Writing prompt
You’ve heard me talk many times before about how important it is to practice writing. One of the best ways to do this is to do a 15 to 20 minute free write based on a prompt. It both warms you up and stretchers your writing muscles.
Below is a recent prompt I chose to write from. This was given to me in a writing group.
Below the line is what I wrote. I enjoyed this particular piece because when I started off, I felt it going in one direction, but pulled it back and switched gears. I pushed myself to be more creative rather than follow the straight path.
I encourage you to do the same. You can either use the same prompt, or chose one of your own. If you’re looking for one, try reading a line or two of poetry. Let me know how it goes for you.
Prompt: The crowd acted like it had a single mind
Nothing happened after the first shotgun blast filled the air, although we knew it was coming. It was supposed to be our rally cry. But I froze, and everyone followed my lead.
I don’t know what happened. I’d been planning it for months. I guess I forgot to plan on the reality of the thing. Nothing makes a thing feel real like a shotgun blast. A moment went by where all I could think about was fresh cut grass and sunblock. My heartbeat filled my ears. Then the second blast came and knocked me into action.
I tugged the green silk fabric over my head, pulling it down to just above my knees, and adjusted it so I could look out the eye holes. The other’s did the same, twenty-five of us altogether. But I was the only one who could see. As captain, it was my job to lead the fight.
Once everyone was situated, they tapped the shoulder of the person in front of them. When the tap hit my shoulder, I began calling cadence. After the first round, we took off as one. A giant caterpillar racing across the field.
The other team had started at the first shot. They were already midfield, racing straight for us. Their caterpillar was taller and bigger than ours. It was clear they were going to overtake us by force. But thanks to my planning we had speed and organization on our side.
We moved at a regimented pace, letting the other team close in. Just before impact, I yelled the command to sidestep. We veered right and as they tried to follow us, we adjusted into an S formation slithering back and forth, just out of their reach. Then we picked up pace.
They kept up longer than I anticipated. Circling us, making us pick up pace again. But in the end, someone in their back fell and they all toppled.
I yelled the command to straighten. We slowed and gathered our breath as we marched the rest of the way across the field and across the finish line. Cheers went up. We were now the proud owners of Southbank field.