Just Write

Valentine’s Day Blog Hop

The Write Spot Blog is fortunate to have a friend like Francis H. Powell. Even though we have never met in person, Francis is an important part of The Write Spot’s history. He invited us to join a Blog Hop last Halloween and last Christmas and now. . . drum roll. . . Valentine’s Day Blog Hop. Before participating I had heard about blog hops, but didn’t really know what they were. Here’s how this Blog Hop works. When you click on Valentine’s Day Blog Hop (in future Write Spot posts), you land on Francis’ Blog Hop Landing Page. Scroll down and click on a name. Here is a brief summary of talented and creative writers participating in this Blog Hop. Francis H. Powell, author of Flight of Destiny and creator of fabulous Blog Hops. Latoya Wilson has beautiful photos on her website. She hopes her writing offers a warm…

Prompts

Penny for your thoughts. Prompt #227

Writing prompts are designed to spark your imagination and help you dip into your well of creativity. Using prompts, setting your timer for 15-20 minutes and writing freely, with no censorship, no editor sitting on your shoulder = a freewrite. Write whatever bubbles up for you. Write freely, write openly, write until your heart is content. Today’s prompt: Penny for your thoughts.      

Prompts

I never thought of that .. . Prompt # 225

Part Three of a three-part series of writing prompts inspired by Susan Bono’s Jumpstart Writing Workshop. A rewarding aspect of writing is when writers create scenarios that offer illumination for  readers . . . that  “aha moment.”                        Inside a Snowflake Tiny snow droplets slide into the snowflake as it falls to the ground. if you listen, really closely, you can hear the sun crunching together. The weather is stormy—a snowstorm with little snowflakes inside the big snowflake. A girl lives in the snowflake, with golden hair in pretty braids with a ribbon on the bottom. At midnight she watches the snow fall outside the snowflake, and the icicles drip. the next day she goes out on the frozen lake and ice skates. Sparks of ice fly up behind her. By Emily Osborn, Grade 3, Poetry In The Schools I love this…

Just Write

Take a step. Start the journey.

Hey there. . . Hi!        If you are a first-time visitor, Welcome! I’m glad you are browsing The Write Spot Blog. Welcome to all readers and subscribers. I’m always happy to have readers and contributors participate in The Write Spot Blog. “We” is me — a one-woman show. It’s just me, Marlene, offering inspiration and writing prompts to spark your writing. Prompts are posted on Wednesdays and Fridays. Use these prompts however they best work for you. One suggestion is to set your timer for 15-20 minutes. Sometimes the best writing gets done with the pressure of a deadline. Write fast and furious. Do not expect “perfect” writing. No one will read your freewrite, unless you invite them to. Freewrites come from within you and burst out during this time of writing freely. Sometimes when we’re writing freely, our mind takes a 90 degree turn and pretty soon we’re off,…

Prompts

What is on your bucket list? Prompt #212

This seems to be the time of year to make lists. I am normally a list maker, but I get real serious about it starting mid-December. With all the “kids” coming home for the holidays, I mentally list where everyone will sleep. Then I gather blankets, quilts, comforters and pillows. Some unlucky family members have to sleep on the floor. Can’t be too bad, because they keep coming back. Then there are the other lists: shopping (gifts, groceries), meals (breakfasts, dinners. . .I’m not used to cooking for nine), party planning (food, drinks, moving furniture), holiday cards (cards received, cards sent) . . . okay, probably too much information. But yes, I am that serious about making lists. I’ve been thinking about bucket lists. You know . . . things you’ve always wanted to do and some day you will. I’m wondering, what’s on your bucket list? For fiction writers….

Just Write

How to turn memoir into fiction

What if you have written your memoir, or are in the process, and it just isn’t working? What to do? You might decide to publish your work as fiction based on fact, rather than memoir. Adair Lara’s article might be helpful: “10 Ways to Tell if Your Story Should be a Memoir or a Novel” in the January 23, 2012 issue of Writer’s Digest magazine. You can use prompts on The Write Spot Blog for inspiration, especially, “Make a list of pivotal events, Prompt #40” and “How to write fiction based on fact,” Prompt #41.” If you don’t want to write about what happened exactly as it happened, you can use the emotions you felt during the event. Tap into those emotions to write strong scenes. Sometimes it’s helpful to see examples of ideas you want to pursue. The following novels are based on fact. Half-Broke Horses, by Jeannette Walls,…