Grateful for:
Many exercising a hard fought right
writing exercise
Daily Thanks #2
Today I’m grateful for:
Calm before the hustle and bustle
”This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”-Psalm 118:24
Daily Thanks #1
How many words does it take to express a complete thought? To tell a complete story?
These questions challenge me. And I’m always in awe of writers who can paint a complete picture or convey a moving narrative in just a few words. So for this month of Thanksgiving, I’m inspired by SMITH Magazine’s Six-Word Memoirs project to express my daily thanks in six words.
And on this first day I’m grateful for:
Power in the short and sweet
Twenty Words Tuesday- Ghost
Giving it another whirl. This week’s word prompt is ‘Ghost’
He was a ghost of his former self, his face devoid of any emotion. Yet she refused to lose hope.
In Progress
Some may ask, “So you have this blog and this dream of being published but what are you actually working on?” Good question! Well first I’d have to say, the fact I’m regularly blogging here is major progress. Five years ago I would have gawked at the idea of transferring the dialogue in my head to the world wide web. I was too concerned about people’s opinions and insecure in my own ability-not exactly useful traits for an aspiring author. But I’m here and I’m doing it one step at a time and my challenge now is to focus. I have notebooks and computer files of ideas, starts and first drafts but lately I’ve been channeling my energy into a collection of short stories and a collabo effort with my hubby. He is mega talented in illustration and voice acting so coupled with my writing we’re trying to create a little magic…Stay tuned…
Today’s Prompt:
You’re invited to a friend’s house for an important holiday dinner. You find a roach in your food. What do you do and/or say?
“Everyone dig in!”
I could sense Kayla’s excitement. She was hosting her first Thanksgiving as Mrs. Redman. I scanned the impressive spread, proud of my friend for taking on such a monumental task. Three kinds of meat and every side dish imaginable-she was determined to win over her in-laws. The table was abuzz with polite conversation as pans and plates were passed. I scooped a large helping of mashed potatoes onto my plate as I waited for the turkey to be carved. Tastebuds watering, I had just stuck my fork into the creamy mound when I noticed it. “Raisins in mashed potatoes?” I thought to myself, an odd choice but I wasn’t much of a cook and Kayla loved gourmet recipes. When I pushed the raisin aside and realized it had six legs, I covered my mouth to suppress a gasp. Quickly hiding my discovery, I looked around the table satisfied that no one had noticed a thing…
Just Read…
Small Island by Andrea Levy and I’m now on a mission to read every single one of her books. Very seldom am I drawn to a book after seeing the movie adaptation but when Small Island aired on PBS (yes, I’m a public television junkie-PBS Kids, Masterpiece Classics, Independent Lens, American Experience…I love it all… but I digress) I missed the first hour of the four hour miniseries and was then put off by the ending. Not put off in a bad way but just left wanting more, thinking “I must have missed something.” The novel details the lives of Hortense, Gilbert, Queenie and Bernard. We follow Hortense and Gilbert from their homeland of Jamaica to 1940’s England where there lives intersect with Queenie and Bernard. I loved the way in which each chapter was a character’s point of view and I was amazed at Levy’s ability to give authentic voice to four vastly different characters. I think it’s the mark of a gifted writer to be able to capture the voice of a character totally unlike themselves (ie. a black woman writing as a white man, etc.) in a way that is not stereotypical or contrived. Andrea Levy is truly gifted. I loved this book and recommend it to lovers of historical fiction and anyone interested in learning about the black experience abroad.
Today’s Prompt:
Write in the voice of someone of the opposite sex.
Dude, when she told me I just freaked out. I didn’t know what to do! She was crying and all upset, and all I could think about was my scholarship and my parents. They are going to kill me, man! She’s asking me “What are we going to do?” and I’m like “What are we going to do? You’re going to take care of it! I’ll give you money.” I know, man. I can’t believe I said it either but I was just so scared. I love her but I’m not ready for this. A baby, what are we going to do with a baby!
