Today's Writing Prompt: Photographer

If you were a professional photographer, what type of photography would you want to do?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Gina

The best photo I ever took was a random shot of a little girl, about 8, running full tilt across a beach after some gulls. Her hair was streaming out behind her, arms reaching as far as she could manage toward the birds and the sky ... and an expression of unadulterated joy across her face. It was such an open, honest, ecstatic moment ... I can't imagine anything being better than that moment.

Congratulations, Gina! I can picture this beautiful scene--you described it so wonderfully. I hope you're able to capture more photos like this! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Technology

What do you think is the biggest benefit technology offers to today's children?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Melissa Morgan

I still think it's the microwave.

Congratulations on another win, Melissa! Your response made me smile. (And I'm not sure how I'd live without my microwave!)

Today's Writing Prompt: Connection

Write about a time you felt a definite connection with someone, the first time you met them.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: christine

Her nose was a tinge purplish.
Her hair dark and spiky.
Skin slightly ochre tinged, but oh, so soft.
Lips puckered gently, but soundless.
Her eyes opened wide and found me.
I was lost in their depths from that moment.
"well, Mum, here I am, let's get on with our lives."

Congratulations on another win, Christine! This was a beautiful description of such a miraculous moment.

Today's Writing Prompt: Noise

What noise annoys you the most?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Janet

Coughing.
When I have to cough, well, it's because I have to.
When you cough, it's just to annoy me.

Congratulations, Janet! I think it was the impeccable logic (ahem) that made me like your response. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Future

What one minute of your future would you like to see?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Jeff D'Antonio

One minute after my death. I want to see what happens next. Where will I go? What will I see there? Or will there just be nothingness?

Assuming, of course, that I can come back after this one-minute glimpse into the future...

I'd really love to know.

Congratulations, Jeff! As so often happens with your responses, I appreciated the vulnerability you showed here. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Friday Fiction: Animal

Write a brief bit of fiction from the point of view of an animal.

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.

Click on the "Friday Fiction" tag beneath the post to see more examples of Friday Fiction writings.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Cain

I lie splayed in the corner of my enclosure, still and silent. I have long since tired of running around; far be it from me to call for help. The band at my throat cuts into my flesh. I mew pitifully into the darkness.

I have no idea what they wish to do with me. They say I'm rare and valuable, that they need me to test something, that I'm a juvenile feral lynx - whatever that is. They wouldn't be very pleased with me now. I'm haggard and limp; my jaws hurt with the effort of chewing the meagre helpings of tough meat they give me; my heart is broken, my paws are tired, my coat is matted and dull.

The door to my prison is opened; here, certainly, is one of my captors...

But this? This is different. This is not one of them.

This one smells different; he does not reek of insensitivity. He blinks, adjusting the focus of his human eyes to the dark, then gasps slightly and runs over to me. He removes my collar and reads the tag. Then he lifts me gently, and I rub my tired face against his chiselled jaw. He whispers softly in my ear.

"You're coming home with me, Radon."

Congratulations, Cain! Your response was beautiful. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog! By the way--I tried to comment on your blog, and couldn't get the comment link to work. Maybe you could change the type of comment form you're using in Blogger?

Today's Writing Prompt: Balloon

If you could attach a message to a helium balloon, release it, and know that it would reach someone who has passed away, what would it say?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Okay, writers. I'm having trouble on this one. As I read all the responses, I was in tears. I laughed too. You touched me with your responses. I love it when I can see someone's heart in what they write, so thank you. I'd like to give about half a dozen awards, but I am going to make myself choose just one.

Writer: Flory

Abuela,

I wish you were still around today. I'd like to hear your stories now that I would pay more attention to them and know to write down every story you told.

I miss you. Please come talk to me in my dreams. I'm not scared.

Love always,
Your nieta Flory.

Congratulations, Flory! Your response touched me, and reminds me to listen to the stories of the older relatives I'm lucky enough to still spend time with on earth. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog or website, if you have one!

