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Friday, July 31, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Phone
The next time the phone rings, what would you like to hear when you pick it up?
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Poetry Review
Write a brief poem reviewing a book or movie you have read or seen.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Jen
I really wanted to like New Moon.
But with all the whining
Teen angst
All the "hole in the heart" stuff
I've never wanted to punch
A girl in the face
So bad.
Think I'll pass on the movie.
(Ummm... yay. Not very poetic, but... yeah. That's what you get in a minute. Pretty much sums it up. :))
Congratulations, Jen! Hey, it may not be Walt Whitman, but it's funny which makes it worthy of a win in my book! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Jen
I really wanted to like New Moon.
But with all the whining
Teen angst
All the "hole in the heart" stuff
I've never wanted to punch
A girl in the face
So bad.
Think I'll pass on the movie.
(Ummm... yay. Not very poetic, but... yeah. That's what you get in a minute. Pretty much sums it up. :))
Congratulations, Jen! Hey, it may not be Walt Whitman, but it's funny which makes it worthy of a win in my book! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Growth
In what way have you grown the most in the last year?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Donna Gotlib
I've grown this year. I held my mother's hand as she took her last breath, listening to Rod Stewart singing Time after time. I saw her through ten beds, four nursing homes and I can't tell you what else. i grew. I grew with her. She is gone but I'm still growing.
Congratulations, Donna Gotlib! I'm touched by the way you can link pain to growth. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Donna Gotlib
I've grown this year. I held my mother's hand as she took her last breath, listening to Rod Stewart singing Time after time. I saw her through ten beds, four nursing homes and I can't tell you what else. i grew. I grew with her. She is gone but I'm still growing.
Congratulations, Donna Gotlib! I'm touched by the way you can link pain to growth. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Police
Write about a time you had to call the police or other emergency services.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Blackguy Executive
I am going to write about a friend of mind who was just sworn in as a police officer this past Monday. We go back a long time, we went to the same high school, and subsequently the same college. We shared the same major and many classes. But the day that he told me he wanted to join the police force I was shocked. He had an amazing job as a photographer for a major news publication but he wanted more. He wanted to serve. So in this one minute of writing I salute him. Officer Juric. Congrats bro.
Congratulations, Blackguy Executive! Your story is inspiring, and I'll join you in thanking and saluting Officer Juric. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Blackguy Executive
I am going to write about a friend of mind who was just sworn in as a police officer this past Monday. We go back a long time, we went to the same high school, and subsequently the same college. We shared the same major and many classes. But the day that he told me he wanted to join the police force I was shocked. He had an amazing job as a photographer for a major news publication but he wanted more. He wanted to serve. So in this one minute of writing I salute him. Officer Juric. Congrats bro.
Congratulations, Blackguy Executive! Your story is inspiring, and I'll join you in thanking and saluting Officer Juric. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Fear
Write about an irrational fear you have, or one you have overcome.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Monica Manning
Heart races.
Pulse pounds.
Hairs bristle.
Bile rises.
Jump back.
Scream loudly.
Call husband.
“Kill spider!”
Congratulations, Monica Manning! What a fun, evocative way to write about your fear. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Monica Manning
Heart races.
Pulse pounds.
Hairs bristle.
Bile rises.
Jump back.
Scream loudly.
Call husband.
“Kill spider!”
Congratulations, Monica Manning! What a fun, evocative way to write about your fear. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Made
Write about something you made as a child.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: JenM
I remember fondly my very robust grandmother coming to our home and creating the most wonderful yeast rolls on Earth. She was amazing and effortlessly taught me to do the same. I recall the first time I followed her hand-written instructions. The smell was sheer joy wafting through our house, well, until I forgot them and the smell turned to that of burned disappointment...
Congratulations, JenM, on another win! I love surprise endings...even burned ones!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: JenM
I remember fondly my very robust grandmother coming to our home and creating the most wonderful yeast rolls on Earth. She was amazing and effortlessly taught me to do the same. I recall the first time I followed her hand-written instructions. The smell was sheer joy wafting through our house, well, until I forgot them and the smell turned to that of burned disappointment...
Congratulations, JenM, on another win! I love surprise endings...even burned ones!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Six Word Saturday
Describe your life in six words.
