Today's Writing Prompt: Selfless

Have you ever done a truly selfless act? Write about it if you have, or if you haven't.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: ~Abbey~

I know i have done selfless things but something that stands out that I do that i notice others don't is when we have guests (and we don't have a guest room) we give our bedroom to them and we sleep on the LR floor. We would hate the thought of our guests sleeping on the floor. We don't mind it, but i guess others don't give of their bed.

Congratulations on another win, ~Abbey~! I appreciated your response. It shows that a selfless act doesn't have to be huge. Something simple can really show others how much you care.

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Nofretiri

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 5/1-5/7.

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

Prompt: Practice. Write about something in your life that you've put a lot of time into practicing.

I'm a perfectionist, but as we all know, life isn't always perfect. I'm still practicing to accept imperfection, see the beauty in chaos and enjoy the possibilities of spontaneity.

Congratulations, Nofretiri! 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.

Responding to feedback

A note from C. Beth...

Thank you so much to those who have taken time to respond to today's prompt, giving feedback on the site. I welcome further feedback!

I've gotten some comments on the Mister Linky widget. I like that it's an easy way for people to click on each others' off-site responses to the prompts. However, I don't like how much it clutters the daily posts. I'm thinking about doing a weekly post (apart from the 7 daily posts) dedicated to the widget. That way if you respond to a prompt on your site, you can go to the weekly Mister Linky post and put up your link (and you can link multiple posts in one week.) Please leave comments here on what you think of that "middle of the road" solution.

A few comments to those of you who have responded...

June--Thank you for your response! I agree there's always a lot of turnover as the months...and years...pass, and we may just be at a low point of the cycle. Your consistency and your encouragement mean so much to me!

Roderick--It's really been great to see you here again lately. I remember way back when you were just "Rod"! I like the "rolling 'top twenty'" idea. I would like at some point to redesign the site using some of Blogger's new features, and I might implement that when I do the redesign. Thank you!

Billy Jorgensen--Wow, what a great response--thank you so much for all the ideas! I agree; I've got to stay on top of the winners more than I have. Lately I've been trying to name 2 winners a day so I can slowly catch up. I'll bump that up to 3 so that I catch up more quickly...and hopefully I can stay caught up after that. And...

I've turned off comment moderation! That was a great idea. Blogger's software must be handling spam comments far better than they were; I rarely get them anymore. I always have to be flexible based on what's happening, but for now, I think keeping it as open and free as possible is a really good thing. It helps tremendously that I just got a new smartphone and can keep a much closer eye on comments as they come in, deleting them when necessary.

Graciegreen--I love your consistency, and your responses! And I've also wanted to tell you, your new profile pic is lovely! Thank you for your encouragement!

Monica--It's funny.... The whole blog is based around a time limit, and yet I think most people stop using the timer after they've been here awhile! You may be right--the same thing that makes the blog unique (a 60 second timer) may also be a drawback to some readers. I think the best response I can give is this--I hope people are inspired to occasionally--or often--write for longer than 60 seconds, and I don't ever want to squelch that inspiration! Thank you for the feedback!

Lynne--Thank you! It's so great to have new readers--and new participants! I hope you stick around!

Thanks again to everyone for making this blog a fun community to be part of!

-C. Beth

Today's Writing Prompt: Feedback

We haven't had a lot of responses on The One-Minute Writer lately, so it's time again for me to ask for your feedback and suggestions. I can't implement all suggestions, but I will appreciate all of them! I'm looking forward to your 60 seconds of feedback--thanks!

