While reading through my small town’s listing of activities, I saw the following:
“Sewing class: Use the butterfly kisses pattern to make . . .”
What if this were a futuristic (sci/fi) class in which the seamstresses were creating real, live butterflies?
Ok, I know that’s far-fetched, but so are microwave ovens and cell phones!
Use the prompt to SHOW us this fantasy class.
What I liked most about this piece was the elaborate detail you provided. Lovely!
Further Corrections & comments:
I thought the use of the 3-D printer made this seem very plausible. I wasn't sure the students were really sewing, but when I went back and reread the prompt, I realized that they didn't have to sew. However, was this really a CLASS?
Good ending. I'd want to join that career choice as well. LOL
But what does one do with these mechanical butterflies? What is their purpose -- to be sold as novelty toys, to pollinate crops, to be the first step in the recreation of an extinct species?
Anyway, nice job, but in the future, please provide spaces between your paragraphs. As it is now, it causes eyestrain to read. (HINT:Always check that your piece is displayed correctly after posting.)
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While reading through my small town’s listing of activities, I saw the following:
“Sewing class: Use the butterfly kisses pattern to make . . .”
What if this were a futuristic (sci/fi) class in which the seamstresses were creating real, live butterflies?
Ok, I know that’s far-fetched, but so are microwave ovens and cell phones!
Use the prompt to SHOW us this fantasy class.
What I liked most about this piece was that you took the prompt and ran with it so skillfully. Perfectly executed!
Further Corrections & comments: I loved the ending where these godlike ladies who could so easily weave creatures into existence were prone to television addictions just like the common folk on Earth.
What I wondered about is the perpetuation of sewing as a female specialization. Was that in tribute to the usual female aspect of Mother Nature or a throwback to our own historical culture?
"As Orion Turns" gave me a giggle.
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Sometimes it seems we spend most of our time waiting in a line (a queue, if you're British). Write a story or poem about being in a queue that never seems to end.
What I liked most about this piece was is that as usual you poem is unique and full of images that allow me to peek into your vastly creative mind!
Further Corrections & comments:
I liked the motion of the coin falling and rolling. We could hear and see that. Give space, you might have even included the roll of heads whose eyes followed the nickel's fall. LOL
I am so glad I got to read this. Thank you for entering the Writer's Cramp. I hope you keep on writing and sharing your work!
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Garage sales abound in the subdivision houses near and around where I live. On my weekend walk I pass the desks, toys, clothes, and acquired rubbish/treasures of many a family’s days, months, and years.
Go on a walk and SHOW us the garage sale you discover. SHOW us the items, the story behind something you see, and/or your exciting purchase.
Notes to be used or not:
Could you carry your purchase home or did you have to hunt up a friend with a truck?
Did you have money with you to make a deposit or did you return to find that desired find already gone?
Upon dragging/carting this precious wonder home, did you find a bonus inside/underneath, or instead, did you find a reason why the item did not live up to your expectations?
What I liked most about this piece was finding a stolen painting. Vermeer was a good choice since they are so few of his.
Further Corrections & comments:
You need to read this over slowly. They are a couple of spots that have difficulties. Please space between paragraphs, too.
Try to avoid TELLING. For instance: My wife was not pleased with the desk. SHOW us this:
My wife's lips creased downward.
She gave a big sigh.
She wiped a tear of disappointment. She . . .
SHOW us the expression, the body language, etc. of disappointment.
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Today, July 1, 2016, is the centennial anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme, one of the costliest conflicts in human history with casualties numbering over one million. This battle was instrumental in the Allied victory of World War I. Write a story or poem with set on this battlefield.
What I liked most about this piece was the way you told the story through the location's eyes. Interesting angle. It worked well.
Further Corrections & comments:
hairbrain caused me to seek the dictionary. Although, this spelling is acceptable, the more common spelling is harebrained, one which more of us are familiar.
This was very strong. I almost lost my breakfast. Sigh. But I wouldn't want you to change a word.
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There are football, baseball, basketball, and soccer fans (etc.) who wave banners, buy bumper stickers, and wear tee shirts proclaiming their favorite teams.
Write a poem or story about someone who’s a fan of something NOT sports related and SHOW how that person flaunts his/her enthusiasm.
What I liked most about this piece was the subject. Great job. This gave me goosebumps!
Further Corrections & comments:
How sad, yet how wonderful the dedication of this elderly woman. You really took the win with this piece. Outstanding!
I am so glad I got to read this. Thank you for entering the Writer's Cramp. I hope you keep on writing and sharing your work!
