Category Archives: Writing Word Prompt Response

Writing Prompt: The Stormy Sky

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” A storm destroys your uncle’s shed and kills his 6 year old son. Describe the colour of the sky right before the storm hit”.

Following on from my short piece I wrote on an envelope to this prompt while sat on the top deck of the bus today, I blogged about that here.  Here is what I actually wrote on the back of the envelope!

The storm had been brewing for days before  it came; that furious storm  destroyed everything in its path. Including my uncle’s shed killing my 6 year old cousin.

I could feel it mounting, the air had been thick, muggy and humid. It felt dense. Just from this I knew it  had to rain sometime soon to reduce the humidity.

That  afternoon (of the storm) I looked out at the sky from the attic window, I was upstairs organising and sorting out old clothing,  I heard it the loud crack of thunder rumbled across the sky. The sky was  patchy with grey/black clouds in some areas like the colour of  grey granite stone. The patches merged with the lighter dove grey/blue clouds. Strangely there was a crack of light in middle the sky, it looked almost like someone up there behind the clouds was shining  a flashlight down on earth… God may be? As I squinted my eyes straining to look at the small crack of light between the granite and grey/blue coloured sky, a zig zag of lightening broke out and lit up the heavens. The whole sky went from patchy shades pf granite and grey/blue to a dull yellow shade , just for a split second. A second later there was another loud rumble of thunder.One more zig zag of dull yellow lightening broke out across the sky,  then heavens opened with heavy  rain.

Before my eyes, I witnessed the dark granite grey clouds swallow up the light dove grey/blue clouds, the sky shifted to a new shade of onyx black.  It was like god had switched off his flash light on us. The clouds looked like peaks of coal, bunched up together in small onyx black patches.

The heavy rain beat down on the window drowning out my view, all I could see was darkness,  and hear  the loud  rumble of thunder, the wind howled and violently rocked the window pain.  God, had lost his temper up there I could tell.

Word Prompt Response: I Can See Through You

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Glass

I can see through you and the bravado, just like Alice could see through her looking glass

Your walk, your stance and all your cheap talk,   like a sheep in wolf’s clothing really you’re made of cheap glass,

 I know you  thought you had me under some kind of trance, rooted to you, dependent on you ; have you reflected on how little you actually knew?

You think you’re hard, tough and titanium, really you’re just like glass

You  shatter under  pressure into a million pieces you’re full of cracks

Where we are , in this very here and now  you probably thought I’d be the one to crack maybe I’d even come running back?

Beautiful man I’m the survivor, beautiful man I’m the titanium

I won’t ever crack,  because I can’t crack , I’m made of stronger stuff than glass

That is why you’re  now firmly a thing of the past.

 

 

Darkness & My Disappointment: Daily Writing Prompt

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Darkness

hands up

My response to today’s WordPress word prompt is based on what’s going on, what I heard about and read in the news today  miles away from me.

 

I feel disappointed again today, I feel like there is sadness all around me again today;

I turned on the news today, I heard it again today, one man down again today;

I’m a million miles away from where all this takes place but  this does not make it OK;

I still care, I still grieve, I still fume and I still rage;

 Mad with the system; mad with the ignorance; mad with the stereotypes  that surround  His  darkness;

I feel like the rap group NWA today ,”f*ck the police” was the message they once had to say;

Why  and how could they say that you ask?  We are ”the land of the free” we are here to ” serve and protect thee”;

 Hummm mate,  I really don’t think so, you don’t get it do you? You don’t care; 

You’ve shown me and the world you don’t care with your guns and violence against the darkness, his darkness;

Your statistics tell me and show me you don’t care even though I am all the way across the Atlantic over here;

In your land He is  treated like prey all because of his darkness, the beautiful darkness of his skin;

My son,  as he grows from a boy into a man would he be safe all the way over there?

Could  and should I allow him to go there, trust that he can roam freely and safely  there?

To you  his  darkness and He will  always be public enemy number 1;

Don’t deny it you’re too quick to raise your gun! Shoot now think and ask questions later;

He and his darkness  are nothing to fear; but this is something you’re clearly not trying to hear;

To me  all this sounds like no fun,  just think before you pick up that GUN!;

Guns

 

 

 

Autonomy: Writing Prompt Response

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Autonomy

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With the UK’s recent exit from the EU and the 4th July celebrations taking place in the USA, a lot could be said about the word autonomy, and freedom. I’m going to interpret today’s word prompt response from a personal more individual view  first ,as opposed to freedom and autonomy for the masses in the UK .

