Imagine this: a student comes up to me after class and tells me he’s going to miss class for a few days. He needs to have surgery. He says: If you have any doubts, I can ask my doctor to talk to you. I say: Of course I don’t have doubts! You wouldn’t lie to…
What’s Your Story? Sleeping Beauty
Let’s have some fun with a fairy tale! This is actually two writing exercises: 1. You are Sleeping Beauty (La Bella Durmiente). What are you feeling and thinking as you wake up? Stay in character. You are speaking and thinking AS Sleeping Beauty. If you’re a man, write as the Prince. 2. Rewrite the fairy tale so…
Put a Sock in It
This is an editing response to this writing prompt: A clean sock is thrown into the dirty laundry. Write for 5 minutes without stopping. Edit later. Richard’s cozy nap on the edge of the bed was rudely interrupted when he found himself catapulted through the air. He wondered, as he flew, why these things…
Moving experiences
It’s almost summer, and after COVID restrictions, we feel the need to shake things up! Houses are going up for sale, and interest rates are low. We are moving! This is a physical shift, from one place to another. Stuff moves. People move. [In Britain, they would say, “move house.”] Moving companies like to play…
A shot in the arm
This week I will get my second dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine. The first dose gave me a headache and nausea. So this time, I’m prepared. I have ginger ale and Fritos on standby, and I downloaded an audio book so I can goof off afterwards, but still feel I’m accomplishing something. I’m literally,…