Today's Writing Prompt: Inspiration

How have you inspired or motivated someone else?

Thank you, Trudy, for submitting today's prompt! Visit Trudy's blog, Random Thoughts. If you'd like to submit writing prompts for possible use on The One-Minute Writer, just e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: knitwit

When I taught 6th grade it was easy to get so demoralized by marking, long hours and emotional exhaustion that I forgot sometimes why I was even there.

One day, knowing I'd get my wrist slapped if the principal caught me, I let my students stand on their desks and drop paper helicopters we'd made as part of a science unit about flight. The kids timed their drops and attached weights to see if they could make them go any faster. Lucky for me, I didn't get caught.

A week later, one little girl went away on a family vacation to Paris. When she came back, she handed me a keychain shaped like the Eiffel Tower. She told me she'd had so much fun with her helicopter that day, she packed it in her luggage, took it up the Eiffel Tower, dropped it off and watched it until it disappeared.

And then I remembered why I was there.

Congratulations, knitwit! Your story was so inspiring. I hope my kiddos have teachers like you when they go to school. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, if you have one! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Entrepreneur

Write about a business you would like to start.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Butternut Squash

I did start my own bead and jewelry import business about 16 years ago. We work with small family owned businessis in Nepal and small, often women owned, businesses in the US. I particularily like helping designers in the US to create original components for designs.

I highly recommend doing some research before you jump into any new business. Talk to folks who have done it. You can save yourself a lot of suffering. (I'm always happy to answer questions if you contact me.)

My next entrepreneurial type plan is to figure out how create and support a school in rural Nepal.

Congratulations, Butternut Squash, on another win!  Your story is inspirational, and I love that you are willing to share your hard-won wisdom with others.  If you don't mind me using your winning entries for possible future podcast episodes, please comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com with permission.  Thanks!

Today's Writing Prompt: Creative

In what way (besides writing for one minute) will you be creative today?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Hedgie

I've been working today on my 2008 taxes. I'd rather not mention exactly how creativity figured in that process; you never know when the IRS is watching.

Congratulations, Hedgie, on yet another win!  Thanks for making me smile with your response.  If you don't mind me using your winning responses in possible future podcasts, please e-mail me at cbethblog(at)gmail(dot)com, or just leave a comment here.  Thanks!

Today's Writing Prompt: Magic

Write about a magical moment you've experienced.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Red Thread

I experienced true magic...where the world stood still, and every fiber in my body tingled. It was the moment my adopted daughter was placed in my arms in China. I had 3 biological children, but I had waited for this little girl since I was 10. I was so present in that moment when they handed her to me, we looked in each others eyes, and it was pure MAGIC. We looked at each other and it was as if I we were both saying, "You are who I have been waiting for...my daughter...my mommy." Magic!

Congratulations, Red Thread!  What a beautiful story--I got tears in my eyes reading it. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, if you have one! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Friday Fiction: Time

Write a brief, creative, fictional piece about time travel.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Marc

"Are you ready Sweetpea?"

"I'm ready Daddy!"

"Then close your eyes and prepare yourself to be transported to a far away place, to a time long ago. Don't be scared Sweetpea - Daddy will be right there with you."

"I know Daddy."

"Okay. All set?"

A solemn nod.

"Then here we go." A deep, steadying breath. "'Once upon a time...'"

Congratulations on another win, Marc!  It's fun to read unique takes on the prompts--your non-science-fiction story about time travel was definitely creative.

Today's Writing Prompt: Math and Science

Why do you think American students lag behind students from many other countries, in math and science proficiency?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Helen

We have bought into the "Math is hard" concept as a culture, while we belittle the arts as being something anyone can do. Students who whose brains are hardwired for Math and Science rather than Arts and Languages believe that "Math is hard" and believe in their dumbness for not having language aptitude, rather than that they have potential in Math and Science. We have to stop reiterating that Math and Science are so highly difficult, and start encouraging students to reach their potential.

Congratulations, Helen!  There were so many good responses to this prompt, highlighting the fact that there are multiple good answers.  I liked yours a lot--I think it's true that kids hear from parents, friends, society, even sometimes teachers--that math and science are hard.  I hope we can get past that. Feel free to put another One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s)! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Tale

Tell a story that has been passed down through your family.  (If you do not have a biological family, tell any story you remember hearing as a child.)

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Whitney G

My family has some very deep "hillbilly" roots and a few characters that, even though we love them to death, can pull some stunts. My uncle offered to watch my sister and our cousin while the rest of the family went to a funeral around Easter time. While the family was away, my uncle let the girls "sample" his special brew. When the family returned, the teenage girls were peeling eggs and sticking the boiled eggs between their toes. That uncle was then relieved of his sitting duties.