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Billy Jorgensen

Some ideas:
Maybe it's just ebbs and flows - people get into things and then get off them - if your core contributor base have got into sync with each other maybe everyone is just on a low ebb (creatively, inspirationally) at the same time.
Is it statistically 'really happening'? If you look at your peak comment and low comment levels, is it really a downward trend? Is it a fall from a particularly high peak?
Finally - does it correspond to the introduction of comment moderation, and is there an impact of your mean-time-to-annouce-winners? People love their instant feedback and gratification (even if you don't 'win' you want to see the post go up and potentially see responses to it). Some of your coolest threads involved Q&A or some other collaborative interactivity between the posters - this is obviously not possible with an unknown moderation delay. I understand the moderation was a necessary evil, but we all like our sweetened condensed milk pellets as soon as we push the button - if they come too long after we don't connect the reward to the effort.
I'm not volunteering, but if you have colleagues you trust you might consider appointing some additional admins, then you could tighten that feedback loop (or remove the moderation completely and trust that community admins will be on hand to remove spam and flame posts).
That was slightly more than 60 seconds - but I have always liked what you do and hope it helps. Your site has given me some much needed boosts when I've been stuck/distracted/low. I hope you find a solution and it goes on to bigger and better things.

Congratulations on another win, Billy. Your response may have taken more than 60 seconds, but it was really helpful to me! Thank you!

Today's Writing Prompt: Goodbye

Write about a goodbye that was hard for you.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: For blue skies.

I knew what he was going back to once we left. His small one bedroom apartment that we were never invited into. He was slow and shy, small and old. He always laughed at my enthusiasm. That was the only way I knew how to make him smile. I don't think anyone else wanted to think about how alone he would be when we went back home. I'm not sure if they cared enough. But he's alone in that city that he fled to. I wonder if he feels betrayed by it. All I know is that I felt so at home whene we traveled with him, showing us everything you need to see when you go to San Francisco. Driving by uncle Gene's old house and the peak where they let him go. I wanted so badly to take your loneliness away, but all I could do was hug you goodbye.

Congratulations on another win, For blue skies.! I love your heartfelt response.

I've turned Anonymous commenting back on!

A note from C. Beth:

Time to break out the confetti, blow some trumpets, and do a jig of joy! I've turned anonymous commenting back on!

Please keep in mind, I do still moderate comments. So if you want to use the anonymous commenting to write stuff you wouldn't dare write under your own name...the whole world won't see it. And I'll spend very little time looking at it before I mark it as spam and then delete it.

I know some of you don't have Blogger, Google, or OpenID accounts, so I'm really happy to again open up the comments section to everyone. Enjoy!

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!

If you respond on your own blog or website, click on the graphic above, and enter your link at ShowMyFace.com!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Graciegreen

Muddy little footprints on my heart.

Congratulations on another win, Graciegreen! What a sweet six words!

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Cyndie Todd

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 4/24-4/30.

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

Prompt: Poison. Write about something that acts as a poison (in a way other than a traditional physical poison.)

Anger is poison. Sure, we all get angry, but when you hang on to it like a life raft, it festers and then poisons your heart and kills all the love. Get angry, but then get over it. Otherwise, you're poisoning yourself and the rest of us suffer.

Congratulations, Cyndie! 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.

Friday Fiction: Early

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

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.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Michelle @ The True Book Addict

The early morning was the best time for us to set off to market. The marketplace was deserted this early. There was no dust flying and the stench of filth and unwashed bodies together in close proximity had not taken over the fresh air of dawn's early light.

Congratulations on the win, Michelle! This sounds like the first lines of a book. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Running out

What are you running out of?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: For blue skies.

Not only people to talk to but things to say. I'm running out of ways to say what I mean, and that's all I've ever wanted to do. We're running out of things to talk about and we're so young. We're "so lucky to just be starting our lives" and we can't think of anything to say. No reply.

Congratulations on another win, For blue skies.! I hope you keep writing. Sometimes sitting down to write is the way that we figure out that we do have something to say.

Today's Writing Prompt: Shout

Little Richard sang, "You know you make me wanna shout."

Rewrite that line of his song--and more of it if you'd like! (You know you make me wanna _______!...) Also indicate who you'd sing it to.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Graciegreen

"You know you make me wanna_____________!

This might be too hard for me. I love to listen to music but I am so non-musical I have a hard time playing the radio! So lyrics...wait, I've got it! Laugh!
"You know you make me wanna laugh! I sing it to my husband of 42 years...because he does make me laugh.