To me, I love freedom whether it be financial freedom which I guess we’re all really wishing for some day, to not have to work for someone else. Do our own thing and be our own boss. I also love freedom as a person, to be who you are and be you regardless of what others say or do. Over the years I have learned what oppression can do to one’s mind and emotions if you are subjected to it. In any sense, if your freedom or autonomy is cut off it can be very damaging for you emotionally and stunt your growth as a person. 

Sometimes, it takes a while to realise or learn that you’re a victim of oppression from someone or something else. The day job, the boss, a friend, family member, partner who or whatever can oppress  us as individuals in a negative way, without even realising at first as it’s not something you’re always on the look out for. It’s important to realise the signs of it early and break away from it, or raise it with your oppressor so he/she/they/it can correct their way of dealing with you.It’s like a form of bullying to cut off someone’s autonomy and freedom in any way shape or form, in my personal view. Bullying has never been and will never be a cool thing to do.

So, our current leader in the UK gave us our freedom and autonomy to decide how we should govern ourselves, the UK voted (50 odd % only) to exit the EU as members. Hummm well I was in the 48% who wanted to stay and I’m not ashamed to say it. The leave side I guess felt their autonomy has been removed with membership of the EU over the years. And I guess  the vote was a right thing to do to see what the masses really thought.

In my mind I can’t help but wonder if our need for autonomy and freedom reflected in the vote is really worth walking into the unknown with an exit, as we are literally walking into the unknown we have no idea who are new leader will be now the current one has resigned over the result of the vote, we have no idea how our FREEDOM and AUTONOMY to move around within the EU as individuals will be impacted on, now we have made and exit, and one thing that has always worried me is what about the human rights laws that we get from with in the EU things like maternity leave, employment law rights etc many of these basic human rights come from within the EU… I guess time will tell as the country takes shape post exit. I prey that the want and need for autonomy was not an opportunity cost for us, in a sense that we lose out in the long term.  What I noticed is one side  has gained their freedom and autonomy back with an exit, and the other camp have lost their freedom and autonomy to move around within the EU as members for work, travel and relocation, and potentially even the basic human rights protection from some of the EU legislation in this area.

Freedom!  Everyone should have it, but how to please both sides of the camp? The mind boggles.

In the words of a lady I’ve grown fond of since the release of her Lemonade album as Beyonce would say on her track Freedom:

Freedom! Freedom! I can’t move
Freedom, cut me loose!
Freedom! Freedom! Where are you?
Cause I need freedom too!
I break chains all by myself
Won’t let my freedom rot in hell
Hey! I’ma keep running
Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves

 

 

MiracleChallenge week #3: The Time is Now

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Clock

Write a short poem or story using the above picture maximum 5 sentences. This is a writing prompt response to #5 of week 3’s challenge by the wonderful blogger MiracleGirl.

“MiracleChallenge Week – 3” dated 28th June, 2016

The time is now,  it’s my  creative hour;

It’s at 12 midnight every night that’s the hour;

My brain is working at full power; the time is now, this is my hour;

Some call it the witching hour;

I call it my creative writing hour!

 

 

 

Island: Word Prompt Response

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IslandIsland

I am the daughter of an immigrant from this beautiful island. It’s  been many years since I’ve laid eyes on this beautiful island. I remember  the beautiful golden sands of Negril beach, walking around Montego Bay area  and hearing the sounds of sweet reggae being played. I also remember the mountains, shacks and more deprived areas of the island also, the police corruption which I experienced myself as a tourist to the island.

 I remember  eating rich and delicious  island foods such as plantains, ackee and salted fish, jerk chicken , callao and drinking plenty of carrot juice my mouth waters at the thought! Sipping the island’s local beer Red Stripe at silly o’clock in the day, in the blazing hot sun relaxing, people watching. I remember the mosquito  bites also now that was painful as I had soooooooooooooo many.

I remember how I  could walk out so far into the Caribbean sea from  Negril’s beach, before the water would reach my hips it was so strange to me.  I love this land, I love this island and I hope one day to go back and show my son this beautiful island.

