How it works

Who's got the time to journal daily? You do.

1. Read the daily writing prompt.
2. Push "Play" on the timer on the right side of the screen.
3. Spend 60 seconds or less writing a response to the daily prompt.

You may respond in the "Comments" section of each post, if your response is family-friendly. Or you can write in your own journal or blog. If you respond in a public blog post, please use Mister Linky to share it with us. (See this post for more details.) Also feel free to use the "Comments" section for informal discussion about the responses that are posted.

Today, take a minute to write!

Questions? Check out this link for The One-Minute Writer Q&A, including comment guidelines and copyright information.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Friday Fiction: Nuts

Write a brief bit of fiction using the prompt "nuts."

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: Kuyerjudd

There was very little to say about the huge walnut that stood about six feet tall across the lawn. The rest of the peashooters and I liked to call him Tallnut. Completely because of his height.

He held a knowing smile on his face despite the zombies gnawing on his fragile--though thick--skin.

CRACK! The sound reverberate back and forth across the lawn, as the other plants turned to Tallnut at the very front of the line.

Uh-oh. His shell had cracked--the zombies had breached our lane on the lawn!

And before I knew it, we were doomed.

***

This is Plants v.s. Zombies, if you didn't know. :)

Congratulations, Kuyerjudd! Your response is delightfully bizarre. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Note: The One-Minute Writer has a Facebook page! Become a fan by clicking the button below.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

One-Minute Writing of the Week: STEPCoach



I choose one of the daily winning response from each week and feature it as the One-Minute Writing of the Week. This is for the week of 4/11-4/17.

One-Minute Writing of the Week:
Writer: StepCOACH (Sunday's winner)

Prompt: Guilt trip. YIKES! It's 4:31 p.m. and I just realized--I forgot to set up a writing prompt for today! Here it is:

Give me the best possible guilt trip you can give me, for being so late on this prompt. All in fun, of course....

*****

My mother died. She was my best friend through all the hell of growing up as a sickly boy at a mean school. The only person I could count on. Her last moments alive, my last moments to hold her hand to feel her kiss were missed because I got distracted checking repeatedly for your daily prompt. Your program is helpful, and I have appreciated it, but I don't think I can continue following you. Thank you.

Congratulations,STEPCoach! You're welcome to put a One-Minute Writing of the Week Winner button on your blog, if you have one. Click here if you'd like to snag it.

Today's Writing Prompt: Cartoon voice

What type of cartoon character would your voice be perfect for?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Mike Trippiedi

My voice would probably be the handsome prince. However, if they decided to use live actors I'm afraid I would be replaced.

Congratulations on another win, Mike! I love your self-deprecating humor.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Cathy



I choose one of the daily winning response from each week and feature it as the One-Minute Writing of the Week. This is for the week of 4/4-4/10.

One-Minute Writing of the Week:
Writer: Cathy (Tuesday's winner)

Prompt: Daddy. Recall a very early memory of time spent with your father.

If you don't have any memories of your father, recall a very early memory of time spent with an adult who was influential in your young life.

*****

I remember sitting on Dad's lap in a "Daddy trap". The key to get released was a kiss on the cheek. I remember the scratch of his whiskers as I'd kiss him. I'd sit happily with him for a while until I'd decide to run around and play and I give him a kiss. He'd sing "A Bushel and a Peck". I also remember hearing his stories of being a Prisoner of War in WWII. I grew up thinking all kids dads had been in the war. Dad passed away on January 10, 1997. I miss him so much.

Congratulations,Cathy! You're welcome to put a One-Minute Writing of the Week Winner button on your blog, if you have one. Click here if you'd like to snag it.

Today's Writing Prompt: Volcano

Volcanos can really mess things up. What do you think should come out of an erupting volcano instead of lava and ash?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: the eternal worrier

Imagine if instead of ash and lava it had been the smell of baking!
How would the news run that?

And the gorgeous smell when you walk out of the front door.
The sun shining, birds singing and the smell of fresh bread.

