Today's Writing Prompt: Slogan

Write a slogan promoting a real or imaginary product, person, or idea.

(Some subject possibilities:  a particular brand of gum, deodorant, kitty litter, or vehicle; a politician running for office; causes such as recycling, curing cancer, or protecting children.)

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Jack and Joann

THAT EXTRA SOFT TOILET PAPER IS NO GOOD
IF YOU WANT TO SAVE THE WORLD'S REMAINING HARDWOOD.

READ ABOUT IT HERE:
http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/campaigns/forests/kleercut/the-problem

Congratulations, Jack and Joann!  I liked your rhyming slogan...and when I checked out the link it made me reconsider what tissues I buy....  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)!

Friday Fiction: Note

A character discovers a note in an antique book.  What does the note say?

Friday Fiction is your chance to practice your fiction-writing skills....  Make something up!

Thank you, Sabrina, for today's prompt!  Sabrina's blogs are nouns make verbs... and Signage Gold.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Hank

August 18, 2054: I think I worked out the kinks in the machine. 1876 is such an interesting time period. I was able to parlay my knowledge of early electrical engineering history into a job working for Alexander Bell who, although quite intelligent and curious, is a bit imperious. He clumsily spilled some acid and called for me. "Mr Watson. Come here! I want to see you," he yelled. What he wanted was for me to clean up the mess he just made.

Thomas A. Watson

Congratulations, Hank!  I enjoyed your fun bit of revisionist history.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Customer service

Recall a particularly good example of customer service you've witnessed or experienced.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Anonymous

I went to the mall last night and it was deserted.
In every store I went to, the staff greeted me and asked me if I needed anything. A lot of them were giving me the hard sell, perhaps too much customer service.
In this economy, retail is gasping for air.

Congratulations, Anonymous!  Feel free to comment and tell us who you are if you'd like!  I enjoyed your ability to link the prompt to current events.  If you have a blog, feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on it!

Today's Writing Prompt: State

Last night was the State of the Union address* in the U.S.  How would you sum up the status of America today?

*Correction:  In his first year, it is not called a State of the Union address, but just "his first address to a joint session of Congress."  See this link.  Thank you, Anonymous commenter, for the clarification!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  docmon

We are in a state of flux. All our assumptions about how our society works are about to change. The old rules do not apply. We will not go back to the old ways again. The America that comes out of this will not be the same as the one that went into it. We can only hope Obama's right: we will be better for it.

Congratulations, docmon!  I think you summed it up well, and I share your hope that we will come out of this stronger.  We'll see, won't we?  If you have a blog, feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on it.

Today's Writing Prompt: Close Call

Write about a close call you've experienced.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Execumama

Losing my temper when someone dared cross my path and my "happy meter" with a rude remark. It was someone with whom I work often, so it was important for me to not do the "undoable", and thankfully, I didn't. Instead, I found a way to state my feelings on the matter, without my oh-no-you-didn't attitude. Whew!

Congratulations, Execumama!  I appreciated your unique take on this prompt.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Award

You've just won an Academy Award.  What will you say in your acceptance speech?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  shumster23

A lot of people say, results matter the most, hence, my presence up on the stage at this moment.
But I say, the progress is what made me. The progress is the most important. It matters how I got here.
Thank you to all that were by my side through my progress.

Congratulations, shumster23!  What a great, thoughtful sentiment in your speech--it's one I'd like to hear on that big stage.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)!

Today's Writing Prompt: Note

Write about a memorable card, note, or letter you have received.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  It's All Good

My favorite is the letter my friend sent me when he was in boot camp. We're at an age where letters are rare, so it was nice to communicate with him that way. I felt that his handwriting was special, and that thought was put into every stroke, rather than mindless tapping on a keyboard. I'm glad he's out of there (his voice is way better for me than his handwriting!) but it was nice to have this letter to keep.

Congratulations, It's All Good!  I really liked your description of how meaningful your friend's hand-written note was to you.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)!

Today's Writing Prompt: Turning point

Write about how you noticably changed after a particular turning point in your life.

Thank you, Tracy, for today's prompt!  Visit Tracy's blog, Conversation and Tea.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  pault

It was 7 months since my last cigarette, but I still considered myself as "trying to give" never confident that I had, or would succeed. Until the day I walked into a newsagency and was greeted by lovely young lass, holding out a promotial pack of fags, she smiled and ask "excuse me madam are you a smoker?"..I hesitated for a moment and answered with such pride "no I am not". I felt so proud of myself. That was 25 years ago and have never taken smoking back up.

Congratulations, pault!  What an inspirational and defining moment--I really enjoyed reading about it.  If you have a blog or website, feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on it!

Friday Fiction: Mystery

Describe the moment a character solves a mystery.

Friday Fiction is your chance to write a brief bit of fiction each week.  Get creative making stuff up--and have fun!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Sarah

The woman's mask hung askew, knocked aside from his blow. And there it was the mark in all it's defiance and glory. She was the Queen. The very woman he had been sent to protect. And had assaulted her.

