DAY 57: Writing Prompt Thursday
You know the routine…use the image below as creative inspiration. Draft a short story, poem, song, or in-depth article about the joys of cake!
Happy writing!
Day Fifty-Seven of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey
Day Fifty-Six of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey
DAY 56: Visual Learner
I am a very visual person. As such, I prefer the worlds in my stories to capture attention and spark the imagination.
Today’s writing adventure involved building the visual world in my New Adult Fantasy novel. I can see the action, the characters, and the setting so clearly that I sometimes feel extra pressure to get it across on paper.
I must continue to remind myself not to edit as I go. Once I have a draft complete THEN I can pick it apart. Right now, I’m enjoying where the story leads!
Days 54 & 55 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey
DAY 54: Under the Weather Related
I managed to write a few paragraphs over the course of the day. My mind was too preoccupied with how under the weather I felt. I went to bed very early, a fitful night followed.
I spent the next day home from work, my body exhausted. Even as I waited in the doctor’s office, I stared at a blank page and couldn’t write a sentence.
And then I realized that my hour-long wait was a perfect fit for a Motivational Monday poem.
DAY 55: Motivational Monday poem
Waiting with arms outstretched
We hope for someone to find us
To lift us out of misery
To raise our spirits
To heal our wounds
Why wait when we can do it ourselves?
Family, friendship,
A community of support
Link us together
But when one stumbles
The rest keep moving
With arms outstretched
Not to rescue but to inspire.
Day Fifty-Three of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey: Happy Anniversary, Soap Opera Digest
*I initially thought that posting the entry below would seem inconsequential after the recent atrocities in our world. Then, I realized that writing about moments that make me smile, in the midst of tragedy, matters.*
DAY 53: Soaps + Writing = Creative Inspiration
SOAP OPERA DIGEST celebrated its 40th Anniversary recently, and it stirred up visions of a dream career I thought long-since past. Soap operas were one my earliest passions – right alongside music. I’d watch them with intense interest and my face would light up when discussing “my shows” with other viewers. I’d speak with enthusiasm about characters I rooted for and not only knew the character’s names but more importantly, those of the male and female actors.
When I was thirteen, I declared that I would one day be a soap opera writer – one of the only times I clearly and definitively stated my career goals. It was around that time when I bought my first issues of SOAP OPERA DIGEST. That particular cover featured actresses who portrayed some of my favorite characters at the time: Kristina Wagner, Katharine Kelly Lang, and Cathy Podewell. From then on, I walked to the local convenience store every other Tuesday to buy the newest issue. I couldn’t wait to get home and read all about the shows and the artists who created the work.
I had my staple shows, the ones that I would stop watching when I wasn’t invested in the storyline but could tune back in at any time. When friends introduced me to their favorite soaps, which aired on competing time slots/networks, I would pull out my stack of saved Digests and catch up via the storyline recaps.
The three decades of daytime drama viewing left an indelible imprint on this writer’s artistic spirit. I don’t have an evil twin, but my protagonists’ struggles tend to be internal. I haven’t been married five times, but I do tend to infuse romance into the stories I write. The serialized format of soap operas appeals to me because life is a continuous journey. As we walk that journey, we never knew who’s path will intersect with ours.
Thank you, Soap Opera Digest, for supporting an industry that so many of us adore. Thank you for continuing to highlight the talented artists in front of and behind the scenes. Thank you for creating crossword puzzles that I can actually complete!!! Oh, and thank you for inspiring this wanna-be soap writer to keep writing.
*No endorsement by anyone associated with SOAP OPERA DIGEST, its affiliates, sponsors, or parent company is implied.*
Days 51 & 52 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey
I didn’t know what to write about today – so many topics swirling around this artist’s mind. Then, I read about the tragedy in Paris and all the swirling ceased.
The world’s hurting tonight, and any arrangement of words wouldn’t aptly express my thoughts. I’ll post again tomorrow, but for now I sign off with this request: Please say a prayer or send healing energy for the people of Paris.
Je t’aime, Paris!
Day Fifty of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey: Veterans Day
DAY 50: Writing Prompt Wednesday – VETERANS DAY
As this week’s Writing Prompt Wednesday coincides with Veterans Day, I choose the image below with this holiday in mind.
Draft a short story, poem, or personal essay about what Veterans Day means to you. Or…use this opportunity to show your appreciation, in writing, to our men and women in the United States military.
*Thank you to all the service men and women whose bravery, strength, and compassion make me proud to be an American.*
Day Forty-Nine of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey
DAY 49: World-Building Idea
I wasn’t in much of a writing mood today – didn’t even take my notebook to work. After a busy day and evening, I sat at the dining room table and picked up my pencil.
The words chugged out like a train out of steam. I kept going, determination more important than the lead in my hand. I wrote a few paragraphs on the new novel I started last week, and came up with an interesting block in the building of my characters’ world.