Today's Writing Prompt: Habit

What is your best habit?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Namine

Blogging... blogging is definitely my best habit. It helps me keep track of what I eat for the most part and helps me get creative with my outfits and it allows me to have an outlet for frustration. When I am sad or depressed blogging is the best pick me up. Comments are the best thing to recieve.

Congratulations, Namine! I checked out your blogs, and I'm a bit in awe of how much you write, on multiple blogs. I have found blogging to be a fantastic addition to my life, too (and I agree, comments are the best!) Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog or website, if you have one!

Today's Writing Prompt: Robot

If you could have a robot to help you, what task(s) would it do? What would its name be?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: SZQS

I do have a robot to help me, and it is called my laptop. I've trained it to organize the happenings on the internet into neat and concise digests so that I have time for meditative practices like dish-washing (yet I haven't done that in a while, as the dishwasher robot has been meditating instead).

Congratulations, SZQS! I like the idea of your meditating robot.... That must be what my dishwashing robot spends his time doing too. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog or website, if you have one!

Today's Writing Prompt: Timing

Write about a time you had extraordinarily good (or extraordinarily bad) timing.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Bridget Furey

I had just started dating my first boyfriend when the guy I had been in love with for years finally asked me to be with him. I'm still not sure if that was good or bad timing.

Congratulations, Bridget! Very interesting story, and you've piqued my interest--I want to know what happened next! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog or website, if you have one!

Today's Writing Prompt: City

What is the last city that you visited, for the first time? What did you think of it?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Emily

Valletta, Malta

The bombed-out island, all rebuilt. The streets smoothed over, even now and wide. Only the Opera House was still in ruins, that pile of crumbled rock still singing out: remember! Later, we saw a flock of birds circling above the water. We watched them swoop down, quick and silent, near a line of bright-wood boats, bobbing on the dark-green sea. Later still, walking past a row of painted doors, chipped and fading in the sun, I took a photograph of flowers. Heady from the scent of jasmine, and all that bright abundance on that pale, sandstone wall.

Congratulations, Emily! Your response was beautiful and poetic. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog or website, if you have one!

Today's Writing Prompt: Scared

When is the last time you were really scared?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: davidseven

Really scared? The last time?

I think that would have to be every time I take up my pen, feel the blank page staring into me, and asking "What makes you think you can be a writer? Do you think that little pen of yours is going to scare me?"

Really scared?

You have no idea!

Congratulations on another win, davidseven! I enjoyed your answer and know most of us can relate to it, as writers. I also really enjoyed looking at your blog.

Friday Fiction: Villain

Write a brief bit of fiction from the point of view of a villain.

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: --V--

Magneto writing an op-ed piece to his local newspaper:


All my life I've been told that I'm not good enough. Not worthy of life. By the Nazis during World War II and the close-minded conservatives now, my value has been measured by standards outside of my control. Though I began life in Germany, I have been a citizen of this country for a very long time. A democracy that boasts equality and fairness--a nation full of hypocrisy.


Over the years I have seen countless struggles of individuals who, like myself, have been told that their existence is meaningless. Rather than sitting idly by and watching another population become systematically eliminated, I have used my gifts, my mutant abilities, to fight for not only myself, but for all those mutants who are unable to fight for themselves.


Some may call me dangerous, a tyrant, or even villain. To those people I can only say, "fair enough." But consider this: for whatever negative actions I have done, you only have yourselves to blame. It's easy to be judgmental, to sit on a pedestal, pushing propaganda that not only denigrates mutants but encourages violent actions against them. It is this for which I can no longer stand. I have tried to work peaceably with humans, but to no avail. Your representatives have been more concerned with figuring out how to restrain me than with finding common ground.


Therefore, it is with great sadness that I must end all negotiations to stop the attacks. My words have not resonated. It is time for action. And for those who choose to stand in my way, remember this: whatever I am, you have made me.

Congratulations, --V--! I like your characterization, the way you coax the reader into sympathizing with the villain. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog or website, if you have one!

