Monday Moment #109: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress

I want to use this Monday Moment time to remember and honor Lisa Wolfson, also know as L.K. Madigan .

I've started this post several times now. It continues to feel like the words just aren't coming out right. I think my struggle has been knowing exactly what to say. I've tried to say it in several different ways but think what I've been attempting to express is that she will be missed by so many.

I knew Lisa, but didn't know Lisa. I've read her blog. I've corresponded with her online. I've met her at a couple of different conference. She did nothing less than leave an unbelievable impression on me. Part of the sorrow I feel is knowing I won't have the chance to know her better.

Our writing community has lost a beautiful heart.

In lieu of a writing prompt I request, in honor of Lisa, that you write someone a message of love or appreciation. 

If you haven't done so already, you can read a message on Lisa's blog from her husband, and how you can contribute to a fund for her son's college education.

Monday Moment #108: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress

(If you’ve already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-di-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, always get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)

Happy President's Day!

Or Happy a-reason-to-have-a-day-off-from-school Day for the kiddos! Right? For us writer types, that means a non-day-off for us. Kids are home, which equals an added distraction.

What will you do with this day? Are you making the most of it? Or of the whole long weekend? Heading out for the day (or more) to do something fun? Sadly, I know some of you are getting even MORE snow. Or maybe, like me, you're staying home in your comfy clothes and plan to attempt to get the work done, even with the distraction of the kids.

If your main character had the day off from school, what would they be doing? And maybe more important, what would they want to be doing?

Monday Moment #107: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress

(If you’ve already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-di-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, always get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Will you be mine? (Well, at least for the next five minutes?)

You know, I'd love to ask you to be mine, but I do already have several special Valentines: my hubby and my girlies.

But, I think we can all have many Valentines. Yes?

My hubby has my heart, and I'll always be his Valentine, and he'll be mine. But my girls are also mine. I also always want to be my dad's special Valentine. I still remember as a kid the time my dad made me a handmade Valentine card with a poem he'd written inside. Now, I have to say, he also did the same for my mom and brother, but I that's a Valentine's Day that stands out.

Dad's take note: if you have little girls, you are their very first and most special Valentine. So spoil them with lots and lots of cheesiness each February 14. Truthfully, they'll remember it more than any teen crush's attempts at, BE MINE.

I don't know about you (we're all different creatures) but the most meaningful things for me are not gifts but things that really come from the heart, like a handmade card or a love letter. That will get me every time over flowers or candies or presents.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, FRIENDS! I hope your cuppa spills over with love today.

Thinking of your character this Valentine's Day, who are their Valentines? And what kinds of acts/gifts make them feel most loved (or do they most desire)?

Monday Moment #106: a writing prompt for your work-in-progress

(If you’ve already read this then skip past all the italicized blah-di-blah and start writing.) Monday Moments are writing prompts for your work-in-progress. They are questions that come from my experiences and are my favorite way to find out more about my characters. I find I learn a lot. Some of it I use. Some of it I don’t. But I always, always get to know my characters better just by answering the question. I hope you do too.)

"I like the taste of the Super Bowl."

That's what my ten-year-old girlie said to me yesterday.

My girls  have never been to a Super Bowl party, and actually, they still haven't. But we decided we wanted to watch the Super Bowl yesterday so we put out a spread (you can't Super Bowl without great munchies) and the food was a success.

But what about the actual game? How do you get two young girls, who know nothing about football, to hang out and watch for hours? Food alone won't do it.

But GAMBLING will. (Yes, call the mother-of-the-year board. This move was award worthy.)

Of course. Why not introduce my children to a little betting on the Bowl. We made up some Super Bowl Squares and each added our names to either 16 or 17 (it was a small gathering of six people). We each put $1.50 in the pot. Big bucks I know.  But a $1.50 is pretty big to a third and fifth grader. But they were in. We drew the numbers and plugged them in. Makes you sit up a pay attention a bit more when your watching the score to see if your numbers might be winners.

Although, I will say that it was almost a disaster when one kid won the first two quarters. I thought her little sister was going to come unglued. I won quarter number three. And, oh my! My eight-year old was watching that game with more energy than most big-time football fans at the end. And, guess what...she was the big winner. A whopping $4.50.

Made for a fun afternoon of football for all of  us.

Is there a time in your character's life when what would have been an ordinary day turned into something special and fun?