Six Word Saturdays is a weekly series over at Call Me Cate's very funny blog, Show My Face. We do Six Word Saturdays monthly(ish) at The One-Minute Writer, but feel free to participate on your own every week--click the button below for more info! Have fun!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: NettieBoo
Missed chances, lost opportunities, no regrets.
Congratulations, NettieBoo! I like the story told in your six words, and the hope you have. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog or website, if you have one.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: NettieBoo
Missed chances, lost opportunities, no regrets.
Congratulations, NettieBoo! I like the story told in your six words, and the hope you have. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog or website, if you have one.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday Fiction: Art
Write a brief bit of fiction involving art.
Friday Fiction is your opportunity to write a short (short, short, short) story. Many participants use more than one minute for Friday Fiction prompts, and I open up the One-Minute Writing of the Day contest to entries of various lengths.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Carol
I got one for her. Not the exact color I was thinking of, somehow, this one was darker, without the purple excitement I had envisioned.
The leaves weren't the right ones either. Too short, too old and curled upwards.
"Will you paint me an eggplant?" I asked. And for the first time, she surrendered. "Yes"
In my mind it was a small canvas, fifteen square centimeters full of the eggplant of my dreams.
Problem was, I wasn't in the Mediterranean any more. In the West, the aubergines are almost non-exixtent, not enough warmth or humidity, not even five or six months of sun that they require to grow to perfection. So there weren't any models.
Three hours spent at the Farmer's Market on Saturday. None.
Finally I got her a too dark, too bald one, but it was an eggplant without scars.
It was in the fridge for weeks.
I, too, surrendered. I took it out for dinner last night, ready to sacrifice my model for a pasta dinner. When I got the thinnest knife and was about to slice her in half, I had a moment of doubt. Maybe she will still paint it. No, she won't, her day occupied by the million innocent routines. What makes a painter not to paint? The skin had already turned old, with bumps and holes, craters in the canvas to be. Inside, a too riped eggplant that was not meant to be a dinner. Too old, now to join the party of peppers and zuchinnis waiting for her in the pan. I had to throw her in the garbage. And the only thing I could think of, as I ate the pasta, was the missing piece of art.
Congratulations, Carol! This is a sad, beautiful story. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Friday Fiction is your opportunity to write a short (short, short, short) story. Many participants use more than one minute for Friday Fiction prompts, and I open up the One-Minute Writing of the Day contest to entries of various lengths.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Carol
I got one for her. Not the exact color I was thinking of, somehow, this one was darker, without the purple excitement I had envisioned.
The leaves weren't the right ones either. Too short, too old and curled upwards.
"Will you paint me an eggplant?" I asked. And for the first time, she surrendered. "Yes"
In my mind it was a small canvas, fifteen square centimeters full of the eggplant of my dreams.
Problem was, I wasn't in the Mediterranean any more. In the West, the aubergines are almost non-exixtent, not enough warmth or humidity, not even five or six months of sun that they require to grow to perfection. So there weren't any models.
Three hours spent at the Farmer's Market on Saturday. None.
Finally I got her a too dark, too bald one, but it was an eggplant without scars.
It was in the fridge for weeks.
I, too, surrendered. I took it out for dinner last night, ready to sacrifice my model for a pasta dinner. When I got the thinnest knife and was about to slice her in half, I had a moment of doubt. Maybe she will still paint it. No, she won't, her day occupied by the million innocent routines. What makes a painter not to paint? The skin had already turned old, with bumps and holes, craters in the canvas to be. Inside, a too riped eggplant that was not meant to be a dinner. Too old, now to join the party of peppers and zuchinnis waiting for her in the pan. I had to throw her in the garbage. And the only thing I could think of, as I ate the pasta, was the missing piece of art.
Congratulations, Carol! This is a sad, beautiful story. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Parenting
What do you see as the most common mistake made by 21st century parents?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Janet
You should have asked me twelve years ago. I had no children and all the answers. Now, I have three children and I don't know which of the many mistakes parents make is the biggest. All I know for certain is that I have a God-given duty to get up every day, give my kids the best of me I have to give, and try my darndest not to mess up, hoping that a lot of love will counteract any damages that their future therapist can't fix.
Congratulations, Janet! Your response was honest and wise. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Janet
You should have asked me twelve years ago. I had no children and all the answers. Now, I have three children and I don't know which of the many mistakes parents make is the biggest. All I know for certain is that I have a God-given duty to get up every day, give my kids the best of me I have to give, and try my darndest not to mess up, hoping that a lot of love will counteract any damages that their future therapist can't fix.
