Writing Prompt – May 6, 2010
QuoteSnack offers fresh quotes daily, attributed and linked to a confirmed, published source. In addition, I’ll sometimes post a writing prompt with simple instructions. The next post will be a quote that has something to do with the prompt, so you can take a peek at differences or similarities in how someone else relates to using the same words.
There is no wrong approach. Don’t worry if something seems to be a lot more emotionally charged than it is on the surface, or if some prompts are duds for you. This is a mind-opening exercise; anything is possible.
The Prompt
Directions:
- Be ready to write, word processor open, or pad and pencil in hand. Set a timer for five minutes.
- Clear your mind.
- Click “Reveal Writing Prompt” below, and look at the prompt for the space of one deep, quiet breath.
- As you start the second breath, clear your mind of expectations.
- Write, full on, whatever comes to you, for five minutes. Do not stop to correct anything – just go.
- When the time is up, you have to stop.
- Get up and wiggle. Move. Laugh. Growl. Pat self on back.
You’re welcome to leave comments about the experience and anything that comes of it, including links or even your entire prompt-generated exercise. However, please don’t look at any comments until after finishing your own writing. What you’re doing right now is a personal thing.
May 6th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
My dad leaned forward, white knuckle death grip on the old Ford’s dashboard.
“Get out of the way! Get out of the way!” He squeezed out the words, almost squeaking.
I’d made the mistake of trying to shift gears while crossing the railroad tracks. This was my first time out in a stick, and I kept stalling out.
The funny thing was, the train was miles off, way past Hansen’s dairy farm, and there wasn’t another car as far as we could see across the valley, all the way to the pea packing plant. We could have gotten out and pushed and still had time to eat a sandwich. I ignored my dad and methodically shifted down to first gear, talking myself through which pedal to push first. If I messed up again he was gong to climb out the window.
“Honey, just go! Go!”
I gave him a sideways look and he told me to keep my eyes on the road.
Dad was still freaked when we got home. He went straight to the study and buried himself in work, without even stopping to talk to Mom.
I’m going to have to talk someone else into helping me learn parallel parking.