Short and Simple
Ever had a conversation with someone who went on and on and on? Your eyes sort of glaze over and you begin to hear the voice of Charlie Brown’s teacher “Wha, wha, wha.” Well I don’t want the same to happen when someone reads my work. Brevity is key. Keep it simple and direct. I’ve read that newspaper articles are often written at an 8th grade level to ensure appeal to a wide audience. I’m not sure the same can be applied to creative writing, unless your writing for youth, but I think the overall sentiment may be the same. Don’t say in 500 words what can be sufficiently said in 50. I came across this tidbit I wrote down from the writing workshop last month and wanted to share: Eliminate ego, it will ruin you every time. Write from your heart, your true “you.”
Today’s prompt:
Write about your name.
Lasagna, Shalonda, Shalona, Michelle- at some point I’ve answered to them all. Somehow ashamed that someone else could not pronounce my name. Apologetic as if my parents had committed some naming faux pas. It’s seven letters, with a capital “S,” please resist the urge to insert a “d.” It’s LaShona with a long “o” and a “La” for french flair. Lovingly bestowed and completely me.
Germs, Germs…
Go away, Don’t even come another day! One week, two sick kiddos, fortunately Sydney is getting over it and catching up on sleep but then Judah loses his breakfast on the way to school this morning so I guess it’s “Tag, he’s it!” Trying to figure out from where or how these nasty germs invaded our home is futile. But it’s days like this I’m glad I don’t have to worry about calling into the office. Much respect and many blessings to every mom making hard choices and wearing many hats. This mama is tired and will return with a writing prompt next week. Oh but just one writing tidbit…Creative Alliance and CityLit present “Let’s Get It Started In Here”, a workshop with Betsy Boyd being held on four Tuesdays (Feb. 7-28) to help launch your creative writing. Disappointed that I can’t do this one but you can still register!
Friday Tantrums
Another Friday, another weekend! And I’m googling “temper tantrums one year olds.” I can’t remember if my son had tantrums at this age but my one year old bundle of sugar, spice and everything nice has been quirking out. When she can’t commandeer her brother’s toys or get into the corner with all those plugs and cords, she goes into tantrum mode- scream, cry, fall to the floor and kick. Am I distressed? No. A bit amused? Yes. And a lot curious as I watch this little personality take form.
Today’s Prompt: (another from the Writing Resolutions workshop)
Write a break up scene using only dialogue (1 min). Then write the same break up scene describing only setting (1 min).
“Um, I think we need to take a step back.”
“Why!?”
“I don’t know, I just need some space.”
“Well if it’s space you need, I can give you space, give you time to yourself. We don’t need to break up for that!”
“No, I just need time, time to figure out what I really want.”
“So you don’t want to be with me! Is that what you’re saying? Have I made your life so miserable that you just can’t wait to get away from me?
“You know that’s not it! That’s not what I’m saying. I…”
“You what? What are you saying!? I don’t get this. Where is this coming from?”
They sat in the small convertible overlooking the city. It was too cold to let the top down, but he had lowered the window filling the car with the biting winter air. The muscles of his face were tense as he massaged his temples and stared out the window. She gripped the steering wheel and bit her lip as she watched him.
TGIF
Hey, what do you know, I’ve posted twice in one week! So I found another great site for writers (and readers), the Burnside Writers Collective. It’s a great collection of blogs, essays, articles and what’s even better, they want writers! They welcome and encourage writers to submit their work. So it’s nice to know that I have somewhere I can submit some of the pieces quickly filling my hard drive with a real potential for publication and a greater audience. WooHoo!
Today’s prompt:
Do a 3 minute free write based on this metaphor: “a galaxy of longing”
The sweet smell of lavender awakened her senses and released the dull gnawing void. She yearned for the only thing she so desperately wanted but constantly eluded her. Career, money, and success no longer mattered. What she wanted, what she needed, was to give life. A galaxy of longing breached by that first gaze into her child’s eyes.
Barnabas Blessings 