Today's Writing Prompt: Art

This morning you woke up and realized you've suddenly become the most talented artist of our time. What will be your first work of art today?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Beth

A photo montage self-portrait...

When you stand up close to view it, you will see the moments of my life... the people who have affected me, from one-time encounters to daily sacrifices... the moments that have shaped my character and defined my existance.

And when you step back, you will see ME, face and hands uplifted in praise to the Lord...

...showing that it is all of the singular moments together that define who I have become, and that MY Creator is to be highly praised.

Congratulations, Beth!  I could picture this artwork and I know it would be beautiful.  Feel free to put another One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)!

Today's Writing Prompt: Energy

With fossil fuels dwindling, create a plan (realistic or fantasy) for ensuring there is enough energy for generations to come.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Leslie Jackson

I know about water power, solar power and wind power. What about PRISONER POWER?!?!?

We should put life sentence prisoners in large hampster wheel looking contraptions. When they run, it could supply energy to the entire nation.

Ok...there are kinks to this system, I'm sure, but we could figure it out! lol

Congratulations, Leslie!  Now, I'm not making any political statements by choosing you as a winner; I just find the idea of human hamsters funny.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blogs!

Today's Writing Prompt: Inanimate object

Write from the point of view of an inanimate object.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  beckiwithani

Hey, 7th grade boy. Yeah, you over there. My name is Deodorant. I know, you don't think you need me. You didn't need me last year, maybe even not last week. But the hormones are kicking in, young man. Puberty's here.

YOU. NEED. ME.

Do I have to embarrass you by telling you how bad your teacher's classroom smells after your class leaves?

Congratulations, beckiwithani, on another win!  As much as I enjoyed your response, I'm glad I couldn't be there to experience it!

Today's Writing Prompt: War

If you were all-powerful, would you stop all war? If so, how?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Steve

I ouwld stop war by mandating that all wars be fought soley by the presidents or kings or prime ministers of the hostile nations. I would require them to battle to the death in a pit of skunk vomit,while their samer citizens find better leaders. I think this mandate would do the trick.

Congratulations, Steve! Great response--funny and thought-provoking. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Neighbor

If you could pick any famous person to live next door to you, who would it be?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  FaerieMama

Gandhi. No wait...Buddha. Yes. he's be inspiring, AND quiet!

Congratulations, FaerieMama!  I really enjoyed reading your witty response.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Ink

If you have tattoos, describe one of them. If you don't, what would your tattoo look like if you ever got one?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Sarah

I do have a tattoo:

It's a phoenix. However, I was going to get a bat for the first five years that I wanted ink. I thought of myself as a dark person who only came out at night. I had severe insomnia and depression and felt that the bat was the perfect representation of who I was inside.

But then I was reborn. I started my life anew in a new state, with new friends and a new school. I immediately changed my perspective on who I was. I was a phoenix. Reborn brighter and more beautiful than I ever was before. I got this lovely bird on my 27th birthday a little over a year ago.

Congratulations on another win, Sarah! The symbolism behind your almost-tattoo and your actual tattoo is a beautiful story. The tattoo is beautiful too!

Today's Writing Prompt: Shocking

Write a short, fictional paragraph about someone finding out some shocking news. Write in first person ("I," "me.")

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: L to the Aura

I looked her up and down. Her hair was frayed and dirty, her skin caked with mud. She was thinner and more frail. I gazed into her eyes and she gazed back. I saw pain and anguish. It was evident that her eyes had stories to tell. There was experience and a distinct twinkle in them that comes only from new knowledge. I attempted to speak.
"I... I thought you were dead! I was at your funeral!"
"Sit down," she replied. "We have much to discuss."

Congratulations, L to the Aura! I have to say, these were some of my favorite responses to read, and probably my favorite to write. L, I loved your response--I wish this was The One-Hour Writer instead of The One-Minute Writer, because I want to keep reading! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Castaway

You have been stuck on a desert island, alone, for 30 days. Write a diary entry.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Purest Green

I am kept alive by the music in my head, and the rhythm of the poetry that washes up from the waves. I fall into swing with this simple, languid chant, and dig my feet deeper into the sand. Surrounded by such beauty, my slow demise feels somehow erotic. I almost look forward to the end, when I can lie flush against the sand and feel the sunset absorb me into the dying light.

