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What is a 'Jackpot'?

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mistressposte View Drop Down
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    Posted: 28 Mar 2023 at 7:11am
This may seem like a stupid question, but I am struggling to pin it down in a way that I'm happy with

My husband and lots of definitions say that it should be a prize (usually a large sum of money) that is won after a lottery or competition of some sort

However, I find that entirely uninspiring.

Some definitions say an 'unexpected win' but that doesn't fit in with the story that I want to write!

I want the 'criminals' to know exactly what they are going after (their 'jackpot') and we watch how they go about getting it. Do you think that counts?!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nickwascreative Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2023 at 8:36am
Hey, mistressposte!

I personally think a Jackpot is any large win. I often say I hit the jackpot when my wife said ‘yes’ hehe. 

I think the magic in the prompts is what you make of it. Maybe the criminals find what they're looking for, but they hit another unsuspecting jackpot to elevate their story, or add more drama/danger to their situation. Maybe the jackpot is so big it’d be impossible for them to extract all of it. Maybe the unsuspecting jackpot distracts them from their ultimate goal. Maybe an individual wins a jackpot or attempts to hit the jackpot even though it’s a detriment to the team?

Just some thoughts. I hope they help stir some new ideas!

Good luck and happy writing!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2023 at 9:16am
My .02:
my first thought after reading your prompts was to play with the vegetarian part as more than just a characteristic...maybe like a vegetarian's motherlode would be the jackpot.  Who says a jackpot needs to be money?


Edited by LoboGal26 - 28 Mar 2023 at 9:16am
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mistressposte View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mistressposte Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2023 at 9:25am
Thank you for getting back to me

In asking the question, I somehow found inspiration! This is their jackpot, it doesn't have to be a huge, obvious jackpot. All that matters is that it matters to them.

Thanks! x 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Popsicle Crows Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2023 at 1:55pm
oops, I just left an answer in the other thread.

repeat:
Hmm, first thing I thought of with jackpot and vegetarian is someone finding an heirloom tomato that tastes like bacon. 

Jackpot doesn't have to be the traditional casino win, it could be what anyone considers a huge win FOR THEM. 
"I found the jackpot when I found Ms. Clairol's Rage Red haircolour." LOL
Everyone has a different idea of what their personal jackpot is. Might be someone stealing a recipe or the one car that their hero actually drove in their favourite movie. 
If you think of jackpot as the ultimate prize, it could open up some possibilities as long as we know that it's the be-all and end-all in the character's eyes?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Christian Major Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 2023 at 2:15pm
Jackpot tends to make me recall Fight Club, when Tyler/The Narrator get in the dumpster of the medical clinic and find the bags of [redacted]:

"Paydirt!"

It's their jackpot. It's not money, but it has real value to them
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