Congratulations on another win, Graciegreen! I'm so glad your husband makes you laugh.

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Roderick

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 4/17-4/23.

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

Prompt: Change. Write about one way you haven't changed since you were 13 years old.

When I was thirteen, if I had half a chance I would sneak off to someplace quiet and read. I am fifty now and, if I have half a chance, I sneak off someplace quiet and read!

Congratulations, Roderick! 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: Job

What one thing would make you happier at your job? ("Job" includes being retired, or being a mom, or being a student, or looking for employment.)

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: BlueEyedWonder

What would make me happier at my job? To HAVE one! =)

Congratulations on the win, BlueEyedWonder! I hope you get your wish soon! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Genre

Imagine you are going to write a book, but it must be in a genre that you rarely read. What genre would you choose?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Monica Manning

I write what I read: Romance. But what I'd really like to try to write is sci-fi. The creativity and detail in science-fiction is bind-blowing to me. It's not my preferred genre to read (or even watch as a movie), but I am awed by and appreciate the skill of the writers who create these fantastic worlds.

Congratulations on another win, Monica! I love reading sci-fi, so I can't wait to read your book! (You can throw some romance in there too!)

Today's Writing Prompt: Back up

Do you have a back up plan in case you don't fulfill one of your dreams/goals?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



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

Currently, I am unemployed. The plan is for my husband to find a job (soonish, preferably 6 months ago) and then I will freelance or work part-time. So far, this hasn't worked out quite as we had hoped, leading me to believe the time for my back up plan is drawing near.

Next stop, world domination.

Congratulations on another win, Cate! That's not a bad back up plan at all....

Today's Writing Prompt: Twist

I've always enjoyed movies or books that have an unexpected twist in them. Think of your life right now. If it was a movie or book, what could happen that would bring a twist to your plotline?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



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

Retired woman, living in new place is happily making a new life and new friends amongst her peers. Suddenly a much younger man [or woman, preferably man but woman would be a bigger surprise] convinces her to leave all that behind and travel to difficult part of the world [Timbuktu, Azerbijan, Patagonia] where she has to learn a new language and new way of life.

Congratulations on another win, June! I can imagine you joyfully embracing that twist!

Book review (and a strong recommendation!)

I had the opportunity to do another book review for BlogHer. The book, Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok, is about a mother and daughter who immigrate from Hong Kong to the United States. I thoroughly enjoyed, and heartily recommend, the book! Read my full review here. (And if you'd like to leave a comment there, I won't complain!)

Disclosure: I was provided with the book free of charge from the publisher, and will receive a small stipend for writing the review.

Friday Fiction: Nurse

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

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



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

"Nurse!" Rogers in D2 bellowed.
Marcy shot out of her chair and ran. The guy probably didn't need anything but it was 4:00 am and he had was waking everyone on the floor. She heard the buzzer five minute ago but wanted to finish the page she was reading in her novel. Mistake! Rogers, she knew, set his cell phone timer and if she hadn't answered in five minutes he'd bellow. Then he'd count to 30 to himself and bellow again if she weren't at his side.

She made it. He was out of bed, his gown untied and his shriveled old privates on view. He'd pulled out his IV and was pounding on the Devlin's chest. "You killed him," Rogers said. "He was alive five minutes ago."

Marcy took Devlin's wrist. No pulse. "We'll bring him back," she said pressing the button then running to the nursing station to page the doc on call. "Defib," she said, "D1"

She ran back. Rogers was still pounding the guy's chest. "Get back in your bed, we'll handle it," she ordered. "And cover yourself."

Foster came in with the paddles. He shocked Devlin who jerked, but only from the shock. Two more shocks didn't help. Devlin was dead.

Rogers was sitting on his bed, still obscenely showing his privates and sobbing like a two year old who's dropped his ice cream cone. "I liked the guy," he blubbeed.

Marcy pulled a sheet over Rogers lap and hugged him. "You did your best just like Dr. Foster did his best," she said.

