Friday Fiction: Month

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

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 don't generally take the length of the post into account when I name a Friday winner.

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

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Vibha Babbar

June to August

She rot in hell for 2 months. Not literally though, but not even any lesser. For a girl so meek as her, she always beleived subduing to her family wishes as one of the essentialities of life.

Those 2 months were the harshest for her. They seemed eternity.

Despite such arrangements, she dared to fight to marry her prince charming. Her family had been cruel on her, "A Hindu girl CANNOT be a bride to a muslim boy". Why don't you get it Radha, it's a sin for which society would scorn us to death!"

But Aslam was everything for her now. She wouldn't subdue, howsoever vindictive July may appear.

"Let us make world our home" Aslam pleaded, and Radha nodded. They eloped, away from the shackles of society. The acute trauma of those 2 months brought out the stongest streaks in Radha, and she realized that to live and to love, one needs to be DARING :)

Congratulations on the win, Vibha! This was a compelling story. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Line

Write about a line you won't cross in your profession.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Drake Davenport

In my profession, there are very few lines that are even in existence. And those that are are out of my reach anyway. I guess there is one line that I would not cross under any circumstances, and that is the one on the doorway to the women's bathroom.

Congratulations on the win, Drake! That sounds like a pretty good line not to cross! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Simple/Complex

Write briefly about one thing in your life that is simple, and one that is complex.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Week:
Writer: procrastinations

my mind is such a hectic place
where there is never enough shelf space
or boxes
to leave all of my worries

there is one thing that has
never needed storage
because it has a place
all through my bones
my veins, my heart

you.

simple you.

Congratulations on another win, procrastinations! This is a beautiful little poem!

Today's Writing Prompt: Indulge

Has your definition of indulgence changed as you've gotten older? Give an example.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

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

Sometimes words you choose prompt introspection and a wisp of self-discovery. Today I realize that indulgence has never been important to me. I guess I've mostly had what I wanted and didn't need more. Sometimes I spend a whole afternoon reading a novel and feel a tiny big indulgent I guess, but I never regret it or think of it as a sort of forbidden activity.

Congratulations on another win, June! I'm so glad this prompt gave you that bit of self-discovery!

Today's Writing Prompt: Messy

Write about a messy area in your home, workplace, or life.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Alana

My messy mind, swirling with dates and events and to-do lists and memories and blog posts and wouldas, shouldas, couldas, gonnas, is driving me mad!

Congratulations on another win, Alana! I think most of us can relate to that messy mind!

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Nymphadora

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 9/4-9/10.

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

Prompt: Night Rewrite. Rewrite this sentence in a way that is more interesting and less cliche:

It was a dark and stormy night.

***

Thunder purred in the distance like a cat on a bed; I turned towards the house, for I did not want to be outside when the cat's gentle purr became the night-splitting roar of a lioness.

Congratulations, Nymphadora! 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: Next great

Complete this thought:

I am going to be the next great...

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: bg

I am going to be the next great dad for my son. I just don't know how. But I will be there and try.

Congratulations on another win, bg! I love your attitude!

Today's Writing Prompt: Diversity

Write about a beautiful instance of diversity you've observed.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Graciegreen

My daughter adopted a 5 year old boy and a 4 year old girl (brother & sister) from Haiti three years ago. They have biological kids the same age. The open heartedness of these little children in accepting and loving eachother is incredible to see. When to all of our surprise a new baby sister arrived my Haitian grandaughter took one look at the baby and said, "She looks just like me!" I love diversity...

Congratulations on another win, Graciegreen! This is a beautiful example of diversity!

Friday Fiction: Flash

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

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 don't generally take the length of the post into account when I name a Friday winner.

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

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Steven T. Fyve

The wind was howling its cackling unearthly cries. Rain poured like the spirits on New Years Eve. The hail fell like marbles falling out of a broken sack and cracking helplessly on the merciless sidewalk.
Fierce lancing fiery flashes of light, followed by coiling thunder, flowed across the ever-changing sky.
Gray prevailed.
And no one could do anything to stop the ravaging destruction....

Congratulations on the win, Steven! This is a beautiful description of nature. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Friend

What would--or wouldn't--you do for your closest friend?

