made-to-order story

English

Noun

made-to-order story (plural made-to-order stories)

1. A story (fictional narrative) improvised by the teller based on elements suggested by the listener.
   • 1940, Edwina Fallis, The Child and Things, page 170:

     The teacher may introduce the first made-to-order story thus: She places the table before her and says, "Patty, go to the Tell-Me-a-Story book and bring me three things that you want me to have in the story I am going to tell."

   • 2008, Rosamond Wolff Purcell, Linnea Suzanne Hall, René Corado, Egg & Nest, page 188:

     The elements for this made-to-order story come from all corners of the archives, which contain so much.

   • 1998, Celia Correas de Zapata, Isabel Allende: Life and Spirits, page 202:

     Every night when we tucked you into bed, you gave me a subject or a first sentence, and in three seconds I would create a made-to-order story. Since then I have lost the knack for instant inspiration, but I hope it isn't dead […]