Congratulations, Janet! Your response was honest and wise. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Moon
If you'd been the first human to step foot on the moon, what would you have said, for the world to hear?
Thank you to Barga for suggesting a moon-related prompt! Check out Barga's blogs, Whalertly (personal website); The Smoke Screen (all about pipes and cigars); Sailing the Ship (about the Columbus Clippers); ABCs of Columbus Sports (sports column); iWant, iNeed (tech column), and Blogcritics (Barga's product reviews.)
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Aaron
Hey! This isn't cheese!
Congratulations, Aaron! I like your humor...which probably says something about my level of cheesiness! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Thank you to Barga for suggesting a moon-related prompt! Check out Barga's blogs, Whalertly (personal website); The Smoke Screen (all about pipes and cigars); Sailing the Ship (about the Columbus Clippers); ABCs of Columbus Sports (sports column); iWant, iNeed (tech column), and Blogcritics (Barga's product reviews.)
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Aaron
Hey! This isn't cheese!
Congratulations, Aaron! I like your humor...which probably says something about my level of cheesiness! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Inspiring
Today, what is inspiring you?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Fannyfanackapan
My feelings of inspiration are like the many tendrils of a jelly fish, wafting this way and that in the eddies created by the current. I see so much that inspires me, a beautiful garden, a well written blog, a superbly hand crafted dress, a wonderfully crocheted scarf, a well played piano piece, a tidy house. Each prompts me to attempt something similar and I end up inert, not knowing what to do first.
Oh come on Frances - tidy up the study - you know you should!
Congratulations on another win, Fannyfanackapan! Your entry was charming...and I hope that you crocheted that scarf...or at least got the study cleaned up!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Fannyfanackapan
My feelings of inspiration are like the many tendrils of a jelly fish, wafting this way and that in the eddies created by the current. I see so much that inspires me, a beautiful garden, a well written blog, a superbly hand crafted dress, a wonderfully crocheted scarf, a well played piano piece, a tidy house. Each prompts me to attempt something similar and I end up inert, not knowing what to do first.
Oh come on Frances - tidy up the study - you know you should!
Congratulations on another win, Fannyfanackapan! Your entry was charming...and I hope that you crocheted that scarf...or at least got the study cleaned up!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Breakfast
Describe in detail your favorite breakfast as a child. Make the reader taste it with your words.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: christine
Gentle crunch as my teeth pierced the golden crust beneath the marmalade. Bitter Seville oranges boiled with sugar and water, metamorphosed into Mum's home-made marmalade. So rich, a deep amber, with ribbons of curling shreds of peel suspended in the thick preserve.
Brown bread, toasted until carameised. We knew toast was ready when we heard the knife scraping off the worst of the black topping into the sink!
I still prefer my toast really well done, and my marmalade bitter and chunky. Ah, memories : )
Congratulations on another win, christine! What a fantastic description--I really could almost taste the burned toast and bitter marmalade. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: christine
Gentle crunch as my teeth pierced the golden crust beneath the marmalade. Bitter Seville oranges boiled with sugar and water, metamorphosed into Mum's home-made marmalade. So rich, a deep amber, with ribbons of curling shreds of peel suspended in the thick preserve.
Brown bread, toasted until carameised. We knew toast was ready when we heard the knife scraping off the worst of the black topping into the sink!
I still prefer my toast really well done, and my marmalade bitter and chunky. Ah, memories : )
Congratulations on another win, christine! What a fantastic description--I really could almost taste the burned toast and bitter marmalade. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Disappointing
Write about something you wanted very much that ended up disappointing you after you got or achieved it.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Geeta
My boyfriend Ben has always been great to me. Whenever I need him for comfort, to sit with me on the couch while I watch chick flick after chick flick, he's there, and our time is always enjoyable. Not only that, but his best friend Jerry dates MY best friend. So the four of us often spend time together.
But it's always been at my house. Granted, he was born in the mountains of Vermont, a good 4 hours from me, but a girl still likes to see where her man comes from!
Soo I was endlessly excited when it was finally decided I'd go there for a visit.
Hello disappointment. The colors were bright and the samples were right... but the factory was closed and I had to pay a fee! ... the Ben & Jerry's factory was not the Willy Wonka-like wonderland I had imagined.