Today's Writing Prompt: Parents

Have you ever done something that makes you think you're turning into one of your parents (or another childhood authority figure)?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Geeta

Turning into my mother would be the greatest achievement of all. Her qualities and knowledge, her contagious smiles and endless love. Her cooking skills, mending skills (clothing, scrapes, hearts and more...), all-around skills. I examine myself everyday hoping to find I'm becoming like my mother... for that would be the greatest achievement of all.

Congratulations on the win, Geeta! What a lovely post, and what a tribute to your mom. I hope you'll share this bit of writing with her.

Today's Writing Prompt: Role model

What famous person do you think is the best role model for today's kids?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Charmaine

President Carter. He is the first president to use his former status as a springboard to affect change in this country and in other countries...without being asked.

Most x-presidents relax on their laurels, accept thousands in speaking engagements. He travels the world as a diplomat for peace and builds houses for poor folks.

What a man.

Congratulations on another win, Charmaine! I know it can be hard to think of truly good celebrity role models, but I thought you did a fantastic job of coming up with a great answer, and supporting it.

Today's Writing Prompt: Break

What responsibility would you like to forego (without any negative consequences) for one week?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Kristen

I feel like sleep is a resposnibility; if I don't sleep and wear myself down, that's irresponsible. But there are so many "have tos" that take up the day. With an extra 56 hours a week, I'd have enough time to catch up that scrapbook, volunteer at church, and go for a hike - and still get the vacuuming done at 4 a.m.

Congratulations, Kristen! Well said...and if you figure out how to do this, let me know! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog or website, if you have one!

Today's Writing Prompt: 101

Colleges offer courses like English 101 and Biology 101, teaching students the basics of those subjects. What "101" course do you think colleges should offer to help 18-year-old students learn what they really need to know?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Enri Zoltz

DIY 101 would be a great class. Teaching young adults how to fix leaky faucets, distinguish termites, reuse containers and disposable items to make nifty things, as well as how to sew a button, fix a screen, and change a tire. Unfortunately, some of what used to be Home Ec. is now treated as specialized knowledge. Kids are leaving home with tunnel vision and the world at large could use some marvels of common sense.

Congratulations, Enri Zoltz, on another win! This is a great idea, and very nicely expressed.

Today's Writing Prompt: Torture

If someone wanted to torture you by locking you in a room with speakers blaring music you hated, what music would they choose?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Chase

A long time ago, I learned that it's best if I do not touch instruments. Mind you, this is after years of Piano, and even some college-level courses. But trust me when I say, it's for everyone's benefit.

If someone was to torture me with any music, it would be that from my own hands and voice.

Congratulations, Chase! I like your self-deprecating humor. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Warning

If you wore a WARNING sign that could be read by everyone who meets you and would warn them of something they should know about you, what would it say?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: MrJames

WARNING!
Englishman with large vocabulary.
Invective can kill at fifty paces.

What can I say? My mouth is a weapon!

Congratulations, MrJames! I'd like to see the responses you'd get with that sign around your neck! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Friday Fiction: Rhythm

Write a brief, fictional piece that has a definite rhythm to it. The rhythm can be fast, slow, straight, syncopated...whatever fits the story.

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: teacherwriter

Energized, quick, hop to, give it all you've got. Climb a hill, huff and puff, till you fizzle out. Eat a bite, rejuvenate, munch, crunch, and slurp. Take a nap, snooze and yawn, refresh, recharge, restart. Reflect a bit, give some thought, spark, create, and write. You've spent the day, like every day, anticipate the next.

Congratulations, teacherwriter! You really captured the frantic pace of life, but I enjoyed the slower pace at the end. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Coat of arms

If you were to design a personal coat of arms, what symbols representing you would it include?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:

Writer: Marc

A pen for writing (to make words spin)
A fist for fighting (for what I believe in)
A beautiful sun (to grow all my greens)
A dirt path to run (to see all the scenes)

Congratulations, Marc, on another win! This is a fantastic poem, and a creative way to describe your coat of arms.

