Let's Pretend!

Since we know that the best writing comes from what's already in our hearts and minds I thought it would be fun to play around with that idea.

When I write books for children I usually write it based on something that has truly happened. I might alter the events, I might embellish the ideas, and I might alter the characters to meet my needs.

My writing always flows. Why? Because the real story is already in my heart. I can write it as is from beginning to end or I can change lots. Why? Because it the story is mine...all mine!

With that in mind, if you were going to write a novel or a story what would your story be about? Perhaps it would be about a memorable holiday. It might be about a relationship. Would your story take place in the setting where you live or a place you have visited?

What kind of story could you easily write?

Thankful Words - Powerful Words

I know that you love quotes as much as I do. In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, I'd like to share two of my favorite quotes with you.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"Do not get tired of doing what is good.
Don't get discouraged and give up,
For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time." Galatians 6-9

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Jan

List Time!

I do believe it's time for another list. Remember, we can keep our lists (or you can refer back here) to use any time we want. Our lists serve as our personal Thesauruses.

For the next day or so let's create a list of words that remind us of Thanksgiving. The words can be traditional or abstract.

Ready? Let's go! Please number your words as we go!

Writing from Our Hearts

One of the very easiest things to do is to write from our hearts. When we write about what we know, love, or even hate the words just flow. This is true for kids and adults.

I had the pleasure of doing another school visit last week. I walked into the classroom and was greeted with "Happy Birthday Jan Mader!" What a treat! It turned an ordinary birthday into a very special day...in more ways than one. When I was talking to the kids, I was reminded once again, that what is in our hearts and souls is often more important than what's in our minds. I'll share some of that with you later this week.

For now, let's get started with two writing prompts:

The thing I like the most about Thanksgiving is:
The thing I like the least about Thanksgiving is:

One Word Wednesday

Give this photo a short caption. One word is plenty. Two or three are fine.

Awesome photo is courtesy of Tweedles. Thank you!

Hinky Pinky Game Time!

I asked my librarian friend, Joan if she'd ever played Hink Pink or Hinky Pinky. At first she said, "No!" but after I described the game her memory came back.
"I played that game as a child," she said. "It was one of my favorites!"

Since I'm all about creative writing and creative thinking I decided we should play this word game together. Let me explain.

The object of the game is to come up with rhyming words that are answers to clues given for riddles.
For example: a clever prank = a slick trick.
an evil preacher = a sinister minister
a loyal color = true blue

One syllable answers are hink pinks. Two syllable answers are hinky pinkies. Three syllable answers are hinkety pinketies.

I hope I'm explaining this okay. Below is a list of clues. Chose as many as you want to answer. Ready? Here you go:

1. nervous burglar
2. noisy mob
3. blender repair person
4. one who lives in the basement
5. clever detective
6. clever prank
7. shining sun
8. noisy mod of people
9. master of a sailing ship
10. cook who cannot hear
11. short male sibling
12. sound slumber
13. chubby cat
14. angry father
15. crying father
16. rabbit that tells jokes
17. huge hog
18. lovely cat
19. improved written communication
20. believable food

21. turbulent sauce

Please put the number and the clue beside your answer. Just curious...have you played this game before?

Lots of Questions!

A question is a short important piece of writing. It's a good way to start a story. It's a good way to end a story. It's a way to get creative juices flowing and it's a way to make your reader think outside the box. If you"re a blogger, it's a good way to encourage your readers to come back again and again.

Let's have some fun with our activity. No need to get too serious. Just think of a question or two you'd like to have answered (for fun or for purpose).

I'll go first:

Why doesn't it rain when I carry my umbrella?

Your turn! Ask a question. Do you think someone might leave you an answer or two that will get you thinking...or at least laughing? Could be!

I Love One Word Wednesday!

I do! Why? Because it goes to show the power that one or two little words can have. Writing just to add words isn't important. Writing to have fun or make a statement is what counts! Using one or two words to describe how you feel tells a lot about who you are and what you like.

For our activity, let's use our senses again.

What makes you feel happy when you smell, hear, touch, taste, or see it?

I'll go first:

cotton candy (smell)

Can you guess that I like to go to fairs and eat fair foods? I showed you that with just a couple words. Now you show me. Your turn!

Writing Prompts Are Great Fun

Last week we came up with a terrific list of things that depict a city. Then we changed a telling sentence(She lived in the city.) into a showing sentence by using some of the words on our list. We were good...really good!

In fact, we were so good that I thought I'd use one of our sentences as a writing prompt.
Terri showed a city with this sentence:

Looking up, she was grateful she worked on the second floor and not the fifth.

All we need to do now is use it as a prompt to see just how creative we can get. Here goes....

Looking up, she was grateful she worked on the second floor and not the fifth because _______.

Write as little or as much as you like! Have fun with this. Get as creative as you like!

Think Fast!

This one is easy breezy!

What's the first thought, word, or phrase that comes to your mind when I say weekend?

I'll go first:

cheesy potatoes

You want to know why cheesy potatoes was the first thing that came to my mind? I guess it's because I know I have to get up early and make our family potato recipe for an OSU football game potluck!

YOUR TURN!

One Wonderful Sentence Wednesday!

You remember that list of city words we created last week? Well get ready! We're going to use them to paint a picture. We really are!

Take this sentence:

She lived in the city.

Now rewrite the same sentence but don't use the word city. Use any words that you want to SHOW....really SHOW... that "She lived in a city."

I'll go first:
She tipped the taxi driver generously, grateful that she didn't have to park in the crowded garage.

OR

She loved to walk her dog around the block just before dark.

Does "she" live in the city? Yes she does. Your turn!