writersbeware

[writersbeware]

Help from on High

            The only prayer I knew before first grade was; “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.”             Pretty dismal. Imagine being three or four and thinking about dying in bed. I was terrified to close my eyes and drift off, certain that I’d be dead before sunrise. In my mind, God was not a friend and not…

[writersbeware]

Divine Act

            Surprising things happen. Sometimes they turn out to be good, oftentimes not-so-good. Perhaps you had a hint that it might happen, but many times you don’t.             Some people believe in miracles, in divine intervention, while others think things just happen, on their own.             Your task is to write a story in which something unexpected and uncontrollable…

[writersbeware]

Just for the Picking

Ten thousand wishes float into the air Brightly lit rainbow dots drift without care Air-filled hopes slowly rise into the sky Waiting for the moment to multiply Realistic fantasies within reach Specifically crafted for us each Inside, a single dream lurks unfulfilled Waits for perfect heart in which to be spilled Dandified dreams as mystic butterflies Burst in multicolored hues ‘ere our…

[writersbeware]

Sudden Death

            Someone must die.             We don’t like to kill our characters unless in a thriller, but people die in real life. Good people and people with nefarious backgrounds. Kind people who give of themselves as well as their money. Evil people who rob banks and gas stations.             Your task is to write a story in which someone dies.             Have fun with this one.

[writersbeware]

Walking in the Snow

            I was born in Dayton, Ohio. Our first residence was a tiny house that was once owned by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Looking back at old photos, I now realize we lived in the “projects.” Every house looked the same. They marched down the street, like soldiers.             We did have running water and electricity, but the only washing machine was an old-fashioned wringer type. I…

[writersbeware]

And the Winner Is!

            The protagonist, of course! That’s what readers expect. She wins the lottery, pays off her parent’s mortgage, donates tons to charity, and opens up the retail shop of her dreams. He buys himself a home in the suburbs, moves in his brother and two kids. He enrolls in college, rents an apartment nearby, and puts money into college accounts for those two kids.             Good things…

[writersbeware]

One Last Wish

            There are several charitable organizations who grant wishes to those with terminal conditions. We often hear about the recipient, whether young or old, but seldom learn almost nothing about the people behind the scenes.             These are the heroes. They find a way to fulfill dreams, despite cost, in many cases. They organize neighbors, communities, store owners, the police and…

[writersbeware]

Ebb and Flow of Life

            Just as the sun rises and sets, things in our lives ebb and flow as well.             When I was young, I had become painfully aware of my mom’s constantly changing emotional state. She might get up happy, but an hour later be yelling and threatening physical punishment. Without provocation on my part.             I never knew what would set her off. It could be a blouse I’d put on…

[writersbeware]

My Political Journey

            Growing up, probably like most kids, I paid little attention to world events. Until in the mid-1960s, when the threat of a war with Cuba, our school held bomb drills in the hallways. We’d be ushered out of our classrooms, then be told to sit on the floor, facing the wall. Cross our legs, bend over so that our foreheads touched our legs and cover our heads with our arms.            …

[writersbeware]

The Gift

            Most people enjoy opening gifts, excited about what surprise hides under the wrapping paper. Big or small, young or old, eyes light up when a gift is presented.             Not all gifts are equal, however. Imagine getting a doll at age seventeen, not a collector’s doll, but one geared for a ten-year-old. Most teens would politely smile in front of the giver, then return it to the…

[writersbeware]

Letters From Camp

            Imagine your character is a child attending camp or the camp counselor. The summer camp is supposed to be idyllic, nestled in a forest with a swimming hole, trails, horses and fun activities.             Instead of a serene setting, however, the camp turns out to be a horror situation.             Campers often write letters home, telling families about various activities they have…

[writersbeware]

My New Best Friend

To know God, to truly know God. That’s what I want more than anything. He’ll come to me as a friend and sit by my side. He’ll sing to me of love, joy, and inner tranquility. He’ll tell me what a good girl I’ve been all my life, and how pleased He is with the paths that I have chosen. When tears run down my cheeks, He’ll wrap His arms around me and hold me tight, not letting…

[writersbeware]

First Time Camper

            I grew up in a rather isolated environment. My family restricted my friends, so much so that I could count on one hand how many girls made it past their screening. Perhaps it was because we were quite poor and my parents didn’t want our level of poverty exposed. Or maybe it was because they didn’t want me finding out what others were doing.             My awareness of what other…

[writersbeware]

Fairy Tale Remake

Imagine Cinderella on Mars or Pinocchio as robot. How would their stories change? What experiences might they have that differ from the original versions of their stories? Would Cinderella still be human and Pinocchio a puppet? What other options are there that would make for an interesting story? Perhaps Cinderella is the Good Witch instead of the beneficiary of the Good Witch’s spell? What if…

[writersbeware]

Small Delights

            Sometimes the smallest thing can bring great joy.             Imagine being a child, someone who loves butterscotch candies. A visiting adult hands that child two pieces, to enjoy right now! The delight will be visible and a pleasure to behold.             Or, consider an adult who is feeling down and out. Piles of clean laundry await, to be sorted, folded and put away. Meanwhile…

[writersbeware]

What is a Friend?

A true friend is a gift from God. No more, no less. Ears, eyes, heart finely tuned to every thought action need A friend seeks balance, craving only that which is offered and not one drop more Giving, sharing even the smallest things. A warm hug, kiss, smile A friend knows when to step up and when to step down. Never pushing or demanding Reaching fingers with open…

[writersbeware]

Dear Diary

            There was a time when keeping a diary was an every-day occurrence. Young girls, yes, it was always girls, were given journals in which to record personal thoughts, wishes and dreams. They were encouraged to write anything that came to mind, even the most personal thoughts. Then, years later, many of these diaries were discovered, some by famous individuals. Imagine reading the…