Gregor bowed deeply. Deep enough, he hoped, to show his shame.

Congratulations, Sarah!  Your description of Gregor's emotional reaction to his realization, was excellent!

Today's Writing Prompt: Impression

Write about a first impression you had that ended up being wrong.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Sabrina

When I first met my darling husband, he was dressed as a woman. A very ugly woman. We were at a costume party.
Boy was I wrong about him...

Congratulations on another win, Sabrina!  What a great, funny story of meeting your husband!

Today's Writing Prompt: Reading

Write about a childhood memory related to reading.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Jen

I had a dyslexia that went undiagnosed for a long time... and made it all the way to 3rd grade not knowing how to read. I didn't understand the concept of looking at the 'letter shaped pictures' and seeing words instead of shapes... Then Miss Albers kept me in during recess and made me learn how to read, while everyone else was outside playing. I thought she was punishing me by keeping me indoors...

Now I know she was showing me the true doorway to the outside. :)

Congratulations, Jen!  This was a popular prompt, and your post was to me very memorable--the "indoor/outside" connection was creative and touching!  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Walls

What walls do you want to knock down?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Devon

I would tear down the walls that stand between me and a cure for my child. Monetary, research, technological, whatever walls that exist there I would tear down myself if I could, scraping, beating at it, swearing, screaming, crying, until my hands bled if I could cure him.

Congratulations, Devon!  Your passionate answer touched me--I hope and pray for a cure too (and I signed the petition linked on your blog.)  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)!

Today's Writing Prompt: Better place

If you could do one thing to make the world a better place when you leave than when you got here, what would that one thing be?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  imallhugs

'Change yourself, change the world.'

I'm working on that.

Everyday.

Today I'm in nursing school.

Tomorrow I'll be a nurse.

Everyday. I'm working on changing myself.

'Change yourself, change the world.'

Congratulations, imallhugs!  I liked the way you connected personal growth, with changing the world.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)!

Today's Writing Prompt: Magic Mirror

Imagine you have a magic mirror.  What does it reveal about anyone who looks in it?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Charmaine

My magic mirror would transform the face of the man I am on a first date with into an accurate depiction of his character. For example, the visage of the gorgeous hunk seated accross the table from me at dinner and concurrently cheating on his girlfriend would reflect the image of a rat.

Congratulations, Charmaine!  If you could market that magic mirror, you'd be a billionaire...and you'd need the mirror to find out which dates are gold-diggers!

Today's Writing Prompt: Probability

Write about something highly unlikely that has happened in your life.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Tracy

I never believed that I would ever be happy with who I am - there was always a different person who "did it better", who was prettier, who had a better nose. There was always someone smarter, more successful, who had a better title.

And yet now, when I wake up, I am exactly who I want to be - every day. For me, that has been one of life's greatest surprises.

Congratulations, Tracy--on your heartfelt winning response, and on learning to live with such contentment.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Friday Fiction: Home

Write a brief fictional piece using the prompt, "Coming Home."

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  CDB

He stepped inside. There were bags under his eyes, hair mussed, a few streaks of something black on his left cheek. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. The blue duffle bag hit the floor with a thud. All that he had in the world, in that bag.

She greeted him cautiously, timid. Until he collapsed in her arms. "Mom," he said, simply.

Congratulations, CDB!  I could picture your scene, and you said so much in just a few sentences.  Lovely little piece of fiction!

Today's Writing Prompt: Tick Tock

The clock says the same thing over and over, so it must be important.  Interpret what "tick tock" really means.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Butternut Squash

Tick = Be
Tock = In the moment

Congratulations, Butternut Squash!  I loved the simple, yet profound concept of your "translation."  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: War (The Sequel)

What is war?

Thanks, Barga, for today's prompt!  Visit Barga's blog, Whalertly.  The first War prompt was here.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Stu Pidasso

A rider of one of four horses,
an instrument of oppression,
discriminator to none,
as old as life itself,
throughout history
it has shown us
that man is
no good.
War.

Deterioration
by stu pidasso
10Feb2009

Congratulations, Stu!  Your poem was meaningful, and I also really enjoyed the structure.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)!

Today's Writing Prompt: Economy

If you could personally do one thing to improve the economy, what would it be?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  beckiwithani

If I could personally enact a law that said that every kid in the nation would have to take and do well in a basic financial skills class in order to pass both the 8th grade and high school, I would.

The long-term results of almost every kid in the nation (every kid who finishes at least 8th grade) knowing how to make a budget, save, and borrow wisely would be far bigger than any other program that could be enacted.

Congratulations, Becki!  Intriguing idea and one I found myself thinking about the day after you wrote it.   It actually sounds like an idea that might work.

Today's Writing Prompt: Wonder

What fills you with wonder?

Thank you, JK, for submitting today's prompt!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  O'Dasor De, LAM

i hold in wonder a coin.

this smallish thing.

love for it.
die for it.

souls are sold
for it

this precious thing.

Congratulations, O'Dasor De, LAM!  I love reading a response that says so much, with so few words.  If you have a blog and would like a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button, click here.

