Today's Writing Prompt: Carefree

Describe a time that you felt carefree.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Jessica

The summer of 1997: my first solo trip abroad. I made my way to Istanbul and was horrified by the hostel I was supposed to stay at. Someone told me about another place and I'm so glad I listened - I ended up staying a few weeks in a family-run hotel of TREE HOUSES.

I'll never forget waking up each morning, looking over the ledge, smelling breakfast and knowing that I could do whatever I wanted.

Congratulations on another win, Jessica! What a charming story--it makes me want to stay there!

Friday Fiction: Robots

Write a brief bit of fiction that involves robots.

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: Anita

"It couldn't get better than this," Denise thought, "I have all I've ever dreamed of." She glance at her husband, lost in sleep next to her, and felt a rush of love. She thought about the past few years filled with a whirlwind romance, their lavish wedding, an exotic honeymoon, and marital bliss she could never have imagined. Now, the next chapter of their lives was at hand. In her wildest dreams she could never have predicted the joy she was experiencing; she was ready to give her all.

However, she couldn't keep from recalling the bad moments either. The devastating blow of learning she may not be able to have children had almost killed her. Now, in a matter of days they would welcome their new baby, a son. He would have his father's eyes and smile, as well as his athletic abilities and physique, and Denise's skin tone and hair color. His social and relational aptitude would be a reflection of hers, and his intellect would be a combination of the two; both had graduated summa cum laude. Their son would be perfect, she knew this for sure; she knew exactly who her son would be and what he would look like.

Chance had no involvement in the creation of their son he had been precisely designed and engineered to their specifications. "I may not have bore you from my body," Denise whispered to herself, "but I love you just the same because you are our creation, robot or flesh and blood, you were created with love."

Yes, in a couple of days Denise would hold her baby, a perfect little boy born out of their imagination and delivered in a science lab. It didn't matter that he was a robot, he was theirs, he would be their joy and they would project all of their dreams and hopes on him like any other normal parents. "I can't wait to hold you," mumbled Denise as sleep finally wrestled her down, "I love you."

Congratulations on another win, Anita! This is a fascinating story and really appeals to the sci-fi lover in me!

Today's Writing Prompt: Muse

Write about a thing or person that helps you feel creative.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Nofretiri

There isn't something or someone PECULIAR, that makes me feel creative. EVERYTHING I see, hear, smell, taste or feel could be the sparkle of inspiration. These sparkles swirl around my head until ... well, until I lay in my bed waiting for sleep. This is the moment when my mind forms the sparkles into ideas, THAT's the moment when I'm most creative.

Congratulations, Nofretiri! I love the way you described your "sparkling" inspiration! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Faith

Write about the person you've known who has had the most faith in you.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Raejean

My children have the most faith in me. I'm enjoying this as long as I can; I know in a few years they'll see my flaws more clearly!

Congratulations on another win, Raejean! You're right...we've got to enjoy it while our kids are still wearing rose-colored glasses!

Today's Writing Prompt: Career

If you could try out a new career for a month (magically knowing what to do, without any special training), what career would you choose?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Graciegreen

I know this one!!! The dream career I choose is to be a National Geographic photographer. I would, for my month, take photos of wild animals in exotic places...I would, of course, have to overcome my fear of wild animals and exotic places!

Congratulations on another win, Graciegreen! Your response was great--very witty!

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Granny Sue

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 7/4-7/10.

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

Prompt: Heritage. What heritage have you received from your ancestors?

In the mountains, heritage runs as deep as the holllows that divide our hills, as deep as the rivers that cut through canyons. Quilting, singing, storytelling, gardening, and a deep sense of where we come from and who we are defines the Appalachian people as strong, rooted, independent and part of their natural world.

Congratulations, on another One-Minute Writing of the Week win, Granny Sue!

Today's Writing Prompt: Interview

If you could choose anyone to interview you for broadcast on TV or radio, who would you choose, and what would the interview be about?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: April

I'd love to be interviewed by John Stewart of the Daily Show about Christianity in American, and how it's not as detestable as many people think.

