My writing group fell apart after I shared a prompt about a sentient coffee machine

We were meeting at the library in Springfield, just four of us trying to get a weekly group going. I brought a prompt about a coffee machine that gains consciousness and its first thought is that the office manager's latte order is deeply pretentious. I thought it was funny. But one member, Mark, got really quiet and then said, 'That's not a real story, it's just a joke.' The mood tanked, people argued about what makes a 'valid' prompt, and the group never met again. I felt bad because I just wanted a light idea to break the ice. Has anyone else had a prompt totally backfire and kill the vibe of a writing session?

3 comments

3 Comments

aaron70825d ago

My cousin tried a prompt about a talking toaster at a retreat once. Honestly, it caused a two hour fight about allegory versus slapstick. Tbh some people just take their writing way too seriously.

spencer_hayes7125d ago

What did the toaster even say though?

janab8216d ago

Honestly, the toaster's exact line matters way less than the group's vibe. Been in that workshop where a silly joke turns into a whole philosophy debate. Best move is to just pick a direction and commit, like having it complain about being unplugged. Arguing over deep meaning for a kitchen appliance prompt just kills the fun, and the writing time.