EXERCISE: Take That Phrase...

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original posting: Fri, 15 Dec 2000 23:06:10 -0500

Here are four quotations:

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. Mahatma Gandhi

Poetry is the language in which man explores his own amazement. Christopher Fry

Never fight an inanimate object. P. J. O'Rourke

PRESCRIPTION, n. A physician's guess at what will best prolong the situation with least harm to the patient. Ambrose Bierce (1842 - 1914), The Devil's Dictionary

(Courtesy of http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3)

Contemplate, estivate, and let the neurons breathe, then consider writing something based on at least one of these quotations.  Feel free to mix up all four, but be aware that they may tug and pry a bit as they get into that harness...

Write!

EXERCISE: Take Two Passing Comments, and Write Me in the Morning?

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

original posting: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 19:02:00 -0500

Okay, here's the two phrases, both overheard from passing conversations (not that the conversations were passing, just that I was going one way and the people who were talking were going the other way):

"... ballet in the ring..."

"... Christmas socks..."

Now, you should feel free to take liberty with the ballet, and consider various kinds of rings.  For example, the ballet may be a metaphor for smooth movement, while the ring could be a circus ring, a boxing ring, the chiming of a bell, or even a group of people cooperating to accomplish something, like the ring of writers.  Or I guess it could be one ring to rule them all...

As for those socks, I'll let you decide whether there are coals or candy inside!

In any case, let these two phrases inspire you to write.

EXERCISE: The Day of the Galumphries

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

original posting: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 02:22:24 -0500

The Day of the Galumphries

Do you remember the day they first appeared?  Lumps of glistening bright pink long fur, with a face almost hidden, and those tiny paws to hold and jump?

Where were you when they appeared?  What were you doing?  And when you saw the first one, smelled that delicious scent, stroked that soft fur...what did you think?

What do you think now when you look at those soft blue eyes?

Go ahead, write about it!