J. Mark Miller | A Writer's Fantasy |

Here’s a writing prompt to start off you week. This one plays to a fairly common literary cliché, but with a bit of a twist.

The Fork in the Road

You come to a divergence along your path.

To the left is a familiar road, but one which you have not traversed in years. You’ve heard stories from travelers who weave tales about how things have changed. As you peer off into the distance you can just make out the skyline of a massive city that did not exist the last time you passed through. Though no one ever speaks of any danger, there always seems to be some secret they are holding back.

On the right is a road you’ve always considered exploring, but have yet to put a foot upon. This path is known far and wide throughout the land, yet you’ve never met anyone who’s ever trod its length. Rumors abound about what lies at the end of that road, but no one has ever returned from the journey. Some say it leads to a place of wonder so magnificent that anyone who visits there never desires to return to their old life. Others speculate it is a horrible place which, once visited, can never be escaped.

Which path do you choose? Write about what you see there.