After that, I'd hop over to Studio B to talk to Oprah about my novel.

Congratulations on another win, April! Those sound like interesting interviews!

Today's Writing Prompt: Disguise

You suddenly figure out that you are a superhero. You have decided that when you use your powers, you want your identity to be hidden. What disguise will you create?

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

I will become the Green Tara, looking like one of the many female demi-goddesses in Tibetan Buddhism -- I like the words "Green Tara" because it is almost a pun on Greet Terror. I will use my super powers to save the plant's endangered species, fight major polluters like BP, people who dump chemicals into waterways, people who cut down forests, etc.

Congratulations on another win, June Calender! That sounds like an excellent use of superpowers, and "Green Tara" could certainly have some lovely costumes!

Today's Writing Prompt: Sneaky

Write about someone you've known who is sneaky.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Janet

Dad had to pay. Every time we would pretend it wasn't going to happen, but it always did. Whether it was breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just filling up the gas tank, he would pay. We would ask the waitress to bring us the bill not knowing that Dad had already worked out this detail somehow. Time after time he beat us to it, right under our very noses. The one time he couldn't be sneaky, he was just plain fast. Thanks, Dad.

Congratulations on another win, Janet! This story is so sweet. What a great dad!

Friday Fiction: Bright

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

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: Melissa Remark

A screeching congregation of tropical birds on the balcony woke me first. Suffocating heat kept me awake. Droplets of sweat beaded along my body, in crevices, on my face, and I racked my memory. Where am I again? Lifting my heavy body off the thin wet mattress on the floor, I shuffled over to the sliding door and pulled back the drapes. Sun blasted into the room with supernatural strength. The brightness pulsed through my skull, ramping up my temperature and triggering the painful sensation I recognized as a hangover headache. A flash of glittery images sped behind my eyes. Oh yeah, I thought, It’s New Year’s Day in Rio.

Congratulations, Melissa Remark! This scene is so vividly described! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Fear

Write about something you feared when you were a child.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Hedgie

Things with too few legs and things with too many legs.

Congratulations on another win, Hedgie! As usual, I love the wit you fit into just a few words.

Today's Writing Prompt: Flying

Write about something that flies without wings.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: April

I'm sure my baby boy goes flying in his imagination on a daily basis. He lies belly-down on the floor and throws his arms and legs into the air as if he is Superman soaring through the clouds.

Soon he'll be flying for real, though, across the living room carpet. He's learning how to crawl!

Congratulations on another win, April! I hope that little boy keeps flying in his imagination as he grows older.

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Xandersmom78

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 6/27-7/3.

One-Minute Writing of the Week:
Writer: Xandersmom78 (Monday's winner)

Prompt: Water. Write about a memory you have of playing in the water.

The kids run in and around the water features. It’s really cold—but it’s hotter outside than it should be. The water bounces off their skin like jewels, splashing and cooling. I step into the water and quickly step back out.

Congratulations, Xandersmom78! 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: Conversation

Write about a hard conversation you've had with someone, or that you need to have with someone.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Anita

I know I am not your mother, but I am your older sister. I know you are a grown woman, but I am still protective. I realize that some of the difficulties you've faced over the past 11 years were caused at the hand of another, but your reactions to those difficulties have led you on a destructive path. Stop giving away your integrity and self-worth and value yourself as I value you.

Congratulations, Anita! This is so heartfelt and well-written. I hope you'll be able to have just the right conversation with your sister some day. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Make

What commonly store-bought item would you like to learn to make? (Or what commonly store-bought item do you already make?)

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Donna

Twenty-five years ago I learned to make puff pastry. I worked on it for an entire day. Comprised of no fewer than thirty layers of crust and butter, I thought it was fabulous. I put together a great Tort Milanese, brushed the flakey crust with eggwhites before baking, then served it to our guests. "Mmmmmm" the blonde said "Did you use Pepperidge Farms for the crust"?
I didn't know it could be found at the store.

Congratulations on another win, Donna! This story is funny...but a little tragic too!

