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Writing Prompt Wednesdays: Driving Home For Xmas

Welcome to “Writing Prompt Wednesdays,” a haven where your imagination can roam free in the realms of speculative fiction. As we embark on this weekly journey, it’s thrilling to think about the untold stories waiting to be penned in the domains of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a budding wordsmith, these prompts are your gateway to unexplored worlds and untapped potentials.

Every Wednesday, we’ll serve up a fresh, thought-provoking prompt designed to ignite your creative spark and challenge your storytelling prowess. Think of these prompts as a key, unlocking the doors to uncharted territories where your creativity is the only limit. From eerie, shadow-laden corridors of Gothic horror to the farthest reaches of interstellar space, and the mystical depths of high fantasy, our prompts are a kaleidoscope of possibilities.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to approach these prompts. They are mere stepping stones, guiding you towards the vast landscapes of your imagination. Use them to break free from writer’s block, to experiment with new ideas, or simply as a fun exercise to keep your writing skills sharp.

This week’s writing prompt:

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Celebrate Christmas Among the Dead in Mexico City

At a glance: This trip to Mexico City will see you lodging in the haunted Edificio Rio de Janeiro, or “the Witches House”; attending a traditional midnight mass on Christmas Eve at one of two creepy Cathedrals; visiting the spooky Island of the Dolls; and reading Monstrilio by Gerardo Samano Cordova while eating worm salt gelato. 

Mexico City’s colonial history and neo-colonial present ensures that more than a few spirits still roam the capital’s streets and take residence in her buildings. The land now known as Mexico was invaded by Spain in 1519, in a mission led by Hernan Cortes. The ensuing battles among Spanish troops and Indigenous tribes ended two years later, with Cortes declaring victory over the land. The Spanish men proceeded to impose their seed on the indigenous women and girls, leading to the eventual widespread miscegenation of the two peoples, creating the Mexican “race”. The Spanish imposed their religion too. Catholicism continues to guide the political, social, and private lives of all Mexicans, whether they practice Catholicism or not (though the majority of them do). Such conditions, unfortunately, often guarantee the presence of spirits, and the rise of coping rituals. No matter your stance on organized religion or the existence of almighty deities, when visiting Mexico City be prepared to embrace and heavily respect the religious cultural practices and the resulting (haunting) wonders that the residents’ belief systems have inspired over the centuries.

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