Congratulations, Whitney G! That's a great, giggle-worthy story. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, if you have one! Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Puzzle

What puzzles you?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  e

Some people worry about, and desperately need, things that I take for granted. Concrete needs like food, clean water, and shelter. And abstract needs like love and respect in their relationships, having healthy responses from parents, partners, children. I've never not known that my parents love me, I've never been hit or manipulated by a boyfriend, I've never worried about food, clean water, a place to stay.
What puzzles me is, why do I still get so sad?

Congratulations, e! I appreciated the vulnerability and thoughtfulness of your response. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog. Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Imitation

It's said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  Who would you like to imitate, and in what way?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  shabby girl

I'd like to imitate the "better" side of me when I'm not feelin' it so much.
When I'm crabby, I'd like to be the patient, loving wife.
When I'm harried, I'd like to be the calm, encouraging me.
When I'm totally frustrated, I'd like to, um, whul, um...I have no control over the eye rolling, and believe me, that will NEVER change.
I know me!

Congratulations on another win, shabby girl!  Your creative take on the prompt was fun and interesting. (And I didn't even roll my eyes as I wrote that!)

Today's Writing Prompt: Late

Write about a time you were late.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Kim Denise (Check out her gorgeous art blog)

Sometimes I feel as if I arrived late for my own life. I remember things that never happened. I remember you, by candlelight, in clothes I've only seen in period films. You look wrong in Levi's, your hair cropped short. I know your eyes, your voice, your wrists with their fine dark hair. I ache with knowing you. But you don't remember me.

Congratulations, Kim Denise!  What an interesting response--sounds like it could turn into a cool short story. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog. Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Lie

Write about a lie you told to someone else, or to yourself.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  China

I was five and told my mom that I had not been the one that dumped the whole box of flea powder on our neighbors'sweet old dog. The next week Buster showed up with a bad case of mange. The neighbor took him out in the woods and shot him. I thought I caused the mange by dumping too much flea powder on him.

Congratulations, China! Your story was compelling, and I could imagine the emotions of a five-year-old going through that.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog. Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Friday Fiction: Winner, Loser

Write a brief, fictional piece about someone winning, someone losing, or both.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Marc

The man approached the lottery desk on shuffling feet, his eyes tracing the outlines of the food-stained tiles before him. His hair, more grey than black, pointed in every direction at once and his pale face was shadowed by stubble.

He handed over a single ticket with words so quiet the young clerk wasn't certain that he had spoken at all. The clerk glanced down at the piece of paper, frowned, and looked up at the man with concern.

"Excuse me sir," he said slowly, "what happened to this ticket?"

The man did not look up; in fact he gave no sign that he was aware a question had even been posed to him. The clerk tried again.

"Sir? There appears to be dried blood on this ticket - are you okay?"

Still no reply.

The clerk shrugged and placed the ticket in his machine. Seconds later a tinny melody announced to the world that a winner had been found at last. But before the clerk could offer his congratulations he saw two police officers arrive at the man's side.

"You'll need to come with us Mr. Harvey," the blond one said. "We need to ask you a few questions about the whereabouts of your wife."

Congratulations, Marc, on such a deliciously creepy post! Feel free to put another One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s).

By the way--I'm allowing myself some leeway when I name the Friday Fiction winners.  These responses tend to be longer, and I may at times (like today) name one of these longer responses as the One-Minute Writing of the Day.  (Usually the winning response needs to be short enough to have conceivably been written in one minute.)

Today's Writing Prompt: Barter

Write about a trade, exchange, or barter you have made.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Dan Felstead

Early in my professional career, I traded time with my family for the chance to move up on the corporate ladder. It was the worst trade I ever made...thankfully my family stood by me and I am trying to make up for it now. I guess you could say it was a trade with the devil.

Dan

Congratulations, Dan, on another win!  The honesty of your response was touching to me.  If you don't mind your winning responses being used on possible future podcasts, please e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com, or leave a comment here.  Thanks!

Today's Writing Prompt: Missing

What is missing in your life?  Are you trying to find it?

Thank you to words, wine, coffee, art for today's prompt.  Be sure to check out her blog!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Choc free me

I miss getting 'real mail'. The thrill of finding a hand-addressed envelope in the letterbox and settling into a comfy chair to read crisp pages covered in slanted writing. Email is quick but soul-less.