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There are football, baseball, basketball, and soccer fans (etc.) who wave banners, buy bumper stickers, and wear tee shirts proclaiming their favorite teams.
Write a poem or story about someone who’s a fan of something NOT sports related and SHOW how that person flaunts his/her enthusiasm.
What I liked most about this piece was the subject of your enthusiasm and the lovely way you expressed it,
Further Corrections & comments:
I'm not sure about the "I even text while having sex . . ." line. That hit me with a huge impact, taking all my concentration from the rest. It was a blockbusting announcement.
Otherwise, this was great, as always.
I am so glad I got to read this. Thank you for entering the Writer's Cramp. I hope you keep on writing and sharing your work!
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Write a story or poem about beginning a new exercise regimen. What sort of exercises? What obstacles (physical, social or emotional) does your protagonist have to face in doing this?
What I liked most about this piece was the shift in attitude of the poem. Cute.
Further Corrections & comments: The last line was worrisome. The end often means Death. I think I'd rethink that so that we don't see the character collapsing just when he/she has found better health.
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Write a story or poem about beginning a new exercise regimen. What sort of exercises? What obstacles (physical, social or emotional) does your protagonist have to face in doing this?
What I liked most about this piece was the senior atmosphere of the piece. LOL Nicely done.
Further Corrections & comments:
I stumbled over the line: nor the kid inside wishing that washboard abs were doable.
At first I thought the character was pregnant, and since he/she was senior, well, that didn't seem to fit, although it was plausible.
Then I decided the reference was to an impatient grandchild/child waiting inside the house.
Probably, that line is about the mental child that's always within the soul of an individual -- I think????
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Write a story or poem about beginning a new exercise regimen. What sort of exercises? What obstacles (physical, social or emotional) does your protagonist have to face in doing this?
What I liked most about this piece was how easy you made it to relate to your character. Whew. Been there, thought that.
Further Corrections & comments:
Tell your character NOT to think. She needs to rise up and slip on the pre-readied gym clothes, then GO. It's the thinking that provides the procrastination.
And classes are great because there's no fudging on the time. If you have to get to the gym at a specific time, it makes it so much easier!
Anyway, great job with this.
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Always mindful of economy and the importance of good nutrition, you decide to pack a picnic lunch for the family. Although you’ve put great effort into choosing which foods to pack, the children (and spouse) are not pleased with what you selected and want whatever junk food they’ve seen on location.
Write a story or poem about what you’ve packed vs. what the family wants. What is the outcome? (Do they buckle down and eat what you packed or do you cave in and allow them free rein at the food stands?)
What I liked most about this piece was the outcome. You won in the end! Three cheers for good nutrition!
Further Corrections & comments:
I loved:
"carrots snappy as new found insolence."
Also the line about the Mandarin orange -- you really SHOWED your pleasure in its sweetness. Well done!
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Always mindful of economy and the importance of good nutrition, you decide to pack a picnic lunch for the family. Although you’ve put great effort into choosing which foods to pack, the children (and spouse) are not pleased with what you selected and want whatever junk food they’ve seen on location.
Write a story or poem about what you’ve packed vs. what the family wants. What is the outcome? (Do they buckle down and eat what you packed or do you cave in and allow them free rein at the food stands?)
What I liked most about this piece was the way you described all that you'd packed. I'd sure be happy to share that picnic lunch with you (except for the meat since I'm a vegetarian.)
Further Corrections & comments:
Verb tenses! Wasted is what happened to what I bring (brought)
Very cute.
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Vacation time! Summer's finally here and you get to go wherever you want. Where do you go and why; how does it go all wrong, and how do you manage to have a good time anyway? Write the story or poem (doesn't have to be first person POV).
What I liked most about this piece was the argument for the Stayvacation. I agree with the man, however, a Stayvacation never breaks the routine. One still does the same things. Sigh.
Further Corrections & comments:
Another great poem. You did a great job with the flow of this.
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Vacation time! Summer's finally here and you get to go wherever you want. Where do you go and why; how does it go all wrong, and how do you manage to have a good time anyway? Write the story or poem (doesn't have to be first person POV).
What I liked most about this piece was the constant leaving of someone behind. Yes, that would be a problem. LOL
Further Corrections & comments: I would work on your verb tenses. "All crammed in the car . . . "(past tense)
Next paragraph:"Once more they all leave." (present tense) It would make more sense to say: Once more they all left.
One rule of science fiction is that one should try not to use too many unknown terms. If you want to add such things, simply provide the meaning. Example: Yip nibbled her chack. Pieces of the oat-covered cookie dusted her shirt. Etc.
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Happy, happy morning! (Happy Memorial Day Weekend.)