Delicious.

Congratulations on another win, the eternal worrier! Ahh, I love your idea. It would definitely make people happy, and might even lead to world peace. How could anyone drop bombs if the air smelled like fresh bread?!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Truth

What do you know is true?

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

Very little. And I have doubts about those things too.

Congratulations on another win, J Cosmo Newbery! I appreciate your candor...and your wit.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Today's Prompt: Adulthood

Think about the aspects of adulthood you looked forward to when you were a kid. What part of being an adult isn't quite as great as you thought it would be?

If you're not an adult yet, feel free to write about what aspect of adulthood you look forward to the most.


One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: June Calender

At 72 I've been an adult for so long that all that nostalgia about childhood and angst about adolesence and wondering about young love and care about children are almost forgotten. Remembered is the illicit romances and their hurting aftermath and now the acceptance that it was all a part of life and this life, here and now, is exactly what I've earned and I'm very happy with what it is.

Congratulations, June Calender! Your perspective is inspiring. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Stretch

In what way would you like to stretch?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: quenntis

I’d like to stretch something other than my imagination. Not that I don’t like my imagination, but sometimes I think I need to stretch time so that it can completely and utterly encompass my creativity. You ever feel like that? Not enough time? Imagine if the world stretched and fitted around your needs instead of the other way round!

Congratulations, quenntis! The idea of stretching time is a fantastic one--if you figure it out, let me in on the secret! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Friday Fiction (a day late): Scheme

Write a brief bit of fiction using the prompt "scheme."

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: Heather

Laurie passed me the note silently as Mr. Wan drolled on about the importance of understanding lowest common denominators. Carefully, I unfolded it and set it on top of my notebook so it would blend in with the pitiful little I had written. Want in on the plans for Joey? it said. I ground my teeth involuntarily at the name. Joey Parsons. The biggest creep I ever hoped to meet. Now there was a lowest common denominator.

He'd asked me out on a date a few weeks before. All the girls thought he was cute. Tall, athletic frame, blonde hair and blue eyes. He wasn't the lead on any teams, but he was certainly in that crowd. I'd said yes and then floated all the way home, calling everyone one of my friends to tell them what happened. We were all super excited for the date.

He picked me up at my house in his shiny black Camino. His dad gave it to him for his 16th birthday and then bought himself some new hobby car. Joey had helped rebuild the car and talked about details that I didn't care to understand. I was simply enthralled to be with him. We pulled up in front of The Burger Joint. Hamburgers, french fries, and a shared chocolate shake later, he paid the bill and we left for the drive-in.

He smiled at me a lot on the way to the drive-in. We were going to watch Twilight. I'd seen it when it came out in theaters, but didn't care because it meant sitting with Joey in his awesome car. He paid for our tickets and some sodas. We climbed into the backseat. When the sun set, the air grew chilly. He gave me a blanket and pulled me over close to him, wrapping his arm around me. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach at just being this close to him. It was going to be a perfect night.

After a few minutes, he slipped his hand over my shoulder and rested it over my breast. His other hand slid up my thigh. I was uncomfortable with this and quietly removed them. He persisted. I grew angry and impatient. I told him to stop and pushed him away and started to slide across the seat and out of the car. The butterflies in my stomach flew chaotically, trying to escape the situation. Joey wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me into his lap. "Where are you going?" he said. His tone was dark and dangerous.

"Let go of me," I said through gritted teeth as I struggled to pull free.

"What? You think you can just have me pay for everything and then leave without giving me anything in return?" His grip tightened around my waist.

I pulled my elbow back hard, catching him square in the chest. He let go, surprised at the force and sudden loss of breath. I scrambled out of the car. I would have fallen through the door had he not caught my wrist. I turned toward him so the majority of my body could continue to move away. "Yeah. That's exactly what I think," I said.