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: procrastinations

i would give you the color in my eyes if i could
the blues and the greens and the hazel
just to see you smiling once more.

Congratulations on the win, procrastinations! This is a lovely little poem. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Today's Writing Prompt: Happy Rewrite

This concept was so popular last time we tried it.... Let's give it another shot!

Rewrite the following sentence in a way that is more interesting and less cliched:

And they lived happily ever after.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

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

Spending their remaining years together while living off the grid, they never got to read this.

That's just the way they wanted it.

Congratulations on another win, Hank! I love this response.

Today's Writing Prompt: Too long

What takes too long?

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

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

Growing out a bad haircut takes much too long. Oddly, a good haircut grows too long, too fsat.

Congratulations on another win, June! I agree with this one!

Today's Writing Prompt: Hidden camera

Where would you like to place a hidden camera?

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!


One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: bg

I'd like a hidden camera in the living room. I want to know which cat is peeing on the curtains.

Congratulations on another win, bg! This made me giggle!

Today's Writing Prompt: Habit

Write about a habit you inherited from a parent or guardian.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Alana

Terrible, terrible habit. Instead of purchasing a gift, I write a promise card. Sometimes I fulfill it. From "Santa" during my childhood, I'm still waiting on dolls, golf clubs, tennis lessons, ice skates and the like. Oops!

Congratulations on the win, Alana! This is definitely a unique habit! I hope you get those dolls and tennis lessons! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

Weekly Mister Linky: 9/18-9/24

If you respond to a prompt on your own website/blog this week, feel free to link here! And you're also welcome to use this week's Mister Linky if you write a blog post about The One-Minute Writer.

How to use Mister Linky:

1. Enter your name, and let us know which day's prompt you're responding to (e.g., "Beth Monday").
2. If your prompt contains adult language or content, please put an "M" after your name and the day (e.g., "Beth Monday M").
3. Enter the URL of the actual post that you want people to visit--not your blog or website's home page! ("http://cbethblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/one-minute-writer-response.html" would be correct; "http://cbethblog.blogspot.com" would not.)
4. You may link multiple times throughout the week if you respond to multiple prompts.
5. No need to leave a comment after linking (despite what the widget says!)

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!

Today's Writing Prompt: Day

What day is it? (Be creative in how you respond!)

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Crafty Green Poet

It is the day when summer is waning but decides she wants to stay and play with autumn who is just waking up.

Congratulations on another win, CGP! This is beautiful and poetic.

Friday Fiction: Pop

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

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 don't generally take the length of the post into account when I name a Friday winner.

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

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: bg

My grandpop and I set down the cannon. He loaded it with gun powder and sand. He lit the wick and ran.

I stood far away and waited. It wasn't long.

The pronounced explosion ricocheted across the bay. On the other side, I heard the bang.

At my feet, where I stood, a burnt remnant of the wick lay.

Congratulations on the win, bg! I love your sensory descriptions. Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog.

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Jayadhara

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 8/28-9/3.

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

Prompt: Sense. Which of the five senses evokes the strongest memories in you?

Whenever I hear the sound of a goods train at night, it reminds me of when I was a little girl. I would be lying in bed in the dead of night and thinking of the years to come. Would I get married ? What would my husband be like ? Would I get to travel? How many children would I bring into the world ? And in the distance the train would be chugging along the tracks, blowing its whistle softly as it came through the country town crossing.

Congratulations, Jayadhara! 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: Put up with

Write about something in your life that you put up with.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Divenita

I put up with the impatience of the others and try not to loose my cool.
As my grandfather used to say "it pays be to be cool"

Most of the times, it does.

Congratulations on another win, Divenita! I think your grandfather was very wise.

Today's Writing Prompt: Depend

Write about someone who depends on you, or someone on whom you depend.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

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

I work for a mental health agency. You'd have to be crazy to depend on me.

Congratulations on another win, Ron.! And...ha! 

Today's Writing Prompt: A-Thon

I've seen all sorts of fund-raisers...walk-a-thons, dance-a-thons, rock-a-thons (in rocking chairs.) What "a-thon" do you think would be fun?

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

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

Sleep-a-thon. Who could.t use one of those? Even if you don't win you still got to take a nap :) 

Congratulations on another win, For blue skies.! I think you make a very valid point (and it made me laugh!) 