Congratulations, Purest Green! Your response truly had a tide-like rhythm, and I felt myself swaying a bit as I read it. Emotional and beautiful! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Toy

Describe a new toy you'd like to design.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Dan Felstead

It would have to have a big nose. All great toys have big noses. When you press the nose, it's eyes light up and a squeaky squeaky sound comes out from somewhere beneath. It has a beanbag bottom that stays put no matter how you place it. Fur is an option but fur or no fur it would be soft to the touch with a built in heater so it is always warm and cuddly. One lone tooth is visible as it permanently smiles...not a big Ha Ha smile but a "I'm here when you need me smile". I would take it with me wherever I go.

Congratulations on another win, Dan! The detail in your response was great--your writing created pictures in my mind. You know where the One-Minute Writer WINNER! button is if you'd like another one on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Holiday

Create a holiday to be observed every January 22nd.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Hestias Gem

We should take this day and give thanks and praise to all the checking and savings accounts, debit and credit cards that sacrificed so much during the holiday season. Take the time to say a small invocation for a fast and painless recovery for these fallen comrades. They give so much. *sniff*

Congratulations, Hestias Gem! I loved the humor of your response. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Danger

What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?

Thanks to Hope for this prompt! Be sure to visit Hope's blog, Take Serious Thing Seriously.

Hope, if you'd like a One-Minute Writer Contributor button on your blog, click here.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: A Closet Writer

I auditioned at our local community theatre for a musical. I risked being booed, hissed,food being thrown at me and being kicked off the stage. It never happened, but it could have! I didn't get the part, no surprise there.

Congratulations, A Closet Writer! Your writing described such a common fear, and I think it's fantastic that you confronted that fear. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Walls

If your walls could talk, what would they say?

Thanks to C.J. for this prompt! Visit C.J.'s blog, Pro Artz.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Butternut Squash

My 232 year old walls would say, "Relax honey, I've seen it all before... Wait a second, what's that? A black president, well that's new. It's about time!"

Congratulations, Butternut Squash! Your post was both witty and wise. Feel free to put the One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Obama

You find yourself somehow sitting next to Barack Obama on a plane, the day before his inauguration. What do you say to him?

Thank you, beckiwithani, for this prompt! Visit Becki's blog, The Veganish Experiment.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Chanel

After I stopped cheesing and crying at the same time i'd shake his hand and tell him how much I admire his calm under pressure, his intellect and his great oratory skills. I'd tell him how much i ADORE First Lady Michelle and for him to tell her I said HI! I'd tell him to kiss the girls (Sasha & Malia) for me and then i'd ask if I could have a word of prayer for him, his beautiful family and for our country.

Congratulations, Chanel! I enjoyed the heartfelt emotion in your writing. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)!

Today's Writing Prompt: Book

Write a one-minute review of the last book you finished reading.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Marc

The Reapers by John Connolly.

Not so much about bringing in the harvest... unless the harvest is souls.

It's about two men who make their living by killing, but they have morals and they're funny and you want them to win.

Then the tables are turned and they're trapped and then the big surprise is... oh, time's up.

I guess you'll have to read it for yourself.

Marc, I liked your tactic of building up suspense, then encouraging us to read the book ourselves. Congratulations on the win, and feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)!

Today's Writing Prompt: Poem

Write a rhyming poem in a minute.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

I'm feeling generous today reading all these great poems, so I've chosen two winners!  These are both witty and fun.  Winners, feel free to put One-Minute Writer WINNER buttons on your blogs!

Writer 1:  Rachel Cotterill

I struggle to rhyme
Given infinite time
So how can I win it
In less than a minute?
Well this, I supppose,
Is why I write prose....

Winner 2: Hedgie

Two Minis

"Cat, Moving"

A blur
of fur.

"Dog, Greeting"

A lunge
of tongue.

Today's Writing Prompt: Love

What human being loves you the most?  How do you know?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Suzie School Secretary

Without a doubt, it is my husband of 15 years. He not only tells me every chance he gets, he shows me. He washes the dishes when I've had a long day, he always has hugs and kisses waiting for me. Honestly, if he got to spend the entire day with me, it still would not be enough. I have to admit, I feel the same way about him.

Congratulations, Suzie! I found your response so heartwarming and genuine. Feel free to put the One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Cry

What is the last thing that made you cry?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Thank you to everyone who shared yesterday.  I know the prompt brought up some difficult memories.

Winner:  Janet

My 11 year old son came home from school yesterday and was greeted by his little, 3 year old, brother who adores him. Big brother bent down and looked little brother in the eye. He said, "I missed you." Little brother gasped and said, "you did?!" as he wrapped his little arms around his hero's neck.
Genuine and heartfelt love always makes me cry and writing about it has made me cry all over again.