Your Prompt was:
Your neighbor has just acquired a rooster.
Write a poem or story about the situation which has infuriatingly produced noisy “cock-a-doodle-doos”
during the wee hours of predawn.
What I liked most about this piece was the variety of animals your neighbor acquired. Cute.
Further Corrections & comments:
I was saddened by the ending, however. It's too bad your dream shattered.
I would watch verb tenses. It's more difficult to follow when you flip-flop between past tense and present. Example: Many weeks and many more revenge plots later, after visiting with my husband's brother, the lawyer, we find (found) that there is simply nothing to be done about her menagerie breaking our peace and quiet.
One other note: for the benefit of readers, some spacing between paragraphs is essential, or eyes start to cross. LOL
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Happy, happy morning! (Happy Memorial Day Weekend.)
Your Prompt was:
I realize I live a privileged life. I have beer, a home, a car, money, friends, no kids, ample food, clean water, access to the internet, security, and video games. And yet, here we are, on the eve of Memorial Day weekend here in the US: The weather forecast is for hot days and warm nights... and my air conditioning has stopped working, thus negating all the positives I listed above. It'll be at least two weeks before it can be fixed. Write a story or poem about how one might get through such horribly dark, trying times.
What I liked most about this piece were those wonderful images. My favorite: "I am my own sauna." Too funny.
Further Corrections & comments:
I also enjoyed: air, a kind of kiln exhalation - brilliant!
I think you might have dropped a word at the end???? that I, too, am as a cucumber.
I am so glad I got to read this. Thank you for entering the Writer's Cramp. I hope you keep on writing and sharing your work!
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Happy, happy morning! (Happy Memorial Day Weekend.)
Your Prompt was:
I realize I live a privileged life. I have beer, a home, a car, money, friends, no kids, ample food, clean water, access to the internet, security, and video games. And yet, here we are, on the eve of Memorial Day weekend here in the US: The weather forecast is for hot days and warm nights... and my air conditioning has stopped working, thus negating all the positives I listed above. It'll be at least two weeks before it can be fixed. Write a story or poem about how one might get through such horribly dark, trying times.
What I liked most about this piece was the way you kept us wondering what the question was. LOL
Further Corrections & comments:
I enjoyed the story even though I didn't like the main character's actions. Sigh.
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Buy-outs are happening all around us – Verizon is now Frontier.Times Warner is becoming Charter.
In the drug, grocery or technology industries, I can’t even keep track of who is who.
Write a poem or story about the restaurant – let’s call it Super McBeen that buys out several local businesses so it can not only feed folks, but produce the town’s main newspaper, and become a pharmacy, grocery store and mail drop center.
What I liked most about this piece was the final scene: "a few stand on corners and simply cry, "More!" Very visual.
Further Corrections & comments:
You followed the prompt to a tee. This was marvelous. Good ending, too.
I am so glad I got to read this. Thank you for entering the Writer's Cramp. I hope you keep on writing and sharing your work!
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Buy-outs are happening all around us – Verizonis now Frontier.Times Warner is becoming Charter.
In the drug, grocery or technology industries, I can’t even keep track of who is who.
Write a poem or story about the restaurant – let’s call it Super McBeen that buys out several local businesses so it can not only feed folks, but produce the town’s main newspaper, and become a pharmacy, grocery store and mail drop center.
Did you know that Word will count your words for you? There's also a word count on Writing.com.
What I liked most about this piece was the idea of the owner being a sorceress.
Further Corrections & comments:
This sure turned dark. I shuddered. I sighed. But I read. You certainly followed the prompt, no question about that. But it's such a sad piece. The ending robbed me of my morning smile. But, for the genre you chose, it was nicely done.
Thank you for entering the Writer's Cramp. I hope you keep on writing and sharing your work!
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In the United States we celebrate Mother’s Day tomorrow.
Write a story or poem about your mother and dedicate it to her.
(Mothers come in assorted packages, so if your mother was a grandma, aunt, or . . . that’s totally acceptable for the prompt as long as you viewed this person in the role as your mother. )
What I liked most about this piece was the wistfulness of it. You told us how it was, then painted the picture of how Dixie changed your life. Marvelous job. You really controlled my heart strings!
Further Corrections & comments:
The sentence: Despite the fact that she did not give birth to me, she was my true mother. Perhaps? The way you have it just seems lacking.
In the final sentence since you are addressing Dixie at that point, I would add that:
I love you, Dixie, and I'll always miss you.
I am so glad I got to read this. It felt REAL.
Thank you for entering the Writer's Cramp. I hope you keep on writing and sharing your work!
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