Oh well, guess we'll stick to my place after all <3
Congratulations on the win, Geeta! I'm breaking my own rule--I'm sure this took longer than a minute to write, but it was so clever that I wanted you to have the award! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Geeta
My boyfriend Ben has always been great to me. Whenever I need him for comfort, to sit with me on the couch while I watch chick flick after chick flick, he's there, and our time is always enjoyable. Not only that, but his best friend Jerry dates MY best friend. So the four of us often spend time together.
But it's always been at my house. Granted, he was born in the mountains of Vermont, a good 4 hours from me, but a girl still likes to see where her man comes from!
Soo I was endlessly excited when it was finally decided I'd go there for a visit.
Hello disappointment. The colors were bright and the samples were right... but the factory was closed and I had to pay a fee! ... the Ben & Jerry's factory was not the Willy Wonka-like wonderland I had imagined.
Oh well, guess we'll stick to my place after all <3
Congratulations on the win, Geeta! I'm breaking my own rule--I'm sure this took longer than a minute to write, but it was so clever that I wanted you to have the award! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Seat
What makes you sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Shannanigans
Pumping gas so that you have an even number. Or Bejwelled Blitz. Or catching the toast before it pops out of the toaster and lands on the counter. Or hitting the alarm one second before it goes off. Yes, my life is full of exciting moments.
Congratulations on the win, Shannanigans! This response is charming, and reminds me that everyday life can be fun, if I want it to be. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Shannanigans
Pumping gas so that you have an even number. Or Bejwelled Blitz. Or catching the toast before it pops out of the toaster and lands on the counter. Or hitting the alarm one second before it goes off. Yes, my life is full of exciting moments.
Congratulations on the win, Shannanigans! This response is charming, and reminds me that everyday life can be fun, if I want it to be. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday Fiction: Class
Write a brief bit of fiction using the word/concept "Class."
Friday Fiction is your opportunity to write a short (short, short, short) story. Many participants use more than one minute for Friday Fiction prompts, and I open up the One-Minute Writing of the Day contest to entries of various lengths.
Friday Fiction is your opportunity to write a short (short, short, short) story. Many participants use more than one minute for Friday Fiction prompts, and I open up the One-Minute Writing of the Day contest to entries of various lengths.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Metamorphosis
Have you ever gone through a metamorphosis? If so, describe it. If not, would you like to?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Brynn
my metamorphosis is occurring right now. first i started taking care of myself and caring how i looked a whole lot more. then i started eating healthy foods - like mom's muffins and wheat cereal. then one day i surprised myself to find that i didn't really mind watching the kids and doing chores. in fact, i liked how the house looked when it was all clean! i am growing up. my metamorphosis isn't yet complete, but i hope that when it is i'll resemble my mom in as many ways as possible. after all, she's the perfect butterfly to me.
Congratulations on the win, Brynn! I'm impressed at the level of self-awareness and maturity that is displayed in your response. It sounds like you're doing a good job at the whole "growing up" thing--I bet your parents are very proud. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Brynn
my metamorphosis is occurring right now. first i started taking care of myself and caring how i looked a whole lot more. then i started eating healthy foods - like mom's muffins and wheat cereal. then one day i surprised myself to find that i didn't really mind watching the kids and doing chores. in fact, i liked how the house looked when it was all clean! i am growing up. my metamorphosis isn't yet complete, but i hope that when it is i'll resemble my mom in as many ways as possible. after all, she's the perfect butterfly to me.
Congratulations on the win, Brynn! I'm impressed at the level of self-awareness and maturity that is displayed in your response. It sounds like you're doing a good job at the whole "growing up" thing--I bet your parents are very proud. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Interview
You have the chance to interview one person on international television. Who do you choose, and what is the most important question you'll ask?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Crazy Mo
Interview with Larry LaPrise (author of The Hokey Pokey) ...
Mr. LaPrise, what is it really all about?
Congratulations on the win, Crazy Mo! I love the humor!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Crazy Mo
Interview with Larry LaPrise (author of The Hokey Pokey) ...
Mr. LaPrise, what is it really all about?
Congratulations on the win, Crazy Mo! I love the humor!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Time Capsule
If you were to put together a time capsule, what items would you place in it to memorialize your life thus far?
