I realize this is only mid-terms, but I wanted to share a story I wrote in August for my DeKalb Area Writers Group (DAWGs). We were challenged to a multi-part assignment inspired by the NYCMidnight contests. In addition to the selected prompt, Exploit a Trope, we also had to limit our word count to 100 and write a story to a designated genre using a specific word.
My exploited trope: Playing against type. Also potentially, The Pete Best.*
My designated genre: Political Satire
My specific word: Empty Cereal Box
My 100 word Story:
Behind the table laden with folders and headshots, the producer, director, and talent agent peruse a roomful of applicants.
“Today we’ll be casting for the role of POTUS,” the director announces. “It’ll be a four-year-run with second term option.”
The panel sits through auditions of every size, shape, gender, and race. It’s an exhausting process.
“We’ve had inept, arrogant, blustery, and bumbling.” The agent taps a photo. “I’m leaning toward this one.”
“Yes,” adds the producer. “Colorful, bold, engaging, generally appealing and basically informative.”
In agreement, the director says, “It’s official, the empty cereal box will be our next president.”
~~~
*The Pete Best trope describes a situation whereupon the replacement is better than the original. A subtrope of The Other Darrin.
Mary Lamphere 