One-Minute Writing of the Week: Gingerlily

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 8/21-8/27.

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

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


Eldridge put pepper, salt and butter on his grits, not sugar and milk. “Damn Yankees” used sugar, sissifying grits into something akin to rice pudding. Eldridge’s grits stood up proud like Bald Mountain with a buttery lava core and flecked like a coon hound with zesty black pepper. On Saturdays, he would arise as usual at dawn but added to the sunny side up eggs sizzled in sausage grease, grits and Jimmy Dean’s a toast, splashing vodka into his morning orange juice from his stash under the front seat of the silver blue, ’62 Chevy impala.


Congratulations, Gingerlily! 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: Volunteer

Write about a way in which someone else's volunteer work helped you.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Seed 


Most recently, the volunteers who made up the Crew Members at this weekend's MS Challenge Walk in Cape Cod motivated me to complete the 50-mile challenge. Their constant enthusiasm and cheering eased my feet across the finish line each day and closer to to a cure!

Congratulations on another win, Seed! And congratulations on the 50-mile walk. That's awesome!

Today's Writing Prompt: 9/11

Write about your memories of 9/11/01.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Staci 

On 9-11 I felt two emotions. I felt helpless. Helpless because the highway exits where I lived were blocked off by police officers. If anything happened on the Island, we were sitting ducks with no way out. I felt helpless for the children at my new job who had relatives working in the Pentagon and in New York City who were scared for their kin. I felt helpless when a bomb threat was called into our school. I especially felt helpless for my first grade students.
I felt hopeful when I saw the first responders spring into action. I felt hopeful when ordinary citizens helped each other and offered comfort. I felt hopeful when I saw so many American flags. I felt hopeful when my 7-year-old son told me that the events of the day were scary but made him more determined to become a firefighter. I felt hopeful when first graders wrote the book, September 12th We Knew Everything Would Be Alright.

Congratulations on another win, Staci! I think your feelings of hopefulness combined with hopelessness were shared by many. 

Weekly Mister Linky: 9/11-9/17

If you respond to a prompt on your own website/blog this week, feel free to link here! And you're also welcome to use this week's Mister Linky if you write a blog post about The One-Minute Writer.

How to use Mister Linky:

1. Enter your name, and let us know which day's prompt you're responding to (e.g., "Beth Monday").
2. If your prompt contains adult language or content, please put an "M" after your name and the day (e.g., "Beth Monday M").
3. Enter the URL of the actual post that you want people to visit--not your blog or website's home page! ("http://cbethblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/one-minute-writer-response.html" would be correct; "http://cbethblog.blogspot.com" would not.)
4. You may link multiple times throughout the week if you respond to multiple prompts.
5. No need to leave a comment after linking (despite what the widget says!)

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!

Today's Writing Prompt: Success

Complete this thought:

I'll consider this weekend a success if...

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Darsh 


... my dog will just please, for once, respond to her name.

She answers to Paris Hilton, mango, toilet brush and Australia.

She's a pure German Shepherd.

Congratulations on another win, Darsh! So, did your dog make your weekend a success?

Friday Fiction: Laugh

Write a brief bit of fiction that involves laughter, but don't use the word "laugh" or any version of it. (Feel free to use synonyms!)

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 don't generally take the length of the post into account when I name a Friday winner.

Click on the "Friday Fiction" tag beneath the post to see more examples of Friday Fiction writings.
 
If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Staci 


Stefanie picked up her coffee cup and smiled. "Stefania, I just can't get over how different you look!"

"No more mixing us up." Stefania declared. Stefanie grinned and then burst into a fit of giggles. Her eyes began tearing as she attempted to catch her breath.

"What?! What's so funny?"

Stefanie wiped her eyes. "Remember how we used to switch classes in 2nd grade?"

Stefania tried to suppress a hearty chuckle but couldn't. "Poor Mrs. Ramsey. We're probably the ones who caused her early retirement."

"It's been great catching up with you Stefanie."

Congratulations on another win, Staci! I liked your uses of "fit of giggles," "hearty chuckle," and other laughter descriptions.

Today's Writing Prompt: School

What are the three most important things a child should learn in school?

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

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

1) School is less important than learning; if you skip school, spend your day in the library.