Today's Writing Prompt: Days

The English words for days of the week are so outdated. Give new names to some or all of the days of the week.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Whitney

Sunday - Broke day
Monday - REALLY Broke Day
Tuesday - Look For Pennies In The Floorboards For Gas Day
Wednesday - Is It Pay Day Yet Day?
Thursday - Pay Day! Woohoo!
Friday - Broke Again Day
Saturday - Ramen Noodle Day

Congratulations on another win, Whitney! I really liked your funny response--I just wish I could give you a cash prize!

Today's Writing Prompt: Triathlon

Most of us couldn't win a swim/bike/run race. What three activities would you like to do competitively in your own "triathlon"?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Christine

Getting lost, no matter how detailed the directions.

Baking an edible cake without wheat and dairy.

Writing a story to charm and surprise.

Congratulations on another win, Christine! I like the variety and creativity of your three triathlon "sports"!

Today's Writing Prompt: Music

Describe music you've heard recently...music that didn't involve instruments or singing.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Kate

The dull thud of her fists punching down the bread dough. The sizzle sizzle of the water boiling over and squealing as it hits the burners. The rhythmic drumming of the carrots and celery being chopped.
The hushed sound of apples being peeled, and the ringing they make when they fall into the glass bowl. The scratching of the sugar against the bottom of the bowl.
And then, the climax of the symphony, everyone breathing in unison as they sit down to a dinner of crusty bread, split-pea soup, and apple crisp.

Congratulations on another win, Kate! Not only can I hear your meal being made, I can taste it. (I'll be right over!!)

Today's Writing Prompt: Gender

In modern times, in the area where you live, who do you think generally has it easier--men or women?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Barbies4Sale!

Barbie said, "Men have it easier".
Ken said, "Women have it easier".

In the end, they divorced.

Congratulations, Barbies4Sale! This is funny...and profound. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Glasses

Imagine you have a pair of magic eyeglasses. What can you see through them that you normally wouldn't be able to see?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Brynn

i went through a whole summer with no glasses because i lost them. i was used to seeing things a little blurry. so when i finally got a new pair, it was like a whole new world. everything was so detailed and intricate. where i had previously seen only the brown of a trees trunk and the green of its leaves, i now saw each and every leaf.
i think thats magic for you. :)

Congratulations, Brynn, on another win! Really, glasses are rather magical, aren't they? I'm so glad I can see the world in all its vibrant detail instead of the blurry blob it would be without my glasses or contacts. Creative response!

Friday Fiction: Argument

Write a brief bit of fiction about an argument.

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: JenM

Her eyes looked up, and I caved. I couldn't say no, not again, not this time. Everything in me seized, except my heart... there was no argument left, and I opened the door.
"Yes, Love, I'll buy three boxes of thin mints, and two do-si-dos...," was all I could muster. Who doesn't love a Girl Scout cookie- even if they are $3 a box!? You can't argue that! :)

Congrats on another win, JenM! Ahh, Girl Scout Cookies...one of life's simple pleasures!

Today's Writing Prompt: Tired

Use creative language to describe what it feels like to be very, very tired.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Merriam

Your eyelids are the magnets

and your cheekbones are the fridge

Congratulations, Merriam! This is simple, witty, and appropriate. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Today's Writing Prompt: Song

Imagine you've written a corny, catchy, top 40 pop song. Give us a couple of lines of it.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Barga

'Cause I am singing in a boy band,
The words are stupid and the music's bland,
We are small here but big in japan,
And have no dime from selling out to the man

Congratulations on another win, Barga! I love your lyrics--so funny. I can't wait to hear the song on the radio.

Today's Writing Prompt: Party!

It's C. Beth's birthday! Let's have a virtual One-Minute Writer party. What will you bring to the party?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Crazy Mo

To your party I will bring
sweets and treats—since I can’t sing.

I’ll offer decadent chocolate cake
that I will do my best to bake.

Cream-filled pastries, oh so sweet.
And apple pie is always a treat.

It’s all calorie-free … just so you know.
Happy Birthday! From Crazy Mo.

Congratulations, Crazy Mo--and thank you! I loved this poem--it was even a better gift than the calorie-free treats (and that's a pretty darn good gift too!) Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!