“I’m not certain what to say,” Marion Fitzgerald stammered, looking down at the bloodstain on the cushion of her white designer couch. I truly don’t know how that got there.” Joe Francis, a LA homicide detective stared at the middle-aged blonde and said in a tired voice, “Mrs. Fitzgerald, where were you last night at…
Category: Writing
Prompt: The Word “Transparency”
Transparency is defined as “the condition of being transparent,” which means being able to see through something or someone. Many spiritual leaders say that transparency is part of being enlightened. What you see is what is there, no more, no less. The government speaks of transparency in governing, meaning no secrets, and yet knowing that…
Flash poetry: Right Now
A long day of work Students from morning ’til night Green against gray skies I love my students They are smart and fresh and strong White flashes of light My life is enriched Through this “enrichment” I give The mourning dove coos How did this happen? This unplanned, but happy life? Sweet like gardenias Gratitude…
Writing Prompt: Mundane Occurrences.
Every morning I wake up and open the back door for my dog, Cordelia. Then I go into the kitchen, fill her bowl up with food and get her fresh water. Then I check to see if my cat William has fresh food and water, and if not, then I fill those up, too. After…
Heading Back On the Road
Getting the creative juices flowing again… I re-began work on my novel today; rewrote a section and by doing, re-introduced myself to characters who have been waiting for me to return. I am reminded that writing novels is fun and satisfying and surprising. I write to see what happens. As long as I just enjoy…
My Handout for “How to Improve Your Writing in 20 Minutes a Day” Workshop
This is my handout from the workshop I conducted at the Story Circle Network Writing Conference in Austin, Texas 2 weeks ago. Some helpful hints on overcoming writer’s block and establishing good habits, writing and otherwise. Benefits of Writing 20 Minutes a Day: Increased fluidity, developing voice, discovering who you are and how you think,…
A Memory of My Brother, George
One early evening in summer, my older brother George and I headed off to the Little League baseball field where he was going to play a game and I was going to watch. He was eleven and I was eight. I was barefooted and wore shorts and a thin top; he had on his baseball…
The Key to Happiness: Marry Something.
So here I am, stumbling along. Not sure what to say or do. Not clear when or where to go. Maybe it’s time to just recognize that silence is an acceptable alternative. Except when it comes to commitment. After all, there is that moment when you just have to say, “No, I’m here. I’m not…
Catnapper in the Neighborhood?
This morning at 6 am I looked out my front window on the porch and there I saw Charlie, our tabby cat, who disappeared six months ago. By the time I deposited Cordelia out back and ran back up to the front porch, Charlie was gone. Again. I was elated, however, since Charlie was not…
At This Very Moment
My dog is lying at the back door looking out into the dark The street in front of my house only has an occasional car going by The stained glass lampshades here in the living room glow red and green A helicopter hums far overhead My cat meows from the chair in the other room…