Congratulations, Choc free me! I loved your response--I could see and almost feel those "crisp pages."  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog. Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Green

What makes you green with envy?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  A Citizen of This World

I envy kids and babies younger than four: Their miniature-sized worries, their natural beauty, their permanent glow, their focus on present, their easily satisfied greed, their feedom of speech, their spontaneous freindships, the way they feel like they own every room they are in, no matter who else is present. They live in Utopia.

Congratulations, A Citizen of This World! What a lovely response, and so nicely written. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog. Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Advice

Write a brief "Dear Abby" letter asking for advice.  Or, write a letter giving advice, in response to one of the previous commenters.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writers:  Bobbi and Nedra

Bobbi's plea for advice:

Dear Abby,

Is it normal to feel like my brain is going to explode? Will my brain explode from all the worries and junk clogging my "intake" valve? What will happen to my family when my brain finally does explode? Do you think taking on different personalities - like Tara in United States of Tara - will help alleviate my problems?

Yours truly,

Waiting to Spontaneously Combust

Nedra's response:

Dear Bobbi,

Spontaneous combustion is the natural next step in the creative life. You mustn't resist this crucial step of the process of achieving Writer's Eden.

When your brain finally explodes, your family, your peers, and every person who could help catapult you and your words to the top of the New York Times Bestseller list will recognize the genius that is you.

Take on every state.

Cheering on your combustion,
Abby

Congratulations, Bobbi & Nedra!  This prompt brought out a lot of really entertaining responses.  Both of yours were remarkably entertaining. Feel free to put One-Minute Writer WINNER! buttons on your blog(s). Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Self-portrait

Imagine you are painting a self-portrait.  Describe it.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Mike

It would be an oil work of me sitting in a folding metal chair at a party holding my own brain. I'd be fixing my eyes and the corners of my mouth so as to make excuses for myself. I'd look ashamed of the blood, but I'd be also looking for a way to ditch the brain to get up and dance. Or that's what they'd say in the art books.

Congratulations, Mike! I have to say, I'd really like to see that painting--I'm smiling just thinking about the weirdness of it. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s). Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Lovey

Kids often carry around "loveys"--comfort items like blankets or teddy bears.  If you could still carry a lovey now, what would it be?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Rae

Good fortunes from fortune cookies always get tucked away. I find them folded into the pockets of jackets, or curled up in the bottoms of purses. They are reminders and encouragement from my past self that I'm always delighted to rediscover.

Congratulations, Rae!  Your response was so unique.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s). Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Friday Fiction: Child

Write a short, fictional piece about a pivotal moment in a child's life.  Write in first person, from the point of view of the child.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Enri Zoltz

Mommy explained how to make the magic. Push with your tongue and at the same time blow. There's no way I can do it just like she does. But, alas, a small forceful bubble appeared that I could see from the passenger side mirror.

Congratulations, Enri Zoltz! I love posts like this, that capture the magic in something so simple. (My daughter is currently trying to learn the ever-important bubble-blowing skill, and I know she'll be thrilled when she finally gets it.) Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s). Also, please either comment here or e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com if you don't mind me using your response in a possible future podcast.

Today's Writing Prompt: Pendulum

In what area do you tend to swing from one extreme to the other, and back again?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  CDB

Every single day, without fail, I convince myself that I should be working, outside of the home, in some stormy, stressful field involving suits and briefings and presentations and industry lingo.

The next day I come back to my senses, cuddle with my toddler, and thank the Universe we can spend this much time together.

Congratulations, CDB!  I thought you did a fantastic job of describing the dynamics of both a busy career, and of your relationship with your child.

Today's Writing Prompt: Safety

What do you think is the best way to protect children from online predators?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: ~ Denise ~

We instituted a "spot-check" rule in our home and it has worked well for us. The kids are (and were) not allowed to erase cell phone and online activity without permission. At any given moment, my husband or I could say "spot check" and our son(s)n would have to immediately stop what they were doing and allow us to peek in. ;)

Congratulations, Denise!  Your idea is so practical and sounds like it could really be effective--I'd like to institute "spot checks" when my kids are old enough to spend time online.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog. And if you don't mind your answer possibly being used in a future podcast, please e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com, or comment on this post, to give me permission. Thanks!

Today's Writing Prompt: Vent

Vent about what's annoying you today.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  shabby girl

I am totally annoyed at Wilson, the dog, stealing kleenex out of my pocket! I think he's coming up to me for a kind word and a scratch on the head, and he dives in, grabs it, and runs! He has got it down!

Congratulations, shabby girl!  What a great story--I could picture it happening.  I may want to use this response in a future TOMW podcast; if you don't mind me donig so, please e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com or leave a comment here, to give me permission.  Thanks!

Today's Writing Prompt: Learning

Fill in the blank: "I think the world would be a better place if students learned more ______ in school."