Thanks to Just Me for submitting this prompt! Visit Just Me's blogs, Born Barefoot and Can I Count on You God?
I always welcome suggestions for writing prompts! This is a blog to help prevent writer's block...but guess what? I am not immune to prompt-writer's block! Send your ideas to cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: June Freaking Cleaver
I'd organize my submissions by decade:
1st 10: My first Bible for children, and a pin my dad gave me (with my name on it). Pictures of my parents and brothers.
2nd 10: My softball glove and a copy of Alas, Babylon
3rd 10: Pictures of my children, one of my grandma's cookbooks.
4th 10: Chicago Manual of Style
5th 10: Pictures of my husband, stepkids and grandkids, an apron, and the beater attachment to my mixer.
Now everyone knows how old I am.
Congratulations, June Freaking Cleaver, on another win! Your time capsule tells me a lot about you (and more than just your age!)
Thanks to Just Me for submitting this prompt! Visit Just Me's blogs, Born Barefoot and Can I Count on You God?
I always welcome suggestions for writing prompts! This is a blog to help prevent writer's block...but guess what? I am not immune to prompt-writer's block! Send your ideas to cbethblog (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: June Freaking Cleaver
I'd organize my submissions by decade:
1st 10: My first Bible for children, and a pin my dad gave me (with my name on it). Pictures of my parents and brothers.
2nd 10: My softball glove and a copy of Alas, Babylon
3rd 10: Pictures of my children, one of my grandma's cookbooks.
4th 10: Chicago Manual of Style
5th 10: Pictures of my husband, stepkids and grandkids, an apron, and the beater attachment to my mixer.
Now everyone knows how old I am.
Congratulations, June Freaking Cleaver, on another win! Your time capsule tells me a lot about you (and more than just your age!)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Day
What day of the week is your favorite, and why?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Marc
My favorite day of the week is Monday. It is a blessing to get out of bed every Monday morning knowing that a week of honest, paid work is ahead of me. I know not everyone is that lu...
Yeah, no. Let's be honest here: Saturday is my favorite day.
Congratulations, Marc, on yet another win (and on hitting 400 days on your daily writing blog)! It wasn't exactly the most interesting prompt I've ever posted...but your answer made me giggle. Thanks!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Marc
My favorite day of the week is Monday. It is a blessing to get out of bed every Monday morning knowing that a week of honest, paid work is ahead of me. I know not everyone is that lu...
Yeah, no. Let's be honest here: Saturday is my favorite day.
Congratulations, Marc, on yet another win (and on hitting 400 days on your daily writing blog)! It wasn't exactly the most interesting prompt I've ever posted...but your answer made me giggle. Thanks!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Failure
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Shark Bait
I learned that just because you are winning, doesn't mean you can stop trying.
Congratulations on the win, Shark Bait! It's a simple lesson, but a profound one. Thank you for sharing it. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Shark Bait
I learned that just because you are winning, doesn't mean you can stop trying.
Congratulations on the win, Shark Bait! It's a simple lesson, but a profound one. Thank you for sharing it. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Most Likely
High schools often name one graduate as "Most Likely to Be Famous." What should your "Most Likely to Be..." title have been in high school?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Hank
Most likely to be referred to as "Who?"
This response made me laugh. Congrats to...uh...what's your name again? Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Hank
Most likely to be referred to as "Who?"
This response made me laugh. Congrats to...uh...what's your name again? Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday Fiction: Running
Write a brief bit of fiction involving running.
Friday Fiction is your opportunity to write a short (short, short, short) story. Many participants use more than one minute for Friday Fiction prompts, and I open up the One-Minute Writing of the Day contest to entries of various lengths.
One-Minute Writings of the Day:
Writers: Roderckdhu and Marc
From Roderckdhu:
The sales lady came straight out of central casting, big, brassy, with teased hair and lacquered nails. She slide one hand down the front the vest, slate gray, bulky looking, a conglomerations of pouches and straps and boxes and gizmos, all connected by serpentine coils of slick gray wire sheathing. "Does it run? The heart of this little package is a 221 multiphase non-localized quantum inducer. They don't make them like this any more. Why, with a little loving care, this thing can put you in three places at once, so quick you'll be more worried about violating the laws of space-time than whether or not she runs." Joey swallowed carefully. If only she knew why he really wanted the 221 MNQI this would be an entirely different conversation. It would involve a lot of screaming, shouting, and the sound of approaching sirens. Joey smiled. He had gambled that his ex-wife would not recognize him at 19, since they had met years later. It was going to pay off!