"It's your fault," Rogers said. Marcy knew he was right, she lost all her professional cool and began crying against his shoulder.

Foster pulled a sheet over Devlin's head, separated Marcy from Rogers, reinserted the IV and lead Marcy out. "Pull yourself together and get a gurney up here. It's all in a night's work." He squeezed her shoulder and went back to fill out the chart.

Congratulations on another win, June! What a tragic story. I can't imagine having the type of responsibility that nurses have.

One-Minute Writing of the Week: June Calender

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 4/10-4/16.

One-Minute Writing of the Week:
Writer: June Calender (Thursday's winner)

Prompt: Peace. Using a metaphor, describe what peace is.

A trickle in a meadow becomes a tiny stream, becomes a creek, finds a river and joins it, flows on, widening, welcomes other streams to join it, dashes over boulders, bounds over precipices, broadens and finally joins the ocean. This is conveyed in sound in Smetana's Muldou. This is nature pure and simple. This is peace.

Congratulations on another weekly win, June!

Today's Writing Prompt: Phrase

Write about an unusual phrase or saying one of your parents/guardians liked to say when you were growing up.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can link directly to your post here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Monica Manning

My old mentor would use this phrase whenever he wanted someone to move out of the way so he could get up close and personal with whatever situtation needed his attention: "Step back and the let the dog see the rabbit!"

Congratulations on another win, Monica! That phrase is just bizarre.... I kinda like it!

Today's Writing Prompt: Unexpected

Write about something unexpected you experienced yesterday.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Divenita

It is so hot everyday. The temperature is soaring.

Yesterday, it rained in evening. Ah! such a beautiful evening. Th moon was so huge and beautiful. In midst of work, my friend called and we went out to a mall. The mall has a small balcony, where we sat on the grass and admired the moon.

It was pristine.

Congratulations on another win, Divenita! That's the kind of surprise I like!

Today's Writing Prompt: Give

If you had $100,000 to give away, would you give it to a person or an organization? Who would you choose?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Graciegreen

If I had $100,000 to give I would build a handi-cap accessible, state of the art playground in my small town. I've seen them on TV...special needs kids able to play along side their peers. Fun for all children together.

Congratulations on another win, Graciegreen! I love the idea of this type of playground.

Today's Writing Prompt: Fire

Write about a time you played with fire.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: rlavalette (Ron.)

I remeber it well, even after all these years. Her name was Carol Anne and, frankly, I don't know how I escaped without being more seriously burned. I will never do that again. I swear.

Congratulations on another win, Ron.! Bet you weren't the only one burned by Carol Anne....

Today's Writing Prompt: Simply

Complete this thought:

"My life is simply ________________."

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Diventia

"My life is simply beautiful"
I love every moment. Like a chamelion, life changes its colours, most of it when i get used to the previous colour but then, Life's beautiful. I can see the myriad colours.
Life is beautiful.
It is a mixed bag of emotions. Happiness, sadness enveloped in one but then I have a heart, still to feel. Life is beautiful

Congratulations on another win, Diventia! I'm glad your life is beautiful.... This response is beautiful too!

Today's Writing Prompt: Partner

Write about a partner (of any sort) you've had.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Suzanne McClendon

I met my husband when I was 14 years old. He had to make me hate him before I grew to love him. We spent two years nearly not in contact. He proposed to me when I was 16, we got married when I was 19. 26 years later, we're still together. The road is sometimes bumpy, but we have what it takes to get to the other side, regardless of what those "it will never last 6 months" folks say. :)

Congratulations on the win, Suzanne! I love those success stories! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Friday Fiction: Cake

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

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.

Blogger.com is having technical issues. Not all posts are showing up, and some comments may have disappeared as well. I'm sorry about that--this is just one of the hundreds of thousands (millions?) of blogs affected.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Heather

"It'a piece of cake, " she assured me. "Just sign here and initial below it and we'll get the process started." Sliding the papers across the smooth surface of her desk, her lips curved up in anticipation.

