Premise Assignment

Assignment: In no fewer than 300 words, describe a story premise OF YOUR OWN that you think meets Maass's four criteria (plausibility, inherent conflict, originality, gut appeal).

Sarah Pilson and Jacob Archer were high school sweethearts. They met during their sophomore year English class. Sarah tutored Jacob; he couldn’t seem to understand the difference between who and whom, their, there and they’re and whoever and whomever. Sarah helped him pass the class. From that point on, they were inseparable…until their graduation. Sarah was set to attend Syracuse University in August while Jacob chose to enlist at Marine Corps University in Virginia. The two parted ways on mutual terms, wanting simply what was best for the other and hoping that one day fate would bring them back together.

While Sarah grew into her occupation, becoming the youngest ESPN female sports reporter at the ripe age of 24, Jacob completed his marine tour and grew into other things…one of which included marriage.

Jacob returns home, to rural New Jersey, to tell his parents about his engagement. On his visit home, he stumbles across his favorite old coffee shop, “Sips”. Since Jacob ordered at least two coffees from Sips every day during his high school career, he was very friendly with the owner, Mr. Sykes.

Mr. Sykes informs Jacob that he’s going to sell the shop because he’s gotten too old and can’t run it anymore. Jacob ends up buying, and running, the shop.

That same weekend, Sarah had to return home as well to prepare her parents for her little brother’s graduation from Louisiana State University, where he was the starting quarterback. Sara, not knowing that Jacob has just bought Sips, wanders in expecting to find Mr. Sykes. When she walks up to the counter, she comes face to face with Jacob, the one man that she’s ever truly loved.

The two rekindle their relationship, despite Jacob having a fiancé. The next morning though, Jacob is called by his commanding officer and is informed that he needs to immediately return to battle. Despite the sparks that flew between the two the night before, Jacob leaves. Sarah, who refuses to let Jacob slip through her fingers again, decides to follow him into battle.