From Marc:
"What are you running from?" he yelled from the platform on the other side of the train tracks.
He had guessed I would go west and I had gone east. It wasn't the first time he was wrong about me - but it would be the last.
"What are you so afraid of anyway?"
If I thought he deserved an answer, some closure, I would have told him that just because I was running it didn't mean I was scared.
But I owed him nothing so I remained silent.
His chest heaved in ragged waves as he glared at me. Other passengers were staring now but he didn't seem to notice. Noticing others was never one of his strong points.
I turned my head to see my train pulling in to the station. The smile was on my lips before I could stop it.
It was the last thing he saw before the train came between us, just like his words had that morning.
As I stepped on board I knew that the life I was running towards would never see a scene like this again.
Congratulations, Roderckdhu and Marc! I enjoyed both of your entries so much that I named both of you as winners. Roderckdhu, not only was the sci-fi element of yours fun, but the characterizations and descriptions were also fantastic. Marc, your story was compelling and beautifully-written. You both know where the winner buttons are if you'd like to put them on your blogs!
Friday Fiction is your opportunity to write a short (short, short, short) story. Many participants use more than one minute for Friday Fiction prompts, and I open up the One-Minute Writing of the Day contest to entries of various lengths.
One-Minute Writings of the Day:
Writers: Roderckdhu and Marc
From Roderckdhu:
The sales lady came straight out of central casting, big, brassy, with teased hair and lacquered nails. She slide one hand down the front the vest, slate gray, bulky looking, a conglomerations of pouches and straps and boxes and gizmos, all connected by serpentine coils of slick gray wire sheathing. "Does it run? The heart of this little package is a 221 multiphase non-localized quantum inducer. They don't make them like this any more. Why, with a little loving care, this thing can put you in three places at once, so quick you'll be more worried about violating the laws of space-time than whether or not she runs." Joey swallowed carefully. If only she knew why he really wanted the 221 MNQI this would be an entirely different conversation. It would involve a lot of screaming, shouting, and the sound of approaching sirens. Joey smiled. He had gambled that his ex-wife would not recognize him at 19, since they had met years later. It was going to pay off!
From Marc:
"What are you running from?" he yelled from the platform on the other side of the train tracks.
He had guessed I would go west and I had gone east. It wasn't the first time he was wrong about me - but it would be the last.
"What are you so afraid of anyway?"
If I thought he deserved an answer, some closure, I would have told him that just because I was running it didn't mean I was scared.
But I owed him nothing so I remained silent.
His chest heaved in ragged waves as he glared at me. Other passengers were staring now but he didn't seem to notice. Noticing others was never one of his strong points.
I turned my head to see my train pulling in to the station. The smile was on my lips before I could stop it.
It was the last thing he saw before the train came between us, just like his words had that morning.
As I stepped on board I knew that the life I was running towards would never see a scene like this again.
Congratulations, Roderckdhu and Marc! I enjoyed both of your entries so much that I named both of you as winners. Roderckdhu, not only was the sci-fi element of yours fun, but the characterizations and descriptions were also fantastic. Marc, your story was compelling and beautifully-written. You both know where the winner buttons are if you'd like to put them on your blogs!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Childhood
Complete this thought:
"If everyone had grown up the way I did, this world would be..."
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: H.K.
"If everyone had grown up the way I did, this world would be....full of half finished projects."
Imagine the sculptor for the presidents on Mt. Rushmore, he would have sculpted only one president and then quit.
Congratulations, H.K.! Fun example of a half-finished project...and I'm sure the tourist industry in South Dakota is glad that sculptor didn't grow up in that way!
"If everyone had grown up the way I did, this world would be..."
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: H.K.
"If everyone had grown up the way I did, this world would be....full of half finished projects."
Imagine the sculptor for the presidents on Mt. Rushmore, he would have sculpted only one president and then quit.
Congratulations, H.K.! Fun example of a half-finished project...and I'm sure the tourist industry in South Dakota is glad that sculptor didn't grow up in that way!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Giggle
What makes you giggle (or chuckle)?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Leslie
I giggle when I see speling and grammer erors! I am, especially, fond, of people who, overpunctuate!
