Writing Prompt Story Starter: Walk Your Dog Month

This Story Starter is inspired by the fact that January is National Walk Your Dog Month.

I’ve been reading about it this week. One reason it takes place in January may be that this time of year can sometimes be the least appealing time to go for regular walks.

If you can brave the elements, dog-walking, or indeed any kind of walking, brings lots of benefits. It’s a good form of exercise, of course, and it’s also good to get out and get some fresh air – now more than ever, when we’re indoors most of the time and staying home as much as possible, with central heating on and windows closed for the most part.

It’s also a good time to think, get a change of scenery, and spend some time away from screens – TV, mobile phones and laptops are taking up so much of our time at the moment.

So – I thought there may be some interesting ideas to spark a story or two here, this week.

Man’s best friend

As it’s Walk Your Dog Month – man’s best friend. And woman’s!

Animals we love and look after. Pets, of all kinds. Working animals. Guide dogs, and hearing dogs.

Dog person? Cat person? Both?

Rescue pets.

Getting a pet in lockdown.

Incidentally, when you’re planning a story, it can help to imagine how it may be illustrated. Pets lend themselves to interesting artwork.

Socially distanced walks

Walking – socially-distanced, of course. Getting out for your daily exercise in lockdown. Blowing away the cobwebs.

Meeting a friend for a socially-distanced walk?

Walking – where? On a beach? In the hills?

At the moment, we’re all being asked to remain close to home – so, getting to know our own neighbourhood or neighbours better? Seeing things that have always been there, with fresh eyes?

Getting motivated to get up and out. A journey of a thousand miles beginning with a single step.

Looking for more inspiration? Click here to pick out another Story Starter.