Storytelling

Who’s Your Neighbor?

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I’m on vacation in Baja California right now and am loving the desert flora and fauna. The tropical plants are so different from what we have in the Pacific Northwest, U.S. and the cohabitation of desert and tropical plants is amazing to me.

One of the plants I am enjoying is the saguaro cactus. They are everywhere here. When we drive down the road, it is as if we are driving through a forest of them. There are vines with bright pink or magenta flowers climbing the saguaro … it’s truly beautiful.

One of the saguaro near the house we are staying at is the home of an iguana. Mr. Iguana loves to sit in his doorway and watch everyone go by. It has been fun to get to know this little neighbor and the other animal neighbors near this home.

What about the neighbors near you? Are there chipmunks, or rabbits or other animal neighbors? For today’s free writing, think about your animal neighbors and include them in what you write.

Let your creativity flow and have fun! Ready … set … write!

Cinco de Mayo

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On May 5, 1862, an outnumbered and out gunned Mexican Army fought and won a battle against the French invading army.

Though not the end of the war, the Mexican forces fought valiantly to defend their homeland from foreign rule.

Today, many celebrate this day as a time to remember and enjoy Mexican culture and food.

What about you? Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? If so, what does it mean to you?

Set your timers and ready … set … write!

World Storytelling Day

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Stories have had a major role in day to day life since the beginning of time. History, folk lore and morals were passed down through the use of stories.

As writers, we get to continue this age old tradition – connecting people through the use of language.

So for today’s free writing session, tell the story of a time you were afraid. Why fear? Because emotion plays a big part in creating tension and making stories memorable and fear is a strong emotion we have all felt (and remember) from some point in our life.

Set your timer and ready … set … write!

Colosseum

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In January 2020 I had the opportunity to visit Rome. It was unlike any other place I have visited – from the 800 year old fountain across the street to the almost 2000 year old Colosseum and 2700 year old ruins of the Roman Forum.

Then, a couple of weeks after we returned home, Rome went on lockdown. People were sick and dieing by the hundreds. Yet it was the same city we had just left.

It seemed unreal. We were in shock, hoping those people we had met were safe yet knowing that they likely could not escape some impact.

What about you? What were you doing in January of 2020 before life changed? How did your life change in the following weeks and months?

Okay. Set your timer for 5 minutes; then ready … set … write!