Doubt shaded my face. I had come in to ask a few questions. I wasn't prepared to make a comittment and certainly not one this monumentous. Yet, I didn't know if I could walk away from a deal of a lifetime.

I tapped the pen on the edge of the desk. I had to make a decision and I had to make it quickly. My mind raced and the letters on the paper danced in front of me.

With a deep breath, I lifted the pen and signed my name and initials with a flourish. "It's done." I said flatly. "My soul in exchange for a world filled with compassion for as long as it exists."

Congratulations on another win, Heather! The last line caught me by surprise.

Today's Writing Prompt: Reward

In what way to you reward yourself for accomplishments?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Nofretiri

Well, I'm quite unimaginative when it comes to rewards, because in 99% I find at least one new book for my shelves! What shall I say, I simply can't stand not buying books!

Congratulations on another win, Nofretiri! I think most of us on this site can agree...books are a tasty reward!

Are you usually late, early, or on time? What does this say about you?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Monica Manning

I worked in funeral service for twelve years and I am married to an undertaker. Services run on time, come hurricane or high water. This discipline, coupled with my father's militant need for timeliness, ensures I am always on time. If I'm not on time, I'm early. It's an illness. I do, however, realize that the vixen called Irony will ensure I am late for my own funeral. I'm not worried about this. Everyone can wait...I'll be making a grand entrance.

Congratulations on the win, Monica! I like your attitude! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Overused

Write about something you thing is overused.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Hank Greer

Hyperbole has become overused. Laying it on thick combined with amplification are making mountains out of molehills through the use of overstatements that exceed the greatest embellishments and exaggerations.

It is so over the top.

Congratulations on another win, Hank! That's the most insightful response I've ever heard.

Today's Writing Prompt: Advice

If you could choose one person to give you advice for one hour, who would you choose?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth's One-Minute Response M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Kelsey

Warren Buffet, to teach me the secrets to investing wisely and how to stay grounded and normal, how to hang onto the idea that money isn't everything, when I have my millions.

Congratulations on another win, Kelsey! I think Warren Buffet could give you great advice. I like that you chose someone who could affect one area of your life in an hour.

Today's Writing Prompt: Mother

Think about your mother, or the woman who had the most influence in your life as you grew up.

What name fits her best--"Mom," "Mama," "Mother," or another? Why?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth's One-Minute Response M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Graciegren

Mom, I called her Mom for only 16 years. She died of cancer when she was only 48 years old. She left me with such loving memories that I still follow the recipes she had handwritten for me. I was an unusual child but she loved me so unconditionally that I grew up being true to my odd self. One entire year I spoke with an English accent and she did not correct me even once or ask me to stop. There are times when I still feel her presence in my heart.

Congratulations on another win, Graciegreen! What a sweet and charming response. I'm so glad your mother left you with such a wonderful heritage of love.

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Ron.

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 4/3-4/9.

One-Minute Writing of the Week:
Writer: Ron. (Thursday's winner)

Prompt: Ask. What are you good at asking for?

World Peace. I put it on every shopping list, letters to Santa Claus, prayer flags, prayer wheels, prayer cards, and frankly, sometimes when the server at the restaurant asks, "Will there be anything else," I embarrass my beloved Sandra by ordering up a big ol' bowlfull of World Peace.

Hey, ya don't get whatcha don't ask for, eh?

Congratulations, Ron, on another weekly win!

Today's Writing Prompt: Pain

Write about a situation in which pain is worthwhile.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth's One-Minute Response M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!




One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Melanie

Well, as I sit here this morning 9 months pregnant with our third and trying to breathe through the pain radiating through my lower back, I am simultaneously listening to my daughters act out an elaborate story with their forks which they are using as people while eating breakfast. Kids are worth the pain it takes to bring them into the world.

