How-To: Creative Writing Assignment

Don’t go into the basement alone. Those footsteps aren’t your neighbor.
Don’t go looking for her. She’s gone.
Don’t be a teenager in the woods. There’s always less of you who leave.
Don’t think the map leads to the treasure. And don’t think you’re the only one looking.
Don’t think the doctor locks his office to protect you. It’s to protect him.
Don’t move into the abandoned house. Especially the one with the attic nailed shut.
Don’t throw a seance. And wait for the rain to stop.
Don’t go to sleep. Ever.
Don’t open the box. It’s not what you think.
Don’t get suspicious. Curiosity killed the cat.
Don’t hide in the kitchen. Everything there is trying to kill you.
Don’t talk about your future. You haven’t got one.
Don’t be smart. No-one likes a winner.
Don’t think your first instinct is right. It might be your last.
Don’t think the covers will protect you. A high thread count provides inadequate defense from the jaws of evil.
Don’t see what’s behind the door. It’s never good.
Don’t get mad. The oxygen is running out.
Don’t stop for gas. The only thing for sale is nightmare fuel.
Don’t listen to the voices in your head. Even if they’re singing happy birthday.
Don’t go into the water. You’re always going to need a bigger boat.
Don’t go outside into the fog. That’s where it hides.
Don’t think your mother told you to do it. It was always going to be you.
Don’t watch the tape. The girl is inside.
Don’t be the babysitter. And never answer the door.
Don’t assume the teacher will help. They were once you.
Don’t hitchhike. Walking is better for you.
Don’t get bit. It never ends well for you or them.
Don’t try to eat the evidence. It doesn’t digest.
Don’t believe there’s cell service here. There’s only the icy reception of the locals.
Don’t think the island is peaceful. The welcome signs are just for show.
Don’t ask for directions. They all lead to hell.
Don’t split up. It’s the last you’ll see of them.
Don’t think you’ve killed him. You haven’t.
Don’t assume there’s a sequel. This is it.
Don’t think the doll can’t hear you. It’s been listening for centuries.
Don’t play God. Sin is punishable.
Don’t bury the body. Because you’re next.
Don’t invite the clown to the party. His smile is painted on for a reason.
Don’t think you can start the car. The battery is dead and so are you.
Don’t blame it on your mom. This was all you.
Don’t wave. You’ll be waving goodbye.
Don’t think it’s over when the credits roll. You’re still sat in the dark.
Don’t be the cheerleader. Understand that there are better choices for the woods.
Don’t say you care. We all know you don’t.
Don’t say you don’t know. They’ll smell blood in the water.
Don’t wear red. You’ll be the first against the wall.
Don’t give up. There’s always time.
Don’t start praying. He will not hear you.
Don’t believe blue matters more than black. Ever.
Don’t get stopped. It is not routine.
Don’t resist. They are looking for an excuse.
Don’t scream. It only adds to the paperwork.
Don’t run. It gives them license.
Don’t reach for it. They will reach too.

---