Writer's Prompts | Welcome to Club Confusion… Contradictions and the Human Condition

In the podcast “Welcome to Club Confusion… Contradictions and the Human Condition” Tim and LeeAnna plunged headfirst into some of the most mind-boggling human paradoxes: freedom vs. control, love’s highest highs and lowest lows, and all the emotional chaos in between. With some absurd dramatic readings and a dozen writer’s prompts there’s no shortage of ideas to stir a scribbler’s pen – but Tim and LeeAnna chose these two as their favorites:

Prompt 1: James’ Camping Trip.

James sets out to build his 'tough guy' persona—no emotions, no fears, just pure strength. But when his carefully planned camping trip goes sideways and he’s forced to ask for help, he ends up learning more about vulnerability than he ever signed up for. Spoiler: It involves a broken tent, a very wet sleeping bag, and a lot of feelings he was trying to avoid.

Prompt 2: Alice’s Chickens.

Alice, a creature of routine, stumbles upon an ad for a local group breeding exotic chickens. At first, it’s laughable—chickens? But the more she reads, the more intrigued she becomes. It’s not just about chickens—it’s about breaking out of her comfort zone, trying something new, and growing. James teases her, “Chickens? Really?” But Alice can’t shake the idea. The thought of getting her hands dirty, learning something totally unfamiliar, excites her in a way she hasn’t felt in ages. And then there are the eggs too! Still, she hesitates. Is it a crazy idea? She worries about having James’ support and whether she’s just being impulsive. Plus, there are the start-up costs, and what would the neighbors think?

Write up to 600 words and, if you love it, submit it to us and maybe we’ll love it enough to read it out on a future podcast!

Go to Submit Your Work @ Effigy Press