Janet, I can picture this scene, and if it had been my kids it would have made me cry too. In fact, I think I may have gotten a little misty-eyed when I first read your description of it! Congratulations on the win, and feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blogs!

Today's Writing Prompt: Laugh

What is the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  beckiwithani

I had given my 7th graders a progress report reflection to do: they were to look at their grades and write about their strongest and weakest points in class, and how they could improve.

One sweet young man with not-the-best spelling skills wrote quite a bit about how he isn't good at taking tests. Except he spelled it "testes". "I have trouble with my testes" ... "Testes always confuse me" ... "I want to improve my testes" ...

Congratulations, beckiwithani!  This was hilarious, and I thought it appropriate that the winning "Laugh" post be one that is likely to make readers giggle, guffaw, and snort.

Today's Writing Prompt: Teach

What information or skill would you like to teach to others?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  L.M.

I would like to bestow upon the world the gift of small talk. Is there anything more trying on the nerves than an attempt to chat with someone who cannot carry a conversation? I fear small talk is a dying art and we as humans will soon forget how to converse about the weather, the traffic, and the Leafs game last night. It is a passtime that should not be underestimated in its power, and should be treasured and studied for its delicate intricacies.

Congratulations, L.M.!  You response was truly unique and made me think about something I've never pondered.  If you have a blog, feel free to put the One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on it.

Today's Writing Prompt: History

If you could live for a year at a different time in history, what time would you choose?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

The results of the poll are in!  Congratulations, Sarah, you are the One-Minute Writer of the Day!

Winner:  Sarah

Though I am quite content with my modern marvels, I would love to live in an earlier time if I could go back as a man.

For how could I stop the cruel injustice of the witch trials as a mere woman? How could I pal around with the likes of Galileo and HP Lovecraft unless I could stay out late with them and not have people make assumptions about my lifestyle.

So many points in history would be a glorious moment to explore were I afforded the modern rights I have to explore them.

Congratulations, Sarah, on another win!  You made a great statement, and you consistently write in a style that I--and obviously others--enjoy.  Feel free to put the One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Photo

What one moment in your past do you wish was immortalized in a photograph?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Dan Felstead

The moment we adopted our son and saw him...and he us...for the first time. Both scanning each other...a look that will remain in my memory forever...but no camera was present.

Congratulations on another win, Dan!  I wish you had a picture of that moment too....  It must have been one of the most beautiful moments of your life, and I appreciated the glimpse of it that you gave by writing about it.  If you'd like another WINNER! button, you know where to find them!

Sorry for the delayed announcement of today's winner--I didn't realize I hadn't named one!  Thanks to beckiwithani for letting me know!

Today's Writing Prompt: Assistant

If you could hire someone full-time to make your life easier, what would their duties be?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Scriptor Senex

Chauffeur, handyman and dish washer. (Or chauffeuse, handy person and dish washer).

!Take me to the park, James, and when we get back can you sort out that leaking tap in the downstairs loo? Oh yes, and cut the front hedge will you."

Dream on, little boy, dream on...

Scriptor Senex, I'll dream on with you--that sounds like an assistant I'd like to have! And I love your witty way with words. Feel free to put the One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Money

Can money buy happiness?

Thank you, Laura, for submitting this prompt!  Be sure to visit Laura's blog, What in the World?

And time for C. Beth to 'fess up.  As I was reviewing the prompt suggestions Laura sent me a few weeks ago, I realized I'd used one of them without giving her credit for it.  It was unintentional, and I apologize.  The prompt "The Best" on December 30 was from Laura. I'm editing the original post and just wanted to thank Laura for the great list of prompt ideas she sent me!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Sherri

Money can't buy happiness.

It can rent happiness.

It can lease happiness.

It tries to steal happiness.

It can put "money down" on happiness.

It can foreclose on happiness, temporarily, but happiness is an amazing thing...it always comes back swinging!

Congratulations, Sherri! You gave the topic a unique spin and said a lot with few words. Very nice response. Feel free to put the One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blogs.

Today's Writing Prompt: Nickel

"If I had a nickel for every time (__fill in the blank__), I'd be rich!"

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Anonymous

If I had a nickel for every time a politician changed his/her policies after being elected, I'd be rich, but I'd end up in the poorhouse after being taxed to death for it...

Congratulations, Anonymous! If you'd like me to credit you for this very funny answer, e-mail me at cbethblog(at)gmail(dot)com!

