Problem: Continue the following story.

They were lighting the sticks with matches, but preferred the lighters, so the 
Here's how I want to continue it: lighters were quickly utilized.

Problem: Continue the following story.

Carrie was training Emily to be a ventriloquist, and 
Here's how I want to continue it: Emily had been wanting to learn ventriloquism for a very long time.

Problem: Continue the following story.

Lindsey loves to study and delves deeply into her subjects, Emily does not therefore 
Here's how I want to continue it:
Emily  plans to be a stripper.