National Anthem of Jamaica 

Eternal Father bless our land
Guide us with Thy mighty hand
Keep us free from evil powers
Be our light through countless hours
To our leaders, Great Defender,
Grant true wisdom from above
Justice, truth be ours forever
Jamaica, land we love
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love.
Teach us true respect for all
Stir response to duty’s call
Strengthen us the weak to cherish
Give us vision lest we perish
Knowledge send us, Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above
Justice, truth be ours forever
Jamaica, land we love
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love.

It’s interesting I was born and raised in London, do I consider myself English –  well with 33 years here yes I do, but I don’t ever forget my heritage and culture.If I was stuck on a deserted island what would I need with me.

  • My  2 year old son
  • A pen and note pad
  • Bob Marley’s Greatest hits and a CD player, so my son and I could dance and sing to them, as we do most Sundays. Just like my mama did with me growing up.

 

  • BM

 

Jamaica the carib island  I love!

#MiracleChallenge Week #2: Writing Prompt

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sunroomtable

Write a story or poem using the above picture: 5 sentences max.

Have you forgot??:

This is our spot, where we met all those years ago oh how time flys it’s been a rocky road not always smooth and straight forward.

 Has time apart shown us that we belong together?,We’re meant to be? Today we shall see.

We agreed, to meet here, at 1pm on Sunday  afternoon. If there’s still a chance, still some hope that all has not been lost between us we should meet here.

Here I am, at our spot with this empty space beside me. Where are you? Why are you not here? 

All I have is this empty chair, I am here in our spot I’m sitting here hoping that you have not forgot.

The Ending 

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The Ending 


Reblogged on WordPress.com

Source: The Ending 

I LOVED! Reading the start of this story and had to participate in this #Miraclechallenge  writing prompt to create your own ending using 400 odd words. I did not read the original post before I wrote my own ending so I have no idea what the story is really about. But I’ve turned it into some kind of crime fiction/drug story line that’s what came to mind when I read what was going on at the start. I look forward to reading the original full post to see what the story is actually about. Thanks for posting.

Really need to get home, I’ve been up all night using cocaine to keep me awake, he had me working the street corners of every street. I wish I could say no, stop, tell him that’s it this life is over for me I don’t want to spend my years as your drug runner and personal sex slave. But I can’t, I owe him, I owe him my life not only is he my pimp he was once my loan shark, my mum was in a lot of debt after she lost her job we were going to be evicted I had no choice but to do what I could to help out.

I’m only 16 but I got caught up with the wrong crowd, dabbled in drugs, drinking, dating boys I should not have been and he was one of them. With all the drama and stress at home as a way to forget he introduced me to cocaine, just to numb the pain he’d say. Everyday I say to myself I will leave this life behind, clean my habit up stop sex working to make money and go back to school.

He says it’s better to have a girl involved in his ‘’dealings’’ that way no one will be suspious the cops won’t question anything when they see a guy and a girl together the last thing they will think is  we’re a bunch of drug lords.

So here I am walking down Camden high street north London, after working the corners of some of the most mean streets in London, dying to take a shower and lay down.

Mum, bless her heart she knows what’s going on and has threatened to go to the police, but she won’t because of him he has complete control over everyone he comes in contact with.

Connor, Connor Reeves north London’s most notorious drug lord. At just 28 years old he rules the whole of north London.

I glance at my watch it’s 4.45am I walk down the dimly lit road and turn into the estate of flats, I stare up at the 6th floor the lights are out mum’s asleep. I hope I can enter without waking her.

As I approach the block of flats as usual the intercom is not working a sharp tug on the door and I’m in, the smell of urine and cheap beer greet my nostrils.

Great, the lift is out of action, I take the stairs 2 at a time up to the 6th floor. I need to get out of this place, turn my back on this life this is not for me. I’ll be dead by the time I’m 18.

 

 

Word Prompt Response: Companion A Romance Writer’s Honest View!

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Companion

Ah what a word for today’s writing prompt nice one WordPress! As a romance writer, this word is a word I think about a lot when creating some kind of story based on romance, that’s  wrapped up with a bit of suspense/mystery. When writing it’s fun and sometimes easy to get lost in your own world conjuring up a handsome, physically eye popping  hero/ companion for my female heroine character, and vise versa. Also  to highlight their personality, whether that be a  powerful business man/women  or bad boy/girl, which allure the heroine and hero  resulting in some kind of happy ever after.

In real life it’s not always  as nice as  pie,  and that simple though is it? What we read in romance novels  around companionship  in real life is never that straight forward. Hence why I do, also try to keep an element of realism to my stories; relationships can be extremely testing in real life so I try to reflect that.