Today's Writing Prompt: Senses

If you had to lose one of your five senses, which would you choose?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Patrice

As someone who lost most of her sense of smell twenty years ago after a head injury, I can attest to the fact that the senses are linked. Losing ones sense of smell means more than "not missing" bad smells. It creates cravings for things that used to taste heavenly: cantaloupe, fresh asparagus, chocolate... you get my drift.

But scent and smell are also closely linked to how memory is stored. No longer can I catch the scent of a cologne from a lost love and remember his touch or taste; no longer does the wonderful aroma of fresh baked bread evoke childhood memories of my father's baking. And a rose is not a rose when it is just red.

I never had to choose. My choice was made for me.

Nice job, Patrice! Your description of not having a sense of smell helps readers imagine what it would really be like to lose that sense. Feel free to put the One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blogs.

Today's Writing Prompt: Time

What do you need to make more time for?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Sarah

Ah, but you see, I already have the recipe right here:

- Remove 1 hour of arguments and substitute with 30 minutes of understanding.
- Skip 3 hours of television and substitute 1 hour with a good book.
- Delete 2 hours of internet browsing and substiture with 30 minutes of family time.
- Remove 3 hours of complaints and substitute with 2 hours of dedicated work.
- Remove 15 minutes of shame and replace with 1 minute of thoughtfulness.

Place all unused time in a large bowl and share with your loved ones. Make sure to save some of the quieter minutes for yourself in a secret spot.

Enjoy!

Congratulations, Sarah! I think your One-Minute Writing got more responses (in other comments) than any we've had to date. Great insights! If you'd like to put another One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, you know where to find them!

Today's Writing Prompt: Waiting

What are you waiting for?

Thanks, Janichay, for today's prompt! Visit Janichay's blogs here.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Barga

Godot

Congratulations, Barga! Your one-word response was very witty--and being a theatre geek, I appreciated the allusion. Feel free to put the One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Drive

Write about a memorable drive you've taken (with you or someone else behind the wheel.)

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Dan Felstead
It's funny how things get pushed to the background until the opportunity to write brings them out again. The most memorable drive of my life was in 1970 while hitchhiking in Europe. I stayed for a while with a Swiss family I had met (long story). One Sunday afternoon they they took me on d drive through Switzerland. We passed through he Juras and the Alps, small villages and postcard landscapes. We stopped at Gruyere and sampled the cheese. From that day forward my favorite cheese has been Gruyere. A drive I will never forget.

Congratulations, Dan! It's interesting how I can picture that drive even without a long description of how it looked. "Small villages and postcard landscapes"--very nice imagery. I've heard Gruyere cheese tastes like feet, but your description makes me want to try it! If you'd like to put another WINNER! button on your blog, you know where to find it!

Today's Writing Prompt: Alien

You've been hired to write for a science fiction series.  Describe an alien race you create.

Thanks, CJ, for inspiring this prompt!  Check out CJ's blog, Pro Artz.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: J Cosmo Newberry

The alien is not really green
But his presence is easily seen.
He turns up on time,
Brings flowers and wine,
And then insists on helping you clean.

Congratulations, J Cosmo! You've done it again with one of your limericks. I hope you'll share your alien with fellow readers of The One-Minute Writer; he can just travel from house to house bringing romance and Pine-Sol with him. Feel free to put the One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: First impression

Write what might go through someone's mind--or what you hope goes through their mind--when they first meet you.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Charmaine
She is beautiful. But wait, she speaks. An ammendment I must make; she is kind. She laughs again. I perceive beyond this comic veil a laughter born of mere travail. I will give her my love, and a new 2009 Range Rover. I will present a diamond and on bended knee, beg her to forever be with me. I'll say, Charmaine say yes, don't make a mistake, together a positive world we will make.
(Sigh)

Congratulations, Charmaine! I loved your humorous way of expressing a desire that so many women have had--to live a modern fairy tale. Feel free to put the One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Resolutions

What resolution will you not make this year because you know you'd probably break it?

Thanks, Leslie, for today's prompt! Leslie blogs here and here.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: jblackdesigns
This year, I will not resolve to do anything everyday. No walking every day. No eating right every day. No doing x, y, or z every day.

Except breathing. That might be a good idea.

Ok, so I'm breaking my un-resolution. Already. I promise to breath.

Everyday.

Congratulations, Jennifer! Your entry was memorable and funny. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Be sure to Check out Jennifer's gorgeous art blogand drool over the great stuff she has for sale in her Etsy shop.