Congratulations on the win, Melanie! I definitely agree with your assessment! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Friday Fiction: Drug

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

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth's One-Minute Response M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: April

Some people have their alcohol, or their cocaine or heroin, but my drug was money. It was my life. Money got me out of bed every morning and into my Mercedes. I thought about money as I drove downtown to my office building. From 9 to 5 at work, it was all about money. The guys would call in from the trading floor and say, "We've just made another million-dollar deal," and I'd shoot sky-high. I didn't think I'd ever come down.

But the money came down. It just all slipped away one day, and each trade made to get it back only brought loss. Two weeks later, my company folded. I sold the Mercedes. Now what money I have left has become like methadone: only taken when needed.

Congratulations on another win, April! I like the drug/money analogy.

Today's Writing Prompt: Homemade

What is always better homemade?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth's One-Minute Response M.")

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Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Janice

Food. Always. Especially when it's homegrown and fresh-picked with the smell of earth and sun still on it as it goes into a pot or on to a plate. Mouth-watering memories of fresh corn and greens from my Aunt Helen's garden eaten with homemade bread warm from the oven slathered in her own churned butter. And for dessert? More of that bread with chokecherry jelly, or apple custard pie, or fresh strawberries and cream.

Ah,fresh strawberries... red, juicy and sweet all the way through. When I close my eyes, I can almost taste themmmmmmmmmm.


Congratulations on the win, Janice! Your description makes me want to invite myself over for dinner. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Practice

Write about something in your life that you've put a lot of time into practicing.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth's One-Minute Response M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Nofretiri

I'm a perfectionist, but as we all know, life isn't always perfect. I'm still practicing to accept imperfection, see the beauty in chaos and enjoy the possibilities of spontaneity.

Congratulations on another win, Nofretiri! I love this phrase: "see the beauty in chaos and enjoy the possibilities of spontaneity."

Today's Writing Prompt: Kill

When (if ever) is it justified to kill another human?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth's One-Minute Response M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!

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

Killing another is justified only in the throes of obvious self-defense or the defense of one's children. I mean when the danger is clear and immediate, I don't mean for some hypothetical reason like a war. Life is absolutely sacred and should never be taken away from another. I know many disagree, but I feel very strongly about this.

Congratulations on another win, June! You're right; it's a controversial stance, but it's stated eloquently and convincingly.

Today's Writing Prompt: Underestimate

In what way do others underestimate you (or in what way have they done so in the past)?

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth's One-Minute Response M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!


One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Curly-T

I don't know of any one particular way I am underestimated (at least that I can think of right this second), but I do know anytime someone expresses doubt at one of my ideas of what life should be - well that just pushes me harder to obtain that goal. Don't tell me Mrs. Cleaver is dead - I'll bring back her style, her cleanliness and cooking, all while working full time! Though, thankfully now, I get to stay at home!!

Congratulations on another win, Curly-T! Sounds like a great way to respond when others underestimate you!

Today's Writing Prompt: Steal

Write about a time something was stolen from you.

If you respond on your own blog or website (or if you blog about this site), you can put your link here!

If your response on your blog isn't family-friendly in topic or language, please include "M" (for "Mature") after your name (e.g., "Beth's One-Minute Response M.")

No need to leave a comment after linking.

Has your link been deleted? This tool is not for sharing links to your blog unless your blog post is related to today's prompt, or you've blogged about The One-Minute Writer. I want the links to stay on-topic. Thanks for understanding!



One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Darsh

The moment 'Candace' came into our lives, I knew that I had lost a battle that had not even started in the first place.

She was annoyingly perfect.

She had the elegance that I lacked and she turned heads wherever she went. My husband was smitten from day one. He couldn't stop staring and touching her. The man who used to adore and worship me now had eyes only for her. Oh, how I loathed her! Clearly, the twice-married, shabby-looking housewife was no comparison for a sleek, shiny, sexy-looking piece of beauty.

I wanted to salvage my marriage so badly. Never a day passed without my silent but fervent prayer that the witch 'Candace' should meet with a horrible but necessary accident and perish.

My prayer is still unanswered.

And that perfect witch 'Candace' is still in our garage, smug and unrepentant.

Congratulations on the win, Darsh! I love the twist at the end! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.