The other day, I read a blog post asking what makes 2 people compatible, I did respond and my response relates to this word prompt. In my view companionship is beautiful when you find it, forget the physical attraction (this is me speaking as a normal women not a romance writer!) as attraction is not what makes 2 people compatible/great companions or even should be what a companionship is based on that shit fades! Like I’m really going to look the same in 30-40 year’s time….. even with botox

  I feel, (personally speaking again) that in REAL LIFE  if 2 people have the same vision and direction this  is what makes a great companion. Or even if you don’t, the ability to support your partner with their vision, and meet in kind of some middle ground this makes a great companionship. If not there will always be push and pull in different directions, that ultimately add strain; and sadly can end a companionship.

A similar  outlook on life and how you go through it as an individual also is what makes a great companion I’ve learned this, for example are you a list maker, go geter, climb the top of a mountain, set goals kinda person in life? Is this how you  keep yourself motivated and achieve? If so then a sit back and let life happen to you, laid back to the point of little care about your future kind of personality is NOT going to make a great companion; you have 2  different outlooks on how you wish to live life. I call this personality type A and personality type B.

Now when you think about things like this, when seeking companionship in real life how often do we FIRST look at a person’s outlook on life, how they live it and their future goals  when it comes to selecting a partner or companion ? We focus on the physical, the sex, the dates, the money, whatever! Anything BUT does this person have the same outlook on life as me? And how they wish to live it? I’m not talking about oh, yeah we get on really well so therefore we have a similar out look on life, this is different; this is just ability to chill with someone or have fun not spend the rest of your life with them necessarily.  Really looking for the right personality type in a companion is deeper- and if we all did this we may not make the same mistake twice, and might be more likely to end up with our true compatible companion. Rather than someone we get on with and can have fun or chill with.Now this is me, the human, the women not the romance fiction writer who creates a whirlwind of romance and companionship based on  things outside of what I would look for, or try to look for in real life when I think of the word companion.

When I think of the word companion, and compatibility like this in a deeper way, it shows me that things like age, race, looks are really in some ways irrelevant if you focus on compatibility  and outlook  as a judgement on what or whom would make a great companion. Makes me wonder if these things or preferences maybe even barriers that one may put up,  by just seeking out a certain age, race, look etc  are just things which over complicate love! Put us off track, as our focus is shifted and we seek maybe not what is key, important and essential to finding and keeping the right companion (with he right outlook and personality first and foremost) so you have a higher chance of growing together,  the months turn to years, they turn to decades of companionship. ……. hummm just a thought, as a women, human being taking off my romance writer hat.

 

 

 

Word Prompt Poem:Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien

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Rebuild

Browsing through the word prompts on WordPress  I spotted  the word”rebuild”, in response, these words came to me. Normally I’d write this sort of thing down in a note book and keep it to myself, or just see it as simple thoughts passing through my head and leave it as that- I’m a writer not a poet! But I thought what the hell …..  go wild blog it! 🙂

No, I don’t regret anything

No, Je ne regrette rien

No, I don’t regret that I’ve had to learn fast

No, I don’t regret  decisions I’ve made based on the past

No, I don’t regret  that this is all now finally a thing of the past, and  seems like it may not have been built to last

No, I don’t regret anything, no, je ne regrette rein

No, I don’t regret those feelings I was feeling back then, which put me here on this new path

No, I don’t regret these feelings I’m now feeling

Because of these feelings I’m now a better human being, and theyv’e  helped with the healing

I reach up, and feel like I can touch the ceiling and everything has such a brand  new meaning

 No, I don’t regret anything, no je ne regrette rien

No, I don’t regret that now I feel like my soul is not on a constant fast, starved of what it deserves, I now put myself first, hummm you’ve got a nerve! You honestly think I’m something you still deserve?

 No, I  don’t regret that I’ve  decided not stand still

sometimes,  I feel like I’m climbing up a massive hill

but I can’t stand still, and I won’t stand still, I’m ganna climb that hill, that’s why I’m starting to rebuild…. remember everything we had you killed.

No, I don’t regret anything, no je ne regrette rien

I’ll make sure that we’ll both  be OK both of us on our new path,  taking things step by step each day on this new path. I’m a lioness protecting her babe, you my friend , you’re free to go your own way.

No, I don’t regret anything, it’s time to rebuild.

The feelings I have for you have chilled.