#writersgrotto

[presentlyjoy]

“Until it exists, writing has not really begun.” --John McPhee

[writesperation]

Writing Prompt: The Houseplant

Today's writing prompt comes from 642 Things to Write About by The San Francisco Writer's Grotto.

Prompt: A houseplant is dying. Tell it why it needs to live.

My take:

Oh, dear Dracaena I'm examining your slumping, lifeless leaves and It seems you are running out of days.

I'm here to plead with you, even bargain, to accept the sun's warmth and the countless showers from my watering can.

You see, dear Dracaena you're a part of this apartment, and a part of me. We've dwelled together through cold winters droughts water for you, emotions for me You've stuck by my side well, on my window sill during both triumphant and trying times.

I suppose we all have to dry up at some point, but why now, just as I am beginning to bloom?

I've always envied your rhythm, knowing when to hold on and to let go to simply the things you need to survive. So, perhaps it is time for me to take a lesson from nature and let you peacefully wither down to your fragile stem while I bloom on with the ever-present thought that someday I will join you in the soil.

© writesperation.tumblr.com

[writesperation]

4 Quirky Writing Prompt Books

Sometimes, my greatest creations are sparked from writing prompts. Here are five books that have helped me to become a better writer, or if nothing else, inspired me to take the time to write. 

1. 642 Things to Write About by the San Francisco Writer's Grotto This is a fantastic book to have for writing sprints. Whether you have 5, 10, or 20 minutes (or longer) to respond to the prompts, I think you'll be surprised with what you create. I know I have been. The compilation of the book itself was a prompt, as editors sent out an email blast to co-workers asking them to submit writing prompts. After 24 hours and a flood of contributions, this quirky-fun book was pulled together.

2. The Amazing Story Generator by Jason Sacher This book will spark an idea even if you aren't using it to write.  The pages are divided into three flippable sections so that you can turn, shake, or carefully construct a plot. For example, the first time I flipped through the book, I got "After a monthlong fast, the oldest woman in the world becomes the subject of a documentary film." On a more playful flip, I got "Ignoring the advice of friends, the heir to an oil fortune creates a family of robots." The options are endless!

3. The Pocket Muse by Monica Wood I've had this book for about five years, and I leaf through it all of the time. Monica combines prompts, pictures, and exercises in order to get your creative juices flowing. An example of a prompt is, "write about a roll of film obtained surreptitiously." Anything could be on that film...a memory, clues to a mystery, puzzling photographs from the future, etc. She also includes helpful tips regarding writing professionally, grammar and publishing.

4. Rip The Page! Adventures in Creative Writing by Karen Benke This book may be geared towards children, but I find it to be very helpful with its simple writing prompts and exercises that take me back to why I wanted to write in the first place - because it's fun! You are encouraged to tear out each page and make something of it - create, create, create. I found myself excitedly jotting ideas in my notebook with the turn of every page.

All of these books can be found on Amazon.com :)

[writesperation]

Writing Prompt: What Can Happen in a Second

Today's Writesperation comes from the book "642 Things to Write About" by The San Francisco Writer's Grotto.

Prompt: What can happen in a second

Here is my take...

A Simple Second

What can happen in a second? a look a feeling a brief moment of full content a quiet pause a yes or a no thoughtlessness, carelessness gratitude a bright idea regret shame, pride a realization a coming to terms

a second in time the greatest human equalizer we each have them and we each feel what can happen in a second

© writesperation.tumblr.com

[rottensilence]

A Prompt from the San Francisco Writers' Grotto

What a character wearing RED would be thinking 

(I expanded on the thought process and made it into more of a story, rather than simply the character's thoughts)

So flashy.

I might as well be a stop sign.

Although I do hope this dress has the opposite affect on him.

She shimmied her hips to adjust the ever rising hem.

A whistle from a few feet away followed soon after.

Not what she had been going for.

Yet it gave her an unfamiliar feeling. 

A feeling that she could squash her self obsessed ex to the pavement.

Her stiletto heels yearned for the satisfaction.