I pulled my arm away, but not before he slapped me. I fell backward from the force, hitting my head of the low end of the speaker pole. I could feel something wet dripping behind my ear and I could taste the tell tale sign of iron from blood in my mouth. I jumped up and ran to the concession stand where the girl's bathroom was located. I cried as quietly as I could inside the stall, dabbing away the blood on the too thin toilet paper.

Later, I found my purse hanging on the speaker pole. He'd used my lipstick to write his thought of me on my purse. He'd taken the time to destroy everything he could. The mirror was shattered, pictures torn, my cell phone sat in a mostly full cup of soda, my lipstick was smashed into the dirt.

The class bell rang and Mr. Wan told us to do the problems on the following two pages. I folded up the note and packed it in my backpack with my math books, etc. Laurie was waiting for me by the door. "I'm in. What's the scheme?" I said as we left the room.

Congratulations on another win, Heather, and thanks for sharing such a compelling story!

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Friday, April 23, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Map

Complete this thought:

I'd like to find a map leading me to...

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Alison Joy

My sanity!

Today in class, I told the kindergartners that I keep losing my mind because I was being forgetful. One of the boys drew me a map to where my mind was hiding. He said "then you won't keep forgetting that I am the Light helper today!"

So cute!

Congratulations, Alison Joy! You're right, that's very cute! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Sound

Describe the most beautiful sound you've ever heard.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Helen

We both sat in silence. The windows of the car were fogging up even though neither of us had moved a muscle. After two weeks of dating:

"I love you."

Congratulations, Helen! I enjoyed the anticipation you built, in just a few sentences. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Coppertop



I choose one of the daily winning response from each week and feature it as the One-Minute Writing of the Week. This is for the week of 3/28-4/3.

One-Minute Writing of the Week:
Writer: Coppertop (Saturday's winner)

Prompt: Uncomfortable. Write about something that you wish didn't make you uncomfortable.

I approach getting into bed as would a whale who is about to beach herself.

According to the wisdom of the masses, I should be glowing and nesting, my gigantic boobs gently rising and falling with my satisfied breaths as I fold baby clothes in anticipation.

But when I sneeze, I pee a little.

Congratulations, Coppertop! You're welcome to put a One-Minute Writing of the Week Winner button on your blog. Click here if you'd like to snag it.

Today's Writing Prompt: Prescription

The pharmaceutical companies come up with such creative names for new medications. Dream up a new medication--its purpose (as realistic or outlandish as you want it to be) and its name.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Pipsqeek

Re-Lax.

The chill pill and constipation fixer-upperer.

Congratulations, pipsqeek! You may have a million-dollar idea there.... Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: How-to

What skill do you really wish someone would write a how-to book about?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Call Me Cate

I'd like to write a guide on how to achieve world domination just through thinking without having to put the effort into executing the actual work.

It would be a real bonus if someone else would write the book and then read it for me.

Congratulations on another win, Call Me Cate! I'll totally write the book for you if I can be the devious "power behind the throne" when you attain world domination.

Monday, April 19, 2010

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Kelly



I choose one of the daily winning response from each week and feature it as the One-Minute Writing of the Week. This is for the week of 3/21-3/27.

One-Minute Writing of the Week:
Writer: Kelly (Wednesday's's winner)

Prompt: Model. Fill in the blank (and explain): I'm a model _______.

Inside of this
4'11" inch frame
is an amazon ,
a model
visage of beauty
, bearer of fashion .
I toss my locks ,
walk with purpose
and show
glimpses of me ,
between
flashes of
lights and
teeth.

Congratulations,Kelly! You're welcome to put a One-Minute Writing of the Week Winner button on your blog. Click here if you'd like to snag it.

Today's Writing Prompt: Backwards Day

Imagine it's Backwards Day, all over the world. How does it affect your day?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: davidseven

.stpmorp retirW etuniM enO eht ot srewsna ym epyt ot etunim a naht regnol sekat ti taht si "yad sdrawkcab" tuoba gniht tsedrah eht sseug I

Congratulations on another win, davidseven! It takes longer to read your response too, but it was worth it!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Season

What is your least favorite season of the year? And what is your favorite thing about that season?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Pamela

Winter. Even the word depresses me. Ice. Cold. Chapped skin. Never WARM. The beauty of the untouched new fallen snow that sparkles like diamonds under the moonlight on a quiet night isn't enough.

