Category Archives: Time Place & Memory

Children, War, and Memory

In her book Sir, HR Hegnauer writes with quiet, stirring, and at times hilarious power about her grandfather (Sir) and her grandmother (Mrs. Alice). Her rich glimpses of the past reveal how her grandparents formed and informed her childhood and young adulthood. Sir is about human connection and disconnection, about bodies and gender, and, largely,Continue reading “Children, War, and Memory”

Childhood Toys

Saturday, August 16 Write a about a childhood toy or game. Writing suggestions and inspirations: 1. Describe the game. What did it look like? How did it work? Did you play it with others or by yourself? 2. Do you associate any particular sounds or smells with this game? Was it a new or oldContinue reading “Childhood Toys”

Sign Up

For Wednesday, August 13       Write a poem or prose piece inspired by a sign. Over the next few weeks, be on the lookout for unusual, playful, or cautionary signs. Then, incorporate one of them into a written work. Suggestions: 1. Write from the point-of-view of someone who passes the sign frequently. What goesContinue reading “Sign Up”

Purple. Violet. Lilac. Lavender.

For Tuesday, August 12    Walking around Beach Haven, New Jersey last Wednesday, I came upon this fabulous house.  Over the next week, walk around your own neighborhood (or a new one) and find a house, townhouse, or apartment building that captivates you. Stand or park in front of it for 5 to 10 minutes,Continue reading “Purple. Violet. Lilac. Lavender.”

Window Shopping

For Friday, August 8       From small towns to big cities, window displays hold a special allure. For this prompt, stand in front of a window display for 5 to 10 minutes, writing down notes on what you see, the display’s design, who its intended audience might be, and most importantly, your emotional responseContinue reading “Window Shopping”

End of Day

For Thursday, August 7 Write a poem or flash fiction piece that includes a sunset. Playing off of yesterday’s post, try incorporating yesterday’s suggestions or work with some of these. 1. Write from the point of view of someone on the boat or on the island in the photo. Imagine they are eager for theContinue reading “End of Day”

Day Break

For Wednesday, August 6 Write a poem or flash fiction piece that includes a sunrise. Suggestions: 1. If there’s a person involved, write about their interior state of mind. 2. Write about the most dramatic sunrise you’ve ever seen. 3. Write about waiting in relation to a sunrise. 4. Sunrises are often signs of hopeContinue reading “Day Break”

Snakes in a Jar

For Tuesday, August 5 Write a poem or flash fiction piece that revolves an unusual object, one that is particularly odd, chilling, or mildly gruesome. Suggestions: 1. Make your opening line a clear, simple description of the object: Snakes in a jar. A rusty pile of nails. A broken marionette. 2. Are you afraid toContinue reading “Snakes in a Jar”