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”

This I Believe (part 2)

May 22, 2014  Prompt #22   Today’s post builds on yesterday’s This I Believe prompt, offering follow-up exercises and options for writing groups. If you haven’t already read my May 21 post or listened to or read sample essays on the This I Believe website, do that now.   Further Writing Choose a value orContinue reading “This I Believe (part 2)”

This I Believe

May 21, 2014  Prompt #21 Perhaps you’ve heard This I Believe essays on NPR or Bob Edwards Weekend. This I Believe is now an international organization that encourages people to write about their core values. You can read and listen to hundreds of these essays on their website. For today’s prompt, you’ll write (or beginContinue reading “This I Believe”