Keri groaned, leaning back in her chair and glaring at her computer. "This project is due in a week and I don't have anything to write about," she whined. Alyssa plopped in the chair next to her younger sister. "Why don't you write about Mom?" "Write about Mom?" Keri stared at her. "Aly, I can't … Continue reading Jot down some notes about a long ago family event–then interview a family member. Now write a piece feat. the differences
What is public and what is private? What should be public and what should be private? What do these terms mean now?
Chel glared at Ethan as he changed out of his football gear. "Ethan, you can't go around telling everyone our business! Especially without asking me about it first!" She sat on the bench a few lockers away as Ethan dropped his shoulder pads on the floor and pulled his undershirt off. "Why?" he finally demanded. … Continue reading What is public and what is private? What should be public and what should be private? What do these terms mean now?
It took her five million years to decide on a sandwich. But when____ asked her to marry her/him, she knew the answer was yes. Her friends and family said this was the wrong call. So here’s how the whole mess played out.
Ethan gently cupped Chel's face in his hands. "Princess, you've made this past year amazing for me. I hope I've done the same for you...?" "Definitely. I don't know what I would've done without you the past couple years. You're one of my best friends, dork." Chel kissed his palm before leaning back on the … Continue reading It took her five million years to decide on a sandwich. But when____ asked her to marry her/him, she knew the answer was yes. Her friends and family said this was the wrong call. So here’s how the whole mess played out.
Start a story with the line “My mother broke every plate in the house that day”
"Mama broke all the plates in the house that day," Alyssa said. The small circle of people around her gasped. "All of them?" Tina asked. "All of them." "Even the fancy china plates your dad got from Beijing?" Alyssa snorted. "Those were the ones that she threw at his head." "Is that why you weren't … Continue reading Start a story with the line “My mother broke every plate in the house that day”
Take one aspect of routine life–such as grocery shopping or putting gas in the car–and remove it. What happens when a character stops doing that? Why would he do so?
"Brother, why is there no food in your fridge?" Ben asked. "I stopped buying groceries for my apartment." Ethan shrugged, walking into the kitchen tying his tie. "I spend so much time at Chel's place, it didn't make much sense. I only really buy ice cream at this point." "Why don't you guys just move … Continue reading Take one aspect of routine life–such as grocery shopping or putting gas in the car–and remove it. What happens when a character stops doing that? Why would he do so?
Extend a short interaction (e.g. paying for coffee, talking to a phone operator) as long as possible
Ethan set out the fresh scones before leaning on the counter. "Fucking stand up straight!" Aunt Katherine snapped from the back room. "I don't want customers to think I'm employing lazy people." "Aunt Kat, the place is basically empty." "I don't care." Ethan pouted and glared at the few people sitting at the tables but … Continue reading Extend a short interaction (e.g. paying for coffee, talking to a phone operator) as long as possible
Drink a beer. Write about the taste
Chel practically gagged, sputtering slightly. "Jeez, that's disgusting," she choked out. Ben and Ethan laughed at her. "Don't like it?" Ben asked, handing her a napkin. Chel shook her head. "Tastes like piss." "Well, beer isn't gonna be anything like your little girly drinks." Chel raised an eyebrow at Ben while Ethan shook his head … Continue reading Drink a beer. Write about the taste
Write a ‘knock knock’ joke. Then use it in a story
"Knock knock." Chel sighed, rolling over in bed. "Really, Ethan? It's 4 in the morning." "Knock knock." "Ethan..." "I'm not gonna stop until you say 'who's there?' Now...knock knock." Chel sighed again, cursing her luck for falling in love with such a childish man. "Who's there?" "Banana." "If you do that 'orange you glad I … Continue reading Write a ‘knock knock’ joke. Then use it in a story
Second marriage
Ethan leaned against the sink, shaking slightly. Chel knocked on the door lightly. "Are you okay, babe?" Her voice was soft. "Y-yeah." Ethan ran a hand through his hair, ruining the gelled pompadour he had going on. "I'll be out in a moment." He scratched at his beard and took in a shaky breath. "Okay. … Continue reading Second marriage
An argument at Sunday dinner
Gabriel stared at his two youngest. "What the hell has gotten into the both of you?" he snapped. "You're both being nastier with each other...more than you normally are." Jeremy glared at his food. "It's nothing." "Jeremiah..." "Rachel has a date with a monster of a dude tomorrow!" he blurted. Everyone froze. "What?" Gabriel looked … Continue reading An argument at Sunday dinner
the hippo who writes 