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Every writer needs a break from the everyday jumble of big projects. Taking time to let the creative juices flow into a small, not serious project. Being creative means that you can do just that.

That is why I’ve started Scenes by Jennifer Leigh.

Scenes by Jennifer Leigh is a new segment in 2019 where the scenes have been picked using a random number generator and will be around 400-500 words. I started with a numbered list of different genres and settings I thought would be fun to write about. Then I randomly selected 12 numbers for genres and 12 number for settings. From that list, I found out what my writing prompts were for the year.

If you remember in 2018, I wrote a continuous short story titled, Thanks to Science. Which you can read from the beginning by clicking over to the first post or getting a free ebook download by subscribing to my emailer list. Many people enjoyed reading that story, but these scenes will not be continuous.

Instead, Scenes by Jennifer Leigh is taking an approach from something I learned in my Coursera classes. To work on a small snippet of a scene that’s completely out of your element just for fun. It breaks up that everyday boredom of your current WIP and brings a flavor of spice to your writing life.

Over the next year, I’ll be posting a story following the above schedule. The genre and setting have been picked. Now, it’s up to pure creativity to make this happen.

And if you’d like to join and follow these prompts, I’d love for you to link me to your stories either in the comments or via email (boundtowriting@gmail.com) and I’ll showcase your amazing pieces in next month’s post!

An RV Styled Romance

written by Jennifer Leigh

The engine roars to life inside the RV. Trevor lets the hood fall back into place and I can see the flatland of dirt surrounding us. Nowhere near civilization.

Trevor wipes away the beads of sweat from his forehead a black smudge leaving a trail.

I smile.

When he steps into the RV again he tilts his head. “Enjoy the view?”

I look away, not the first time he’s caught me staring at him. “Never.” I hold back a grin.

Trevor and I have been friends since third grade. I moved to Riverton with my parents and he was my first friend. It’s been that way ever since. Even when he dated Stephanie sophomore year. I never liked her.

“Next time, check the transmission fluid before dragging me along on a trip.”

His smile makes my heart flutter. “I don’t even know what that is.”

“I would show you, but it’s a sauna out there.” He picks up a dish towel and wipes his head. “Why didn’t you tell me I had oil on my forehead? Nevermind. So where to next?”

I glance at my phone. “I have no service out here and the last sign was a ‘Welcome to Oklahoma’ sign. If we follow this road without making any turns, we might be back on track.” I grip my hands around the wheel.

Trevor sits in the passenger seat. “Nick, the one with the plan, doesn’t have printed directions?” He laughs.

“I did, but you had me take 44 instead of 40. I have no idea where we are all because you wanted an adventure.” I wish I could keep the flush in my cheeks hidden like I do my smile when he’s around.

“Life’s always about a good adventure. Besides, what is a road trip without a detour or two?” He play punches my arm.

I grab my arm, feigning pain. I stand up, needing to get a drink before we head off on the road again.

“I know you can handle more than that. You’re the one that used to skateboard into telephone poles remember?”

I laugh remembering the scars and blood-stained jeans my mom had to clean up every time we went outside. “My lack of coordination didn’t stop you from hanging out with me.”

“There has always been something about you.” He pulls me onto his lap and kisses my check.

The butterflies in my stomach explode throughout my body. I’ll never get used to this. I turn my head and our lips meet.