The best are misplaced modifiers!
Congratulations on the win, Leslie! Since overpunctuating makes you giggle, you might guffaw--just might--when you see how hyphen-happy I can be--would that make you laugh? Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Leslie
I giggle when I see speling and grammer erors! I am, especially, fond, of people who, overpunctuate!
The best are misplaced modifiers!
Congratulations on the win, Leslie! Since overpunctuating makes you giggle, you might guffaw--just might--when you see how hyphen-happy I can be--would that make you laugh? Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Medicine
Besides laughter, what is the best medicine?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Ryan Ashley Scott
It doesn't matter how crappy I feel or what I'm feeling crappy about... when I get a kiss on the cheek from my baby and he proceeds to wipe his hand over the spot telling me, "I rubbed your kiss in for you, Mommy," I can't help but get all fuzzy inside. Maybe it's because I know he's going to do it at least three more times and usually before I even get out of bed in the morning. In fact, now I'm looking forward to waking up.
Congratulations, Ryan Ashley Scott, on another win! There were so many great responses to this prompt and I could have chosen several winners, easily. I chose yours because the images, and the way you described them, were so heartwarming.Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s).
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Ryan Ashley Scott
It doesn't matter how crappy I feel or what I'm feeling crappy about... when I get a kiss on the cheek from my baby and he proceeds to wipe his hand over the spot telling me, "I rubbed your kiss in for you, Mommy," I can't help but get all fuzzy inside. Maybe it's because I know he's going to do it at least three more times and usually before I even get out of bed in the morning. In fact, now I'm looking forward to waking up.
Congratulations, Ryan Ashley Scott, on another win! There were so many great responses to this prompt and I could have chosen several winners, easily. I chose yours because the images, and the way you described them, were so heartwarming.Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog(s).
Monday, July 6, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Next week/last week
Imagine you will be sitting down a week from today to describe how your week went. What do you hope you'll be writing?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Warren Baldwin
Response to prompt:
Grass too tall, still needs to be mowed
Weeds in garden, it needs to be hoed
Papers on desk, books on floor
Staying ahead is a constant chore
But I called my kids, spend time with my wife
These are the real joys of life.
Congratulations on the win, Warren! I found your poem touching, and I definitely relate to it. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Warren Baldwin
Response to prompt:
Grass too tall, still needs to be mowed
Weeds in garden, it needs to be hoed
Papers on desk, books on floor
Staying ahead is a constant chore
But I called my kids, spend time with my wife
These are the real joys of life.
Congratulations on the win, Warren! I found your poem touching, and I definitely relate to it. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Sacrifice
What is the greatest sacrifice anyone has ever made for you?
Thanks, Mission Kid, for today's prompt! Visit Mission Kid's blog, Livin' Life in the Fastlane (Literally).
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Malaki
My mother gave up her whole family and life just to take me and my brother to a safer country. She gave up her country and her job and took us here. As refugees from the harsh conditions we had to endure. She is my hero and I thank God she's alive.
Congratulations on the win, Malaki! Your story is so touching, and written in a way that connects me emotionally to you. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Thanks, Mission Kid, for today's prompt! Visit Mission Kid's blog, Livin' Life in the Fastlane (Literally).
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Malaki
My mother gave up her whole family and life just to take me and my brother to a safer country. She gave up her country and her job and took us here. As refugees from the harsh conditions we had to endure. She is my hero and I thank God she's alive.
Congratulations on the win, Malaki! Your story is so touching, and written in a way that connects me emotionally to you. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Independence
Today what would you like to declare your independence from?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Cynthia L.H.
The "inner editor":
"Do you think you should?" "Do you think you shouldn't?"
"Do you think you can?"
"Is this alright?"
"Is that alright?"
"Is this good enough?"
"Is this better?"
"Don't you think this would be better?"
Oh, just HUSH already!!!
ENJOY!!!
Congratulations on the win, Cynthia L.H.! You did a great job describing the anxiety of self-editing. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Cynthia L.H.
The "inner editor":
"Do you think you should?" "Do you think you shouldn't?"
"Do you think you can?"
"Is this alright?"
"Is that alright?"
"Is this good enough?"
"Is this better?"
"Don't you think this would be better?"
Oh, just HUSH already!!!
ENJOY!!!