Today's Writing Prompt: Idea

Write about one of the best ideas you've ever had.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: BJ Roan

I've wanted to join a writer's group for several years. Unfortunately, I live in middle-of-nowhere, there were none. So, I decided to start my own. It has been a lot of work, but well worth the effort. If only I had more confidence in my ability to come up with new ideas every week.

Congratulations, BJ Roan! That's a fantastic idea and an accomplishment that I hope you feel great about. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Body

Write about one thing you wish your body was capable of.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Zhongming

I wish my body was capable of running full marathon. I wish my body was capable of standing under the sun for long hours. I wish my body was capable of producing muscles like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I wish my body was capable of being the main attraction of my look. I wish my body was perfect.

Congratulations, Zhongming! I think your desires echo those that many of us have! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Friday Fiction: Sharp

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

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

George Stevens the Third sat at the threshold of his home. His nose twitched and his body quivered in anticipation. Licking his lips, he assessed the danger of venturing out. The fourteen sets of brightly colored feet would only be problematic for the first few seconds. He knew from experience that his presence was enough to make them scatter. His real concern was Franklin, a.k.a. Frankie. Frankie was a muscle bound bully with quick movements and a white patch over one eye. Last time they met, Frankie had almost killed him. George reached back, unconsciously rubbed his bottom and then straightened his whiskers.

"No," he thought, "I'd better wait a while. That damned cat is always lurking by when feet are present. The sharp cheddar will still be there after the feet have left."

Congratulations on another win, Heather! This was charming!

Today's Writing Prompt: Summer

Write about a summer activity you enjoyed as a child, that you'd like to experience again as an adult.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Selena

My childhood home has a big hill in the backyard with pine trees at the very very top. My friends and I would get flattened cardboard boxes and slide down the hill, which was made extra-slippery by the fallen pine needles.

Congratulations, Selena! What a fun summer activity--you made me want to try it with my kids! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Feet

If your feet could talk, what would they say to you right now?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: pipsqeek

"Hey you! Yeah, you, up stairs. Stop eating so much so my life is a little easier." Said the feet to the mouth.

Congratulations, pipsqeek, on another win! This made me chuckle.

Today's Writing Prompt: Frame

If you could frame a moment of your life, and experience it again every time you saw it, what moment would you choose?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Indrani

Given a chance I would like to frame the moment when I saw my first child rise up on her tiny feet and took the first step forward. She did not falter one bit and a prayer slipped out of my mind, may she always be able to take confident steps throughout her life.

Congratulations, Indrani! Your response made me get a little choked up. Beautiful! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Gender

Write about a way in which you don't relate to many other members of your gender.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: davidseven

When I was in High School, I became a librarian instead of taking sports.

I got laughed at a lot for that.

So while my friends were all hanging out with other guys in a sweaty locker room, I was helping cute girls reach the top shelf.

Who's laughing now?

Congratulations on another win, davidseven! It sounds like you were just a little bit smarter than all those other guys!

Today's Writing Prompt: Overdone

Write about a time you overdid it (whatever "it" is!)

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Butternut Squash

I decided that I needed a little distance from my parents, so I moved to Japan for three years.

Congratulations on another win, Butternut Squash! Sure, that may have been overdoing it...but I bet it was a great place to explore for a few years!

Today's Writing Prompt: Common

Complete this thought:

I have an instant rapport with someone when I find out we have this in common:

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Raejean

I feel an immediate bond when I meet another mom of twins. Some people tell me that have kids just a year apart, and that's almost the same. I've never had kids a year apart, so I don't know what it's like. I do know that there are experiences that only twin moms can relate to, like waking up in the middle of the night with two babies crying, wanting to be fed and changed -now!

Congratulations on another win, Raejean! Thinking about those nighttime wakings--that makes me thankful both my kids are singletons!

Friday Fiction: Sequel

Think of a novel or short story you really enjoyed. Write the first few lines of how you think its sequel should begin. (Be sure to tell us what book or story you've chosen!)