I consider today a productive one!
Day Forty-Eight of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey: Motivational Monday
DAY 48: MM poem – I Can Sea Clearly
Vast are my dreams
Wide are the possibilities
Can I navigate waters
Choppy and calm
Or require a rescue at sea
I grab the oars
My hands splintered yet strong
And row with hope and determination
My guiding lights
I can clearly see
The beauty in the passage.
Day Forty-Seven of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey
DAY 47: Remembering my Irish Immigrants
My three times great-grandfather died 116 years ago today from “cancer of the stomach” (a direct quote from a letter written by his wife to her mother-in-law). Ever since I learned about him and his wife immigrating to America from Ireland, I’ve been fascinated with their story. Part of the mystery stems from the fact that I don’t have specifics on the life they led prior to leaving their homeland. The rumor that was passed down through generations was that Elizabeth came here first and Thomas followed. Elizabeth’s sister and cousin even lived with the family after Thomas died, aiding their loved one who was raising five children under the age of thirteen.
Were they already married? Did they marry when they got here? Did Elizabeth come by herself or with family? Did Thomas also have family here – cousins, aunts, uncles? What did their house look like in 1899? Did they regret leaving Ireland?
I’ve infused some of my fascination with their story into my fictional writings. I fill the void where answers should be with hypotheses and assumptions. What would it be like to leave the placed you’ve always known as home and move to a new country? How would you react once you realize that your presence is not well-received? What traditions would you keep and what would you change?
I ask all of the above and more when writing about my ancestral lineage, because after all, in telling their stories, I gain insight into my own.
Right now I’m intrigued by the following: How did my great-great-great grandmother pen that letter to her mother-in-law when she didn’t know how to write? Who did she dictate the content to? Her eldest son? A neighbor? Her sister? And in not knowing the story as to their emigration, I wonder how cordial her relationship was with Thomas’s mother? Was she being genuine in writing about how much Thomas loved her and his children or were her words purposeful, maliciousness wrapped in politeness?
There’s so much more to their story that I’ve yet to learn and truly wish that I had more time in my daily and weekly schedules to properly research their history. One day I’ll return to Ireland, now that I know the precise area of where my ancestors once lived.
If you are as interested in ancestry research as I am, you might want to check out my genealogy blog: Branches and Leaves.
Day Forty-Six of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey
*Delayed entry…Day 47’s post will be available later today.*
DAY 46: Deflating the Holiday Spirit
I absolutely, positively, without question love the winter holiday season. Memories of decorating the fake tree with family ornaments passed down through generations and new, and personalized, creations to spruce some extra life to the overall decor filled my spirit with joy an unwavering love.
Decorating for the holidays isn’t just a frivolous or superficial act that wastes time or money – It is, in fact, a time to focus on the positive instead of the negative. It’s about creating an ambiance that brings smiles to the faces of the young and not so young. It’s about individuality and paying tribute to ancestral heritage.
Did your family always put a plastic nativity scene on the front lawn? Did your parents use the same outdoor lights each and every year? Where did you hang your stockings? By the fireplace, with care (because without care would ruin the holiday for all)? Did the jolly guy in the red suit enter through the chimney or your front door because your house did not come with a fireplace?
I am a traditional sort of girl because I loved the way my parents decorated for the holidays. I adored the fact that each of the four girls had handmade stockings (with our names on them) from our great-grandmother. I loved the antique ornaments mixed with the attempt-at-art creations we brought home from kindergarten. I loved that we used to open one present on Christmas Eve and then wait with excitement for morning to come.
Driving to see the holiday lights is a tradition that never gets old no matter how much we age. From a creativity standpoint, it’s inspiring to see how other people decorate. Do they only use red and green, blue and white, multi-colored, or stay simplistic with a single star on the roof or wooden sled on the front yard? The beauty created instantly helps alleviate stress – my heart lightens and my soul smiles.
Last evening I ventured to the local home improvement store while my parents picked up a new specialty-shaped light sculpture for their outdoor decor. My smiled stayed broad as I gazed at the beautifully-lit stars, snowflakes, polar bears, reindeer, and yes even the pink flamingo. And then I looked up and my heart sank as the massive Santa inflatable swayed back and forth – looming over me.
I despise inflatables. Perhaps “despise” is a strong word to use, but it’s apropos in this case. They deflate my holiday spirit by their utter lack of beauty, tradition, and innovative holiday design. They are complete and utter eye sores that I wouldn’t cry one tear over if a wind storm carried them all away like a line of waiting nannies holding umbrellas.
Am I being overly critical over what may be a beloved family tradition? Perhaps homeowners choose to decorate with inflatables because they showcase whimsy, fun, or a sense of humor? I am resolved that this winter season I will think less harshly about inflatable holiday decor. I may consider them as a waste of money, space, and artistic ingenuity, but others clearly do not. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t smile a little if the yard spit them back out.
Kelly Deeny 