The first of many Prompt Banks

So I see you've clicked on this fic. This is not like most fics where you read about somepony doing who-knows-what with who-knows-who ("But they're so cute, though", I hear you say. I agree but that's not my point.)

^
(cheeky "Real Slim Shady" reference)

This little fic contains, I hope, the best story prompts that I can provide. But what sets this apart from a normal prompt book (which I have seen, like, none of on this site; shame on you boiz) is that there's a little bit of a challenge/incentive for writing one of these. Note, these are optional, but I still recommend you do them.

The prompts will be classified into categories (comedy, drama, sci-fi, crossover, and so on), and each entry in this will contain a handful of prompts within those categories. Some prompts are more detailed than others but that should be fine too. I rated this book T since some of the story ideas deal with some serious issues (particularly the one with the working title "Stay Strong".)

I had originally intended to try and make these MLP stories into audio dramas complete with voice acting and all that. But since I'm too lazy and wouldn't know where to start with those projects, and since I've already got a full-time job writing my next novel, I figured I'd give away these prompts for you lot, starting with this chapter. Enclosed are several prompts I think might help you figure out your next giant fanfic project!

Here are a few story ideas I thought of but I've decided to let others write. Feel free to take these concepts and do what you want with them. PLEASE NOTE: the "Rules" attached to these things are all optional, you have as much freedom as possible in these.

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1. "Stay Strong"

SUMMARY:
Granny Smith passes away and leaves the Apple family distraught and emotionally taxed, particularly Applejack. Things get more complicated when Granny wills her a massive inheritance. In the midst of her deepest, darkest grief, comfort comes to Applejack from the last pony she expects.

Rules:
-Try to figure out how to fit grief into this story in a way that would be believable in an actual episode of MLP.
-Have a theme based around it being OK to cry, possibly with Pinkie Pie as the comforter for Applejack.
-Maybe have Twilight be panicking in her attempt to be with the grieving Applejack while at the same time organizing the funeral for her friend's fallen grandmother

2. (untitled)

SUMMARY:
Rarity publishes a romance novel, but becomes so obsessed with what other ponies think about it and with attacking her haters that she makes herself miserable.

Rules:
-Show that criticism can be good, even if sometimes it hurts, and fighting all criticism is not a good idea.
-Showcase the most cliche material ever for snippets of Rarity's novel.

3. "Sweet Apple Innovation"

SUMMARY:

In the wake of Granny Smith's passing, Applejack's Aunt Pippin arrives at Sweet Apple Acres to help her expand the family business. However, Aunt Pippin begins to overhaul Sweet Apple Acres to make it more profitable and modern, sacrificing the quality of the farm's products in the process. Can Applejack convince her that the Apple family business is more than numbers on a spreadsheet?

Rules:
-The moral has to be "quality over quantity", and if you can figure out different ways to illustrate this message.
-Introduce a love interest for Applejack in this story as a minor character (I'm straight and I don't hate, so if you want Applejack as a lesbian in your take on this prompt, more power to you)

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That's all for now! Thanks guys!