Jody's safe placeext_4719352July 23 2018, 15:34:56 UTC
Thanks again for stretching us!
Each time the huge ball hit her, each time a silly girl screeched a scream, each time someone chanted “chicken legs,” Jody’s head throbbed worse than the minute before. The peaceful path home was her only quiet between the noisy school and the chaos at home, but the Stony Point tree that stood halfway between school and home was heaven. With her copy of Little Women tucked underneath her arm, she climbed the friendly willow tree to settle into her reading spot. She opened the pages to find feisty Jo. Jody closed her eyes to imagine herself as Jo--standing up for herself, fearlessly talking back, boldly creating….
I love these ideas for fleshing out our setting and our characters. It's good to remind myself that the best way I'm going to write characters that appear realistic and relatable is to think and write about what could be real parts of their lives. So, thank you for these prompts.
Stacey's Fortress
anonymous
July 23 2018, 18:43:20 UTC
Thanks for the great window into creating this place!
Everything is crazy out there. In here, the bows of the evergreen blot it all out. No more thunderous voices of angry faces. Just me, the soft wind blowing across my face, birds singing their sweet song, the cathedral of the branches engulfing me, and sun dappled, pine needle comfort, lulling me to contentment and peace. Bottomless breaths in, pine and earth smells envelop , tortoise-like breaths out...butterflies dance about...taking me away to hushed, tranquil serenity.
Visualizing the retreat spot
anonymous
July 24 2018, 01:39:10 UTC
This writing prompt made me think about Molly Bang's picture book When Sophie Gets Angry. After arguing with a sibling and being scolded, she retreats outside and climbs a sycamore tree that provides a view of the ocean. After erupting in the house with family members, the outline of her body is in bold red but as she moves to that spot, the color changes various shades from purple to blue. With effective economy of language, Bang's matching story reflects that need to retreat to rebalance and move back to inner harmony that allows for better dynamics with family members.
I'm working on getting better about reflecting those kind of character changes with my words.
This prompt brings me back to a spot I loved as a child. Thanks for bringing me there...
Behind a neighbor's camp you'd take a small wooded path to a burbling brook. My favorite spot was a rock 1/2 in, and 1/2 out of the water. Around the rock lay a soft, mossy carpet, perfect for bare feet. To find the right spot to sit upon the rock you'd have to move your rear end around until you found place comfortable enough to sit for a spell. You could dangle your feet into the deep pool of chilly water, or just sit and try to catch sight of the brook trout that hid in the shadows of the rock.
Sometimes you could make out the shouts of kids playing, or of a mother calling her children home. Usually it was just the drone of insects and the gurgle of water that created a hypnotic, dreamy effect.
Hi Leslie! I love this image and the feelings you describe. I remember such rocks, and special quiet moments, listening to the unique sounds of the lake. Thanks for sharing! And for the memory!
Comments 26
Each time the huge ball hit her, each time a silly girl screeched a scream, each time someone chanted “chicken legs,” Jody’s head throbbed worse than the minute before. The peaceful path home was her only quiet between the noisy school and the chaos at home, but the Stony Point tree that stood halfway between school and home was heaven. With her copy of Little Women tucked underneath her arm, she climbed the friendly willow tree to settle into her reading spot. She opened the pages to find feisty Jo. Jody closed her eyes to imagine herself as Jo--standing up for herself, fearlessly talking back, boldly creating….
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Everything is crazy out there. In here, the bows of the evergreen blot it all out. No more thunderous voices of angry faces. Just me, the soft wind blowing across my face, birds singing their sweet song, the cathedral of the branches engulfing me, and sun dappled, pine needle comfort, lulling me to contentment and peace. Bottomless breaths in, pine and earth smells envelop , tortoise-like breaths out...butterflies dance about...taking me away to hushed, tranquil serenity.
Reply
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I'm working on getting better about reflecting those kind of character changes with my words.
Reply
Reply
Behind a neighbor's camp you'd take a small wooded path to a burbling brook. My favorite spot was a rock 1/2 in, and 1/2 out of the water. Around the rock lay a soft, mossy carpet, perfect for bare feet. To find the right spot to sit upon the rock you'd have to move your rear end around until you found place comfortable enough to sit for a spell. You could dangle your feet into the deep pool of chilly water, or just sit and try to catch sight of the brook trout that hid in the shadows of the rock.
Sometimes you could make out the shouts of kids playing, or of a mother calling her children home. Usually it was just the drone of insects and the gurgle of water that created a hypnotic, dreamy effect.
Reply
I love this image and the feelings you describe. I remember such rocks, and special quiet moments, listening to the unique sounds of the lake. Thanks for sharing! And for the memory!
Reply
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