Thanks to My Teacher Hat for this prompt!  Visit My Teacher Hat's fun, thought-provoking blog here.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Fanny Fanackapan

Freedom of Thought - in every subject, being given the opportunity to use imagination and think out of the box would be of benefit. In English allow children to create poetry, not learn the rules of iambic pentameter. In mathematics, being given the opportunity to use math to create or solve a problem. In science - being allowed to imagine a better future or a fascinating past, not just making sure chemical equations balance. It is not enough to just know, children must be allowed to think, understand and imagine.

Congratulations, Fanny Fanackapan, on another win! I loved your idea and the examples you gave!

Today's Writing Prompt: Debate

If you were to publicly debate an issue you're passionate about, what issue would it be?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  H.K.

I get really fired up about education. There are many schools with overcrowded classrooms, teachers getting the pink slips, outdated textbooks, and high school kids who take night classes in community colleges because college required courses have been taken out of high schools.

How about a financial bailout for schools?

Congratulations, H.K., on a well-thought-out response!  If you have a blog or website, feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on it.  And if you don't mind your answer possibly being used in a future podcast, please e-mail me at cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com, or comment on this post, to give me permission. Thanks!

Today's Writing Prompt: Epitaph

What would you like your gravestone to say?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  J Cosmo Newberry

Here lies Cosmo
In life he was so
Now he's not so

Congratulations, Cosmo! I liked your witty poem--and when I checked out your blog, the corresponding graphic was great! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, and please check out the March 3rd entry in the Community Notes section.

Friday Fiction: Delivery

Write a brief, fictional piece about a delivery.

One-inute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Faith

She hated that her husband was on a business trip on her birthday, but he had promised that his gift would be delivered that day. She was on the porch with their children when the mailman arrived. Her package!! She sat down and ripped open the package.

Inside, she found pictures of her husband in the arms of another woman.

Congratulations, Faith! I liked the surprise element of your story...and I want to lynch your main character's husband! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, and please check out the March 3rd entry in the Community Notes section.

Today's Writing Prompt: Five years

Reflect on how your life has changed since March 5, 2004.

Thanks to Dan Felstead for today's prompt!  Check out Dan's cool blog, Wood and Pixel Narratives-A photo blog encouraging the art of prose.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  ~ Denise ~

Hurricane Katrina slammed into the gulf coast of Mississippi in August, 2005. The storm wreaked havoc, chaos and loss for many people but for me it brought a mom and her two kids into my home and into my heart. The family stayed with me for about six months before returning home to Mississippi.

The hurricane: awful beyond words.

The friendship: God-given.

Congratulations, ~ Denise ~! What a beautiful story, and beautifully written. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, and please check out the most recent entry in the Community Notes section.

Today's Writing Prompt: That

In the words of the singer Meatloaf, "I would do anything for love, but I won't do that."  What is"that" to you?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  2cats

I will not:

Commit murder
Give up the last piece of pizza
Say I like sports, when I actually hate them.
Cut my hair to suit his taste
Lose my identity as a woman and a person.

Congratulations, 2cats!  Your response was both meaningful and fun.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, and please check out the most recent entry in the Community Notes section. 

Today's Writing Prompt: Crisis

Write about your reaction to a crisis you experienced or encountered.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Joan

The checks with my forged signature were strewn across the backseat of her car; the paper where she'd practiced my signature beside them. I knew, as I looked through the window of the locked car, that a crisis was upon me. I knew with a sinking heart that it was time to force my daughter to pay for the consequences of her actions. I knew it was time to send her to jail.

Congratulations, Joan!  I could clearly picture the scene you described.  I hope things are looking up for your daughter.  Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog, and please check out the most recent entry in the Community Notes section.

Today's Writing Prompt: Toast

You're at a dinner event, and it's your job to give a toast.  You pick up your glass and say....

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Marc

With a glass of milk in one hand
And this slice of toast in the other
I beg your pardon for a dinner so bland...
But hey, do I look like your mother?

Congratulations on another win, Marc!  What a fun comic poem!

Today's Writing Prompt: Store

If you owned a store, what would it sell?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer:  Fanny Fanackapan

Cake - Why? Because every morning you turn up for work and there is a fresh batch of cakes to sell. People only come into the shop if they want cake, so are always happy. At the end of the day, you clear away the old cake and feed it to the birds. You never have to take a briefcase full of old cake home so you can catch up on your work. Next morning - New cakes.

Congratulations, Fanny!  I love your store idea, and I'll be your first regular customer.  Feel free to put a One Minute Writer WINNER! button on your beautiful new blog!