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: christine

"Look, Mummy, a rabbit!"
"Yes, sweetie."
"Look, Mummy, it's a white rabbit!"
"Mmm, yes, dear."
"Mummy! Look, there's a white rabbit carrying a watch in his hand, and he's waving to me."
"Don't be silly, darling, rabbits don't carry watches. I think it's time to go home now, don't you?"

Alice stood and held out her hand to her daughter, it was time to go and prepare dinner.

Congratulations on another win, christine! I likt this idea; I already have questions in my head about what happens next to Alice's little daughter.

Today's Writing Prompt: Just Say No

Write about a situation in which someone should have just said "no."

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Ryconic Living

The girl outside my window should have said no when she decided to do her hair that way. Instead of a hairdo it looks more like a bird’s nest; a nest unfit for even the filthiest of beasts. I wonder what would have happened had she actually said no? I assume she would have made another wrong decision.

Congratulations, Ryconic Living! You got my imagination going, thinking of what that bird's nest hairdo might look like. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Heritage

What heritage have you received from your ancestors?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Granny Sue

In the mountains, heritage runs as deep as the holllows that divide our hills, as deep as the rivers that cut through canyons. Quilting, singing, storytelling, gardening, and a deep sense of where we come from and who we are defines the Appalachian people as strong, rooted, independent and part of their natural world.

Congratulations on another win, Granny Sue! This is a beautiful description of your heritage.

Today's Writing Prompt: Butterflies

When do you get butterflies in your stomach?

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

I haven't had butterflies in my stomach since my mother died. She had a terrific recipe, which worked equally well for either Monarchs or Viceroys. Sadly, she took the other (secret) ingredients with her to the grave.

Congratulations, Ron., on another win! I'm always on the lookout for good recipes; it's a pity you can't share this one.

Today's Writing Prompt: Odd

Write about something other people think is odd about you.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: davidseven

My surname.

(Think about it for a moment.)

Congratulations on another win, davidseven! I'll admit, it did take me a moment to get this--very clever!

Today's Writing Prompt: Silly

Write about a time you felt silly.

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: radhika92

* strangely enough, when i'm the only one who refuses to do something that seems embarrasing or juvenile, i end up feeling the silliest.

Congratulations on another win, radhika92! I think a lot of us can relate to this.... Well, at least I can!

One-Minute Writing of the Week: radhika92

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 6/20-6/26.

One-Minute Writing of the Week:
Writer: radhika92 (Friday's winner)

Prompt: Friday Fiction: Beggar. Write a brief bit of fiction using the prompt "Beggar."

drifter
ethereal
she floats
between this world and that
her hair browned
bleached
with dirt and the sun,
straggling behind her
as she lifts her face
grimy
paled
eyes widened
wider than normal people's can be
light eyes
shocking the rest of her face with their beauty
unaware of existence around her
drifter
she waits
for luck to fall into her palm.

Congratulations, radhika92, on your second One-Minute Writing of the Week award!

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 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: christine

Graduation next weekend - must get ready!

Congratulations on another win, christine...but a much bigger congratulations on your graduation! That's fantastic!

Friday Fiction: Spill

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

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: JenM

I crept into the kitchen as to not arouse any of the slumbering little ones upstairs. The coffee pot was pulling me closer with its blissful aroma and I pulled the mug from the shelf to pour myself a wake-up call. Mornings like this are few and far between, so I swiftly grabbed the morning news and turned for the porch. With the grace of a wildebeast I dutifully crashed into the sliding glass door (cleaned for the first time just last night) and shrieked as the cup of joe I'd longingly cradled spilled down my chest. Ahhh, good morning...

Congratulations on anther win, JenM! I can just picture this scene. (And as a mom, I'd classify this in the genre of tragedy!)

Today's Writing Prompt: Delegate

What responsibility would you like to delegate to someone else? What responsibility would you have a hard time delegating?

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Angela Marie

I wonder....

What would life be like if I could delegate all my worries?

Ha! Some poor sucker would be waddling through life like a ninety-year-old duck. Maybe it's time to do a little decluttering and decide which worries are really worth keeping around.

Congratulations, Angela Marie! What a great image, a ninety-year-old duck. I hope your "worry decluttering" is going well! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.