Congratulations, pamela! Even though winter's beauty might not be enough to make you enjoy the season, it was a lovely description! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Six Word Saturday!

Describe your life in six words.

Six Word Saturdays is a weekly series over at Call Me Cate's fantastic 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!



While you're at it, check out Call Me Cate's new blog, Seven Days Seven Answers. It's a writing prompt blog with daily winners, and each day of the week has its own theme. It's fun!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Mary from the Prairie

Got my Redvines ... now to study...

Congratulations, Mary! There's just something delightful about Redvines that I think would make studying more bearable! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Friday Fiction: Race

Write a brief bit of fiction using the prompt "race."

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: Joanna

She waited at the check point for the previous team member in line to make his way down the last stretch for the hand off. Her hands were sweaty and shaky as she steeled her nerves for that midair moment when the whole world could slip through her fingers. "I can't drop anything. This is so much bigger than just me. So much is at stake." She heard the phantom footsteps of the others coming up behind her. She put her hand out and waited for the slick red plastic to meet her grip. Just before he reached her, she put her hand down one more time to wipe the sweat off on her pants leg. Instantly, in perfect synchronicity, her hand reached out to meet the hand held towards her. Like a vice grip, she grasped the red handle of that signature small Igloo chest. Heart pounding, she busted through the two sets of double doors into the operating room and set the container down next to the gurney. "Dear God, let this work!" she prayed.

Congratulations on another win, Joanna! (It's great to see you back here!) The twist at the end of your story was very satisfying!

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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Attention

Complete this thought: "I wish I'd paid more attention when..."

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Graciegreen

I wish I had paid more attention to my children when they were little instead of cleaning, cooking, working, finding myself....

Congratulations on another win, Graciegreen! Your response is a great, gentle reminder to lots of moms (including me.)

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Study

Some scientific studies seem to come up with results that we all knew intuitively anyway (like "Too Many Meetings Make You Grumpy" or "Combining Drugs and Alcohol is Bad For You.")

Write a headline announcing incredibly obvious results of a (fake) scientific study.

Note from C. Beth: I've realized I may have inadvertently "stolen" today's prompt from Call Me Cate over at Seven Days Seven Answers. She had a very similar prompt several weeks ago! Thanks for the "inspiration," Cate!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: davidseven

Shock result: More people die in the last 2 minutes of their life than the rest put together.

Congratulations on another win, davidseven! (And please tell me this study was privately-funded...not paid for by my tax dollars!)

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Library

Recall a memory you have about going to a library.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Dani

Books falling from my arms, baby slipping down my hip, toddler pulling down my pants and screaming, people walking by looking at me with concern in their eyes, my hair falling from it's hazardous up-do, and my muscles clenching tight to keep from falling apart.

That was a moment I will never forget.

Congratulations, Dani, on another win! I DEFINITELY relate to this memory!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Excuse

I posted yesterday's prompt very late, and I gave you an opportunity to give me a guilt trip for my tardiness. But now, I need your help! Give me your ideas for creative excuses I could use next time I forget to post.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: April

My baby smiled at me, and I forgot I had a blog.

Congratulations on another win, April! Your response was touching--it actually reminds me that I should live in the moment with my kids...blog or no blog! Thanks.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Guilt trip

YIKES! It's 4:31 p.m. and I just realized--I forgot to set up a writing prompt for today! Here it is:

Give me the best possible guilt trip you can give me, for being so late on this prompt. All in fun, of course....

