwalledtreehouse.com. You can also submit your story here for a chance to have it published on the site next week. I will post my story for this prompt next week as well.

Good luck and happy writing! Come back next Monday for another story prompt.