Writing Prompt 96: What I’ve always wanted to say is…
What I’ve always wanted to say about the people in my life.
Read MoreTag: family
Bringing characters to life
Today, as part of the research I’m doing for this little writing project of mine, I read a lot about this one day in the Second World War: December 16, 1943. Why that day, you ask? Well, according to our family records, this was the day that Allan Reid Cameron, my great-great-uncle, died while on […]
Read MorePrompt 73: Here’s to sisters
“Your most treasured photograph” One of my most treasured photographs sits on my bookcase, surrounded by my other treasured positions: books, books, and (yes, you’ve guessed it), more books. It’s a photo of me and my sister, aged probably five and four, sitting in a field of wheat, wearing matching outfits, and with our arms […]
Read MorePrompt 50
“You bring someone back from the dead. Who is it?” I think when we’re asked this question, we’re often expected to choose someone famous or someone who played a big role in bringing good to the world. Selfishly, I’m quite baffled by that. I don’t think I could ever squander this wish like that.
Read MorePrompt 48
“Describe each person in your family with just one word” Although there are multiple and, at times, contradicting descriptors for each of my family members, I’ve somehow managed to narrow each down to one word. Dad: Dedicated Mom: Loving Fiona: Strong James: Headstrong Kif: Charming Rory: Youthful
Read MorePrompt 44
“Write a story that ends with the line ‘And this is the room where it happened’.” Two sisters, four and five, play with their bears, each creating stories from their corner in the bedroom. Each in a world that seeps into the other; overlapping imaginings. The elder, always meticulous, had her bear poised as she […]
Read MorePrompt 35
“Five things you wish you’d asked your grandmother” When my grandmother passed away when I was 17, I was plagued by a persistent feeling that I had been robbed of so many conversations with her. In that sense, this prompt is quite appropriate. What was it about Baba (my grandfather) that drew you to him? […]
Read MorePrompt 30
“A recipe for disaster” 1 antagonistic drunk 1 tsp of tension 1 elephant in a room 2-3 secrets kneaded in with 1-2 lies 2 defensive family members, well shaken 1 pinch of contention
Read MorePrompt 21
Mary and Duncan were the eldest of their generation and, while they were cousins, they spent quite a bit of time together at the big family house on the farm, Maori, when they were children. This was particularly the case during the holidays, when Duncan was back from boarding school in Buenos Aires. Mary was […]
Read MorePrompt 19
“A storm destroys your uncle’s shed and kills his six-year-old son. Describe the colour of the sky right before the storm hit” When I think about when Danny died, I find myself remembering the sky on that day. We were driving home before the storm hit. My brother was driving, and a Taylor Swift song […]
Read MorePrompt 14
“Pick a small object to be given one day to your great-grandchild. Write a letter to that child explaining why you have chosen this object” To my eldest great-granddaughter, To you, dear girl, I want to give the little clock on my mantlepiece that you have always admired. I’ve never told you the story behind […]
Read MorePrompt 12
“Tell a complete stranger about a family tradition” Now, I’m taking the leap of faith of assuming that there are complete strangers out there who do read these posts…I dedicate this prompt to you. One of our family’s traditions is for our parents to bestow our family signet ring to each child as they […]
Read More