An Eagle In The Snow
A WWII story by Michael Morpurgo
Today’s writing prompts are inspired by Michael Morpurgo’s WWI story An Eagle In The Snow (2015).
Description
Billy Byron was one of the most decorated privates of the First World War, recognised for his unrivalled bravery. But what if it were possible to save one too many lives?
As a soldier, Billy spared the life of a man after a battle in 1918. But when he later recognises him as Hitler, Billy is haunted by his own kindness and attempts to change the course of history. But going against his nature might prove harder than Billy expected, even when it means stopping evil in its tracks. . .
Writing prompt: Stranger on a train
Create a character on a train journey. A stranger sits on the seat opposite your character (or in the same carriage if, like the story, it’s a historical piece). Your character thinks they recognise the stranger from somewhere. But from where? Maybe it’s not a chance meeting after all. Where do they know each other from? And why have they met again here?
What is the stranger’s agenda? Are they looking for revenge? Are they a spy? A criminal on the run? A long lost relative?
For added interest, set the scene on a steam train, in the past. Describe the sound of the train, the sight of steam, the old fashioned train stations.
Writing prompt: Story teller
Now imagine that the stranger, like the man in the story, has a story to tell. Not just any story, but a story about a brave soldier in World War I. What is the story? What nationality is the soldier? Is it a story about heroism and sacrifice? Or a story about a deserter or a traitor? Why does the stranger feel compelled to share the story now?
If it helps, feel free to tell a story from any conflict, whether modern or further back in the past.
Readers
Read this book for a thought provoking story about one man’s heroism in World War I, based on the true story of Private Henry Tandey VC and his chance meeting with Adolf Hitler in the trenches.
Writers
Read the introduction and the afterward to learn about some of the sources of inspiration for Michael Morpurgo’s historical novels. It’s a great insight into one of the ways one of our must successful writers generates story ideas.
An Eagle In the Snow, at under 25,000 words, is also a great example of a short novel. A small cast of characters small and simple plot helps keep the word count down. If you’re learning to write novels, then why not start with a short book? It’s much easier to finish the first draft and revise what you’ve done.
More resources
I would love more writers to hear about this project. If you know someone who would like what I’m doing here, please tell them about it.