Creative Writing
← See All TopicsChanging Cityscape
Urbanisation is not a new concept. Human societies have been expanding throughout history as settlements grow to accommodate rising populations. The metropolises of today, though already immense in scope and size, continue to expand. Cityscapes are morphing all the time, in the opening and closing of shops, the building and tearing down of structures, the paving of roads. Cities are not only extending horizontally, but vertically as well. Shapes emerge from city planning; ring roads, elevated walkways, mountain roads, bridges, etc., all take on different shapes throughout time. These changes, or movements, can be influenced by topography, climate, human migration patterns, vehicle usage, changes in sea levels, etc.
Writing Prompt 1
Find somewhere high and look down at the city you live in. Watch the movements of the city from above and write a few paragraphs describing them. Try to use an active verb in each sentence. What is the city doing? How is it moving?
Writing Prompt 2
Pick a store that you are familiar with. Imagine that it disappears one day, along with its owner, staff, and inventory. Write a story of that day. How do people react? What kind of unsettling, exciting, and contradictory behaviours does this strange phenomenon trigger in your characters?
Writing Prompt 3
Write a story of a character going down a road that does not end. Imagine that this road stretches from the centre of your city towards any direction outwards or even upwards. Does this character have a destination in mind? Are they a local or a traveller? Why are they on this road?