2) You'll probably daydream in class. Don't waste your time; Dream big.

3) Even the bad teachers have much to offer; just think of them as examples of what NOT to do.

Congratulations on another win, Ron.! I'd like my kids to learn all of these lessons. 

Today's Writing Prompt: Night Rewrite

Rewrite this sentence in a way that is more interesting and less cliche:

It was a dark and stormy night.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Nymphadora

Thunder purred in the distance like a cat on a bed; I turned towards the house, for I did not want to be outside when the cat's gentle purr became the night-splitting roar of a lioness.

Congratulations on the win, Nymphadora! There were some great responses to this prompt. Your creativity really shines here! Feel free to put a One-Minute Writer WINNER! button on your blog. 

Book Review: Faithful Place

Well, I suppose it was bound to happen. I read a book for BlogHer Book Club, and really didn't care for it.

That being said, it has really good reviews on Amazon, so it might be one you'd enjoy. Click here to read my review of Faithful Place, a dark mystery novel by Tana French.

Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy of the book and received a small stipend for honestly reviewing it. 

Today's Writing Prompt: Fire

Write about a memory you have that involves fire.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Graciegreen

 I knew there were kids in the house. I was running towards the inferno with a small hand held fire extinguisher...I froze in my tracks. I thought I could go in but I was not able to move another inch. I watched the old house burn to the ground. The kids did get out before the fire exploded. I do not ever take for granted the courage a fireman must have just to do his job...

Congratulations on another win, Graciegreen! What a vivid--and vulnerable--memory you shared!

Today's Writing Prompt: Labor

Write about the most satisfying labor you've done.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Tish

A year ago today my husband of 10 years told me he no longer loved me. Since then I labored to rescue myself from the marriage and rebuild my spirit and confidence. It's the hardest work I've ever done and I'm doing great now. My advice to others who find themselves in the same situation is to be courageous -- do the hard labor. 

Congratulations on another win, Tish! I like your take on the prompt. Sometimes laboring to heal is more difficult than physical labor! 

Today's Writing Prompt: Taste

Write about a way your tastes have changed.

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

One-Minute Writing of the Day:
Writer: Cyndie Todd 

I used to date musicians. Now I date retired bankers.

Congratulations on another win, Cyndie! This made me laugh out loud! 

Weekly Mister Linky: 9/4-9/10

If you respond to a prompt on your own website/blog this week, feel free to link here! And you're also welcome to use this week's Mister Linky if you write a blog post about The One-Minute Writer.

How to use Mister Linky:

1. Enter your name, and let us know which day's prompt you're responding to (e.g., "Beth Monday").
2. If your prompt contains adult language or content, please put an "M" after your name and the day (e.g., "Beth Monday M").
3. Enter the URL of the actual post that you want people to visit--not your blog or website's home page! ("http://cbethblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/one-minute-writer-response.html" would be correct; "http://cbethblog.blogspot.com" would not.)
4. You may link multiple times throughout the week if you respond to multiple prompts.
5. No need to leave a comment after linking (despite what the widget says!)

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 Week: Sara_Ortiz

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 8/14-8/20.

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

Prompt: Let Go. When (if ever) do you really "let go"?


It's really hard for me to let go. I have so many unfinished things that I'm constantly looking for that-thing-I-didn't-finish. But when I'm outside and there's clouds in the sky I can look up at them and imagine that this is all I need in the world. For a split second, I'm floating on that cloud...

And then my unfinished things drag me back to Earth.


Congratulations, Sara! 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: Contract

Write about a contract you'd like to sign (who the other party would be, and what you'd be agreeing on.)

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

Today's Writing Prompt: Laugh

What is your favorite thing to laugh at?

If you respond to this prompt on your blog or website, be sure to visit the Weekly Mister Linky so others can easily click on your link!

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

People walking into glass walls or doors. Seriously, it cracks me up. My husband just thinks its ridiculous, but I love it. And so now, whenever it happens, I laugh extra hard, just to see him roll his eyes at me.

Congratulations on another win, Curly-T! I remember visiting someone's house when I was a kid, and their sliding glass door was so clean, I ran into it twice!! My poor nose.... 

A birthday break

It's my birthday, and I'm taking the day off from The One-Minute Writer! Hope your Thursday is a great one!