Today's Writing Prompt: One Hour

If you had one extra hour a day, how would you spend it?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Dani and Jimmy

I would plan to take that hour and use it for sleeping or pampering myself or reading a book or writing my story that I someday hope to be a novel...but realistically I would then spend the hour with my boys because right when I sat down to do whatever I planned my toddler would need me to read a story or wrestle with him...or my newborn would cry and need help to sleep...and then I would spend my hour and discover I was doing exactly what I REALLY love.

Congratulations, Dani!  I love the sweet sentiment in your response, and it reminds me to take joy in those parenting tasks that can feel boring or annoying.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Flip Side

Write about the negative side of something positive that happened in your life.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Sabrina (Be sure to check out Sabrina's hilarious new blog, Signage Gold.)

The Downside of Nursing Four Darling Babies
A haiku by Sabrina Harrison

My chest has risen
With every new addition
And now has fallen.

Waaaaay down.

Congratulations, Sabrina!  Your response made me laugh...and also made me nervous since I'm currently nursing my second child.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)!

Friday Fiction: Encounter

Write about a character's first encounter with the person he or she will later fall in love with.

Friday Fiction is a new series on The One-Minute Writer.  Every Friday you'll be prompted to create a brief piece of fiction.  Have fun!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Thank you for those of you who voted in the poll to name today's winners.  We had a tie!  The winners are Dan Felstead and markolopia.

Dan Felstead:
She jumped over the back of my 65 Mustang convertible into the back seat at a drive in restaurant...

2 things happened...she never left and she is still a back seat driver.

markolopia (mahrk-uh-LOHP-i-uh):
Puddles of rainwater collected in the widening potholes. The sharp hiss of air and squeal of breaks announced the arrival of another bus. Her pale eyes rose from the currents and rivulets of the street, and met the quiet gaze of a stranger. His forehead was pressed to the inside of the large bus window, while droplets struggled, collected, and slid. He looked tired.

Congratulations, Dan Felstead and markolopia!  Dan, your post made me laugh out loud.  Mark, there is such great imagery in your response.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blogs!

Today's Writing Prompt: Pride

What is your greatest source of pride?

Thank you, Zailinah, for today's prompt!  Visit Zailinah's blog, Yak Away.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  A Closet Writer

I grew up in a filthy home. My parents opened their home to every vagabond who claimed to be a relative. At one point our 3 bedroom, 1 bath house had over 12 kids and 6 adults.

I made a promise to myself at a very young age, that when I grew up I would put my family first and keep a clean house.

I'm all grown up and my greatest source of pride, is that I kept that promise.

Congratulations, A Closet Writer, on another win!  Your response told a story that gave a lot of insight into why you are who you are.

Today's Writing Prompt: Thief

Write about something you stole (literal or figurative.)

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Laura Jayne

I stole his heart
but clearly
she was done with it.

Congratulations on another win, Laura Jayne!  Instead of writing my own mini-review, I'll quote Dan Felstead, who commented, "Laura Jane...I have never read such a complete thought in just one sentence that says it all!"

Today's Writing Prompt: Next

What do you hope is around the next bend in the road?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Heather

This is an easy one for me. I hope my pregnant belly precedes me around the next bend in the road, with a small 2 bedroom duplex in sight. I want a tomato plant in a pot, herbs in my kitchen window, a table for my sewing machine, my husband in school, and a nice job at a family practice clinic. I want my own kitchen, to eat off my own dishes, and the smell of bread baking wafting from the bread machine.

Congratulations, Heather, on the win, and the baby!  I liked the detail in your writing--it's a charming dream, and I hope when you round that next bend, you get it all.  By the way, I don't have a bread machine, but the book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day is AWESOME--we enjoy fresh bread multiple times a week thanks to the book--I spent about $15 on the book and I'm glad I bought it instead of a bread machine!  Anyway, back to your win--feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog. 

Today's Writing Prompt: Stuff

Most of us have some place where we keep general stuff--a "junk drawer," toolbox, etc.  Check out your stash of stuff, and tell a story about one of the items there.

Thank you, Sabrina, for this prompt!  Check out Sabrina's very funny blog, Nouns Make Verbs....

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  CDB

We have a sad little fellow in our junk drawer. A giraffe. His long, graceful neck is separated form the his other half: the spoon half. The giraffe spoons, intended to be salad spoons, came from a small craft market in a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. We lovingly packed him up, brought him home as a gift, fell in love and decided to keep him.

Then, we had a baby, who grew up to be a giraffe neck-snapping toddler.

Congratulations, CDB!  I love the heartfelt story followed by a dose of toddler reality.  (My life follows a similar pattern these days!)  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Motivation

What motivates you to do well at work?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Kelly

I'd like to say its personal satisfaction; that succeeding at work for work's sake is the honorable glory. But honestly, my truest motivation comes in the form of a crisp white security envelope filled with Presidents other than the First. The dead Presidents that I then in turn hand over to the other living Rulers of my secular life; bills, taxes and the barista at Starbucks.

Congratulations, Kelly!  I enjoyed your funny, honest response.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s).