Congratulations on the win, Cynthia L.H.! You did a great job describing the anxiety of self-editing. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Friday Fiction: Meal
Write a brief bit of fiction involving a meal.
Friday Fiction is your opportunity to write a short (short, short, short) story. Many participants use more than one minute for Friday Fiction prompts, and I open up the One-Minute Writing of the Day contest to entries of various lengths.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Missmile
I was standing in line for my usual fast-friday-lunch.
I hadn't seen him since we last spoke, when we broke up and he slammed my door on his way out. I thought that was all.
I was standing in line for my usual lunch. I didn't realice he was there too, a couple of feet ahead of me.
He took his tray and started walking towards me. I started shaking. We couldn't stop staring at eachother. He looked me in the eyes. I started feeling strangely unconfortable and sweaty.
As he was getting closer and closer I stopped listening to the noises of the restaurant and music was in my mind. Everything became slow motion. I felt butterflies in my stomach, all over again, like the first day I met him.
He gently grabbed his drink; and again looked me in the eyes. I started smiling, imagining the movie-style kiss that was comming up.
He grabbed his drink, and at the exact moment I fell in love again, he threw the entire cup in my face.
Him slamming my door was nothing. Maybe me soaking wet in diet coke is going to be enough.
Congratulations on the win, Missmile! I liked the combination of suspense and humor in your story. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Friday Fiction is your opportunity to write a short (short, short, short) story. Many participants use more than one minute for Friday Fiction prompts, and I open up the One-Minute Writing of the Day contest to entries of various lengths.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Missmile
I was standing in line for my usual fast-friday-lunch.
I hadn't seen him since we last spoke, when we broke up and he slammed my door on his way out. I thought that was all.
I was standing in line for my usual lunch. I didn't realice he was there too, a couple of feet ahead of me.
He took his tray and started walking towards me. I started shaking. We couldn't stop staring at eachother. He looked me in the eyes. I started feeling strangely unconfortable and sweaty.
As he was getting closer and closer I stopped listening to the noises of the restaurant and music was in my mind. Everything became slow motion. I felt butterflies in my stomach, all over again, like the first day I met him.
He gently grabbed his drink; and again looked me in the eyes. I started smiling, imagining the movie-style kiss that was comming up.
He grabbed his drink, and at the exact moment I fell in love again, he threw the entire cup in my face.
Him slamming my door was nothing. Maybe me soaking wet in diet coke is going to be enough.
Congratulations on the win, Missmile! I liked the combination of suspense and humor in your story. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Trait
If you have children (or plan to have children, or can imagine having children), what trait do you have that you want to make sure you don't pass on?
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: June Freaking Cleaver
I am a consummate procrastinator. If I can delay completing a task, I will. I just always seem to have something better to do than the task in front of me.
This one time,
(Clicking remote) Oh, that show looks good. I'll finish this later.
See?
Congratulations on the win, June Freaking Cleaver! It was a witty way to express your undesirable trait (one so many of us identify with!) Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: June Freaking Cleaver
I am a consummate procrastinator. If I can delay completing a task, I will. I just always seem to have something better to do than the task in front of me.
This one time,
(Clicking remote) Oh, that show looks good. I'll finish this later.
See?
Congratulations on the win, June Freaking Cleaver! It was a witty way to express your undesirable trait (one so many of us identify with!) Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Today's Writing Prompt: Emergency
Write about an emergency in your life, and how you handled it.
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Roderckdhu
BOOM! MEOWRRRRRR! BEEP BEEP BEEP. Furnace explodes, blowing door open, setting couch on fire, sending cat flying across the room. I lunge from bed, blitz out of the house, and then...turn around and push the burning couch through the patio doors across the snow and into the yard and then go turn the gas off. It was probably the most exciting two or three minutes in my teen life.
Congratulations, Roderckdhu, on another win! I can picture this scene, and feel a bit of your teenage adrenaline. Feel free to put another One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Roderckdhu
BOOM! MEOWRRRRRR! BEEP BEEP BEEP. Furnace explodes, blowing door open, setting couch on fire, sending cat flying across the room. I lunge from bed, blitz out of the house, and then...turn around and push the burning couch through the patio doors across the snow and into the yard and then go turn the gas off. It was probably the most exciting two or three minutes in my teen life.
Congratulations, Roderckdhu, on another win! I can picture this scene, and feel a bit of your teenage adrenaline. Feel free to put another One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!
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