More Prompts Monday

Since your usual writing prompts didn’t make it to the post on Friday, I thought I’d make it up by posting several more writing prompts today…Enjoy!

1. Momentum: write about an object or character that is gaining momentum. What will that mean for the story?
2. Pick a happy color, say lime green like a tree frog, and juxtapose (meaning: to place side by side) that color with a tragic scene
3. Write about characters that travel with the weather: tornado riders or hail storm surfers, etc
4. Write about an obsession that has gone too far, but make it unique. Not a classic stalker/jealousy obsession, but maybe a character that has severe OCD with cleanliness and how that affects her and her world.
5. Go through your parents’ CD collection, now select a random track and listen to the lyrics. Make up a story from there.
6. Have you ever flipped through a baby name book? There are so many character name options, including their origin and meanings. Good stuff there, my friends. Use your research to create a new character true to his name.
7. What do you find challenging? A new level on Mario Cart? Maybe perfecting your volleyball serve? Is it a challenge to invite new kids to hang with your usual group of buddies? Write about one of your challenges and let your character figure out how to succeed.

Share some of your promtps with us! Or just stop by to chat about anything writing-related.

5 Prompt Friday

Miss your prompts last week? Did you write anyway? No?! *insert scolding and nagging*

Just kidding. I wouldn’t scold. I didn’t write last Friday, either. I was on a road trip to Michigan.

But, I’m back , baby! And here are your prompts for this weekend…

1. Write about a time when someone just snapped (lost control of themselves & freaked out.)
2. You had a premonition…
3. Write about an abandoned school
4. “I opened the drapes and saw…”
5. In the garden, the gnome blinked at me.

Have fun! Please share more ideas here.

What do you wish for?

“You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true.” 

Richard Bach,  Writer

 

Do you wish to be published? To read your story in front of an audience without passing out? Maybe to see your name as the journalist who captured the hottest news story in town?

You CAN do it…

Keep an ongoing list of things you wish for and keep your eyes and mind wide open for opportunities that will help you fulfill those wishes!

Dreaming of Tuesday

Mondays are not my BFF.

But instead of sulking, daydream. Or use your real dreams as material to write from.

Check out this cool site for finding dream symbols either for dreams you’ve had, or dreams your characters have had…

Call for Editors!

Have you ever wondered what a day-in-the-life of an editor would be like?

Now’s your chance!  By becoming a member of Capitol City Young Writers, you have the opportunity to apply for one of the editor positions of our new literary journal. 

A literary journal brings together the finest writings of a specific group or organization, in a number of different styles and genres. Journals tend to focus on central themes, with a variety of expressions that describe, illustrate or portray that theme. They represent the sharpest writing and thinking related to particular subjects or themes, while allowing plenty of space for the voices and perspectives of individual contributors.
 

 

Senior members (ages 12-18) of Capitol City Young Writers will have the opportunity, each year, to apply for one of the editor positions listed below. Young editors will have the opportunity to learn how to run a literary journal, develop the skills that are necessary to act as an editor and learn how to work as a team on a collaborative project.  For those editors who are active writers, the process of reviewing submissions and determining which stories are publishable will provide invaluable insight and experience into the art and craft of writing.  Learning what doesn’t work is just as important as discovering what does work.  The creation of the youth run literary journal allows the overseeing staff the opportunity to actively show the importance of editing and revision to its members.  We will allow youth editors the opportunity to reconsider a story after revisions are made.   

 

Students will meet and work through a variety of methods through the use of technology and the internet.  Geographical location will not make a difference to those applying. 
 

Regular training meetings will take place to mentor the youth editors through the process monthly, and at times, weekly as the final stages of the journal near. 

 

These positions require time, dedication and the desire to read. Read more details on the positions available, how to apply and a sample outline of the work involved before submitting an application:

Capitol City Young Writers Literary Journal

Applications due by May 1, 2009

What will you do today?

“Every decision you make – every decision – is not a decision about what to do. It’s a decision about Who You Are. When you see this, when you understand it, everything changes. You begin to see life in a new way. All events, occurrences, and situations turn into opportunities to do what you came here to do.”

~ Neale Donald Walsch,  Author of Conversations With God

Are you a writer? An illustrator? A comic strip creator?

What decisions will you make today to support who you are in the arts?

What inspires you and motivates you to create?

I find inspiration for my writing in the subtle spring breezes, in a favorite song, in a silly prank played by my dad, in a warm hug from my husband, in the sweet smiles of my sons. I find my characters sitting in traffic, appearing in news headlines or among my circle of friends and family. I weave plots from watching people in their everyday errands, and ask “what if?”

I keep these snippets of muse in a journal- called my Idea Book.

Sleepy Saturday

Ever have a snoozy kind of day? Lounging in your pj’s, surfing the web or TV, empty bowl of cereal at your feet.

When I’m feeling sleepy or “lazy” I like to get fresh air. Try this tip this weekend:

Take a notebook or some note cards and go for short walk around your neighborhood. Can you create a story about the bus stop? How about a Do Not Enter sign – maybe there is a legend behind it!

The heavy rains in the midwest have created swamp fields, even puddles large enough to consider as ponds that local ducks and geese now call home. Maybe some weather element transformed a familiar landmark in your area that a story or article could emerge from.

Go explore! Go writing!

The importance of Journaling

Hey young writers! I’m giving a key note speech on how to begin the method of journaling and the many benefits  journaling brings to you!

This is exclusively for girls in grades 4th-6th and live in or near the Downers Grove, IL area.

Read on for more information, but hurry! the deadline to register is tomorrow!!

Calling all 4th, 5th and 6th Grade Girls!
You’re Invited!
Chick Chat is a one day workshop for 4th-6th grade girls that provides a safe, nurturing environment where they can learn about themselves, build their self concept and have fun! Go to our website and download your registration form NOW! www.hgna.org		Our Fourth Annual Chick Chat Event Has Returned! DATE: Sat. March 7 TIME: 9:00 – 3:30 LOCATION: Herrick Middle School in Downers Grove, IL Registration fee is $15 (includes lunch and all materials).  Registration deadline is Monday, 2/23!  Due to planning and preparation deadlines, no walk-ins or late registrations will be accepted. Can’t wait to see you on March 7th! Helping Girls Navigate Adolescence, Inc.

Monday Memories…

Today, I’d like you to make a list of memories and then expand on them using your 5 senses (sight, touch, taste, sound, smell):

1. First day of school you can remember (kindergarten? preschool?) Describe in as much detail as possible.
2. First time you saw an adult cry. (What was going on? How did it make you feel?)
3. First crush – did you like them first; did they give you the time of day?
4. First toy, game, book, etc you bought with your own money. How did you save for it? How did it feel handing over that cash?
5. First fight you had with your best friend – did the friendship survive? Was it because of a 3rd party?

If I hear some of your memories, I’ll share some of mine! But, I don’t want to be the only one talking over here…

Monday Musings…

What do you daydream about? Do you relive past conversations and change the ending to make your outcome better? Do you fantasize about situations yet to materialize?

Or…do you just stare off into space and let your mind go….?

Try this next time:  when you are lost in thought, pull yourself back (just enough) to write your rambling thoughts in your notebook. Just write, don’t read, don’t edit, don’t erase. Write it out as images or dialogue or internal thoughts and fantasies. Come back to it in a week and see if there are any story possibilities there.

So, what do you daydream about? Tell us!