I don’t think I’ve laughed at a piece of prose as much as this one. Several years on, and I keep going back to laugh so more. I’m not sure if it’s actually a story, but I do love how McSweeneys have taken it even further by publishing actual stories based on these prompts. It’s all genius – even if, as a creative writing tutor, I feel both seen and mocked. 

First published in McSweeneys, May 2006