Do you ever look at a writing prompt and question whose bright idea it was? Well, that is how I feel about today’s western writing prompt.

Because I used a random number generator to decide these prompt, the probability that some would come out a bit wonky is a possibility. However, this one is stretching the limits. I thought my most difficult prompt was writing a Mythology scene at the movies, but now I’ve been faced with a different dilemma. How am I going to write a western scene set in a scrap yard? It’s anyone’s guess!

So shall we see how this western writing prompt turns out? I think we should!

Writing Prompt: Write a 400-500 word scene where your characters are thrown into a western that takes place at a scrapyard. 

Did you write this prompt? Share with me by emailing boundtowriting@gmail.com and I’ll share it in next month’s writing prompt!

Saddle Up For Carriage Parts

Written by Jennifer Leigh

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I pass through the saloon doors. There is no time to waste. Ever since Pa stole off with my cart, I need a way to transport my product to the other towns. 

The dry dirt dusts up around my feet as I walk down the main road of town. The wooden buildings surround me on both sides, only opening up to showcase a slim alleyway scattered with barrels of ale. 

Just outside of town, in the barren desert, stands the parts yard. Johnny, the owner of this old place, has no sense of order. Wheels, wood pieces, and screws scatter across the yard. You never know if you’ll find what you need here, but it’s the only chance I’ve got to make a new cart for my products.

I walk inside the tiny shack set in the middle of the large, disastrous yard. Johnny is sitting at a table positioned in the middle of the room. 

“Hey, partner!” He greets me with a smile. 

“How’s it going, sir?” I close the door behind me. 

There are more scattered parts in here than I remember from the last time. Surely more carts haven’t broken down in only a week. Or maybe Johnny has been doing some of this usual rearranging.

“Now there is no need to call me sir, Patrick. You’re grown now. I go by Johnny.”

“I’m only 18, sir.” Johnny scowls at me. “I mean Johnny.”

He smiles. “Yes, but you are a man. Now, what brings you in to my yard of parts.” He stacks together several parts of what looks to be a wheel on his table before standing up.

“You see, my Pa stole my cart to leave with his mistress. Now, I have nothing to bring my products to the people in town.”

Johnny’s head bounces. He walks toward the door and motions for me to follow. I do.

We are outside and halfway through the yard before Johnny says anything. 

“I don’t have an intact cart to sell to you. But these here pieces should do the trick.” He points to a pile of splintered wood. “I’ll even help you put it together.” He bends down and picks up a nice looking piece of wood. 

“You don’t have to do that. I can build my own cart.”

Johnny stops fiddling with the wood pieces and faces me. “Business has been slow in these parts. Keep an old man company and I’ll cut you a good deal.”

I hesitate before speaking. “Let’s get started.”

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Well, this definitely is a different story than I’m used to writing. I hope you all enjoyed today’s writing prompt! I’ll see you back here next month with the last writing prompt of 2019!

What did you think of this western scene? Do you think it should be a longer story? Do you enjoy these writing prompts? Talk writing with me in the comments below!

Check out Previous Writing Prompts.

Want to read Jennifer Leigh’s Novel, Not Like Everyone Else?

Check out Jennifer Leigh’s Novella, The Stranger I Knew.

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