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: STEPcoach

My mother died. She was my best friend through all the hell of growing up as a sickly boy at a mean school. The only person I could count on. Her last moments alive, my last moments to hold her hand to feel her kiss were missed because I got distracted checking repeatedly for your daily prompt. Your program is helpful, and I have appreciated it, but I don't think I can continue following you. Thank you.

Congratulations, STEPcoach! WOW, that could possibly be the best guilt trip I've ever been sent on! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Three chapters

Break up your life (up to this point) into three "chapters," and give them titles.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Jessica

Chapter One: Birth to Junior High The Happy Years

Chapter Two: Ages 14 to 24 Lord Help Us

Chapter Three: Ages 25+ Finally, A Productive Member of Society

Congratulations on another win, Jessica! I love your Chapter Two title. It says so much in just three words!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Friday Fiction: Influence

Write a brief bit of fiction, using the prompt "influence."

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: MC

Carrying the boxes through the dormitory, filled with personal belongings and small furnishings, we followed Andy as she led us to her room. After repeatedly glancing from the paper and the numbers above the doors, she found her room. Inside, her roommate was perched on her bed and organizing her stuff. Andy introduced her self and they had a light conversation about where they were from. My husband and I put down our loads, and he reached for my lonely hand. Gazing at each other, I knew he felt the same happiness and loss I was. Today our little girl was going to take on the world by herself. We’d raised her to the best of our ability. As she had grown we helped her understand all that we knew so that when this day came she could ride through the future as easily as possible.
We said our goodbyes, and she promised to call and visit. She sealed her promise with a hug and kiss for each of us. We then left. Sitting in the car I looked out onto the campus, I imagined Andy unpacking her belongings, smiling at her hopeful future. In a way we were a bow, and Andy was the arrow. We could only aim and influence her in the right direction, but only she could decide how far she’ll go.

Congratulations, MC! You expressed the feelings that most parents must have in this situation. Great job! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

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Thursday, April 8, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Literary family

What literary family would you like to spend a month with? Why?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Ron.

I want to live with Charles Dickens' Fagin Clan, rollickin through the streets, liftin me a few fat purses. Yeah, that' the ticket.

Congratulations on yet another win, Ron.! It sounds like you're more than ready to join in with the Fagin Clan!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Spoiled

Are you "spoiled" in any way?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Graciegreen

I am, by my husband. We live in the U.P. of MI where snow can pile up remarkably in a few hours. I was working at school during a blizzard and school was called. Students were sent home on buses, then employees trudged to the parking lot in 3 feet of new snow. Cars were buried except for one Impala. It was brushed off, warmed up and shoveled out. As I slipped into my clean warm car I heard the comment...she is so spoiled.

Congratulations, Graciegreen! Now, that is definitely spoiled--and your husband just earned major points in my book! Congrats on the win and on snagging such a good guy! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Daddy

Recall a very early memory of time spent with your father.

If you don't have any memories of your father, recall a very early memory of time spent with an adult who was influential in your young life.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Cathy

I remember sitting on Dad's lap in a "Daddy trap". The key to get released was a kiss on the cheek. I remember the scratch of his whiskers as I'd kiss him. I'd sit happily with him for a while until I'd decide to run around and play and I give him a kiss. He'd sing "A Bushel and a Peck". I also remember hearing his stories of being a Prisoner of War in WWII. I grew up thinking all kids dads had been in the war. Dad passed away on January 10, 1997. I miss him so much.

Congratulations, Cathy! What a sweet memory, and I love the way you shared it. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog if you have one!

Monday, April 5, 2010

One-Minute Writing of the Week: J Cosmo Newbery



I choose one of the daily winning response from each week and feature it as the One-Minute Writing of the Week. This is for the week of 3/14-3/20.

One-Minute Writing of the Week:
Writer: J Cosmo Newbery (Sunday's's winner)

Prompt: Family. In what way do you not fit in with the family you grew up with?

My parents took one look at me and sold me to gypsies and I had to work as a tinker's assistant all my childhood, chained to a wagon with wobbly wheels and a smell of cheap wine.

Well, OK, not strictly true. They paid the gypsies to take me.

Congratulations,J Cosmo Newbery! You're welcome to put a One-Minute Writing of the Week Winner button on your blog. Click here if you'd like to snag it.

Today's Writing Prompt: Delayed gratification

Write about a time you had to wait to get something you really wanted.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Lisa Wright

I have waited for peace of mind. I thought it was something that you could achieve in a bottle, or a book, or a yoga class. I then realized it was a long term thing - like a lifestyle change...and it was something you had to keep up with every single day. Sometimes it will elude you, but sometimes it will come in full force - and you'll know that you earned it.

Congratulations, Lisa! I appreciate the wisdom of your response. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Egg

If you found an Easter egg today, what would you like it to contain? (Feel free to dream big...but be sure it's something small enough to fit in an egg!)

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Taylorvillegirl

A perfectly delicious chocolate egg with creamy peanut butter filling and sprinkles on top. All completely void of calories, fat and all the other bad stuff that will add pounds to my already fat frame. Mmmmm. Chocolate covered guilt free goodness.

Congratulations on another win, Taylorvillegirl! You've described it so well that I'm craving chocolate. Of course, I don't have any calorie-free chocolate in the house....

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Uncomfortable

Write about something that you wish didn't make you uncomfortable.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Coppertop

I approach getting into bed as would a whale who is about to beach herself.

According to the wisdom of the masses, I should be glowing and nesting, my gigantic boobs gently rising and falling with my satisfied breaths as I fold baby clothes in anticipation.

But when I sneeze, I pee a little.

Congratulations on another win, Coppertop! This literally made me laugh out loud.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Friday Fiction: Rock

Write a brief bit of fiction, inspired by the word "rock."

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: Ron.

Thank You, Katherine

She sees faces in the rocks and small stones she finds in the yard, faces staring back at her, smiling or reproachful, young or old. She hands them to me and sometimes I can see them too. The ones I can see I give names to, first and last, and hand them back to her to see if I got them right. I almost always get them right, or she says No, she looks more like a Pearl or a Maude to me. Then she'd put the smallest ones in her pocket, set the larger ones aside and, later, we'd carry them up to the steps, give them a nice shower from the garden hose, let them bask a while in the sun before bringing them inside to our box of facerocks.

Sometimes I wonder what ever happened to them after I moved away. I wonder if she tossed them back into the yard and garden before she moved to the mountains, or gave them away to the kids in the neighborhood, or if she just included the box one day with the other trash, dragged to the curb.

In my office today I have a large water cooler bottle filled with corks. None of them have names, though. I have a tea canister filled with Chinese fortunes, a small galvanized pail overflowing with red plastic coffee scoops, a display case for my hundreds of tin boxes, half a dozen terra cotta balls, a sizeable collection of rusty railroad spikes, and about half a million books, each with its own face behind it or within it.

I wish she could be here to see them.

Congratulations on another win, Ron.! This is a fantastic bit of writing. I love it.
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Thursday, April 1, 2010

Today's Writing Prompt: Letter

Each day, U.S. President Obama receives thousands of letters. A staff member chooses 10 of them for him to personally read.* If you wanted to write a letter that was interesting enough to be chosen as one of the 10, how would you begin it?

*Source: This very interesting article from MSNBC.com

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Fannyfanackapan

Dear Mr Obama,

I'm from the UK so have no political agenda to lay onto you. I do however have an opinion I would like to share. A National Health Service with problems IS better than no health service. Better to be on a waiting list for your hip replacement than have no chance of getting it.

10 years ago I was stuck in an American Hospital where the Consultant refused the see my husband until I handed over £200 dollars. I was sent out into a strange city alone with a copy of yellow pages to go and buy aWheelchair. Lucky I was financially, physically and mentally capable to deal with all this don't you think.

Just saying. good luck.

Congratulations on another win, Fannyfanackapan! Your perspective on the health care debate caught my attention, and I think it might catch the President's too.