At Last!

Drumroll, please...

30 Days, 30 Writes 2009 has been released for your reading enjoyment. This collection features short writing by Jane Banning, Stephen Book, JC Towler and myself.

You can pick up a free e-copy at www.30days30writes.blogspot.com. There's also a link to purchase a full-color, bound print copy, if you'd like a copy of your very own.

Please tell us what you think. We'd love to have your comment on the 30 Days blog. And keep in mind we're thinking of doing this again next year. We hope you'll consider joining us next April for 30 Days, 30 Writes, 2010. Stephen and I are already simmering a juicy batch of prompts to inspire you.

Same Old -- #fridayflash

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When Amanda was a baby, Carrie yearned for routine, for knowing when to wake and when to sleep. In the chaos of new motherhood, she longed for a slot to cook dinner, to exercise, to breathe, to make love.

The routine came all too soon, the daily activities that varied little from week to week: Mondays, the park; Tuesday, play at home; Wednesday, story hour; Thursday, lunch at Grandma’s; Friday, playdate. And in each of those days, their own aching subroutines, the three meals a day with the handful of tolerated menus, the same three movies, two books, one cry.

Mommy.

She returned: to her friends, her hobbies, her work, to some semblance of the girl she’d been before Amanda, but always with the understanding that everything must fit, no matter how large and unwieldy, inside the tight buckets of routine—a time to play blocks, a time to read books, and even a tiny golden sliver to remember her freedom.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story appears in the 30 Days, 30 Writes 2009 chapbook, to be released at the end of October. The chapbook features more stories by Greta Igl, as well as stories by Jane Banning, Stephen Book and JC Towler. Please check the 30 Days, 30 Writes blog for more details and an invitation to participate in next year's writing challenge.

Almost done!

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After much work, 30 Days, 30 Writes 2009 is nearly ready for publication. This anthology is a compilation of the 30 best stories written during the MySixWriMo event hosted here on this blog last April.

For those of you new to my blog, a little background:

MySixWriMo was a writing event where I posted two prompts here on my blog each day. Participating writers wrote a six (or more) sentence story based on one of them. Jane Banning, Stephen Book, and JC Towler all rose to the challenge.

After months of selecting, editing and laying the publication out, the chapbook is nearly ready. I've received much invaluable help from Stephen in creating a pdf version. We expect to launch it by the end of the month.

For more information on the project, please visit the 30 Days, 30 Writes blog. And plan to join us next April for the 2010 30 Days.

A Shortbread Moment

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This weekend, I had a shortbread moment.

Let me explain: I have this incredible recipe for shortbread that worried the hell out of me the first time I made it. It seemed too simple. Flour, butter, sugar. That’s it. How could a cookie shine with so few ingredients? Then, the dough seemed a little odd. When I put everything in the mixer, I watched the paddle churn away, but the dough didn’t hold together. All I had was a crumbly mess. I was about to toss it out. But then suddenly, the ingredients melded and I had dough. Half an hour later, I had pale golden cookies that coated my tongue with the satisfying taste of butter. Since then, I’ve baked them many times.

Now to this week’s shortbread moment.

As you know, we’ve just spent a month doing our very first MySixWriMo. I’ve had mixed feelings about it. A week ago, I wanted to throw the whole batch of my stories in the trash. I was sorry I’d even suggested MySixWriMo. Only my commitment to my fellow Sixers kept me going. MySixWriMo ate up all my daily writing time. Folly went from the back burner to stone cold and congealed.

On May 1, I sat down at the PC, grateful the posting was over. I was never going to do MySixWriMo again. But I figured I should get something tangible out of it. That morning, I sent off my last micro from the month, “Hands.”

By the time I came back after lunch, “Hands” had been accepted by Boston Literary Magazine.

The dough began to meld. BLM had accepted one of fellow sixer Jane’s micros already. Two days later, BLM accepted another MySixWriMo from sixing pal Stephen. As I read Stephen’s email, I savored a warm satisfaction I’d never expected when I started this. I’d suggested MySixWriMo on a whim. Now three writing buddies would share page space in Boston Lit Mag.

Cool stuff indeed. I plan to track all our successes born from MySixWriMo, so keep me posted on how our April babies are faring. I’ll post their status in the sidebar.

My feelings have changed about MySixWriMo. That one monumental success has convinced me this is something we should consider doing again. But I’m going to make a change. Come back next April and I’ll let you know what I’ve got planned.

And for anyone interested, here's the recipe for that shortbread. Trust me, they are AMAZING.

Simple Shortbread Cookies

2 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1 cup butter, chilled and cut into chunks

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (low temp + longer baking time = tender cookies). Combine flour and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, work the butter into the flour mixture until all the ingredients hold together, about 5 minutes. (It looks like dry paste when it’s done)

Using hands, roll generous teaspoonfuls of dough into balls. Place about 1 ½ “ apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using tines of a fork, flatten the cookies to ¼” thick by making crisscross pattern on the top.

Bake the cookies until they’re light golden in the center and a bit darker around the edges, about 30 minutes. Cool the cookies on the sheets, then store in an airtight container. Makes about 4 dozen.

Note: if using unsalted butter, add ½ tsp salt to this recipe. Do not use margarine or shortening in place of butter.

MySixWriMo Day 30

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Well, kids. We made it. Woo hoo! Many thanks to all who have shared their stories this month. Now let’s finish this thing with a deafening bang.

To celebrate everything we’ve done this month, let’s take one last look at those prompts we passed by earlier. This is our final chance to collectively Take Two. Let’s make the most of this chance.

And, of course, we can’t forget this fitting prompt from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to write a farewell poem (six). After all, we are saying farewell to another wonderful National Poetry Month. Say farewell to this month; say farewell to a vacation spot; say farewell to a bad relationship; say farewell to work; say farewell to school; say farewell to saying farewell even. Hopefully, I won't be saying farewell to you; please stay in touch and let me know of your successes as we keep poeming (sixing) toward the horizon.

It’s been a terrific month of stories. I can’t wait to see what you post in the comments. You guys rock.

MySixWriMo Day 29

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Hump day. I don’t know about you, but I’m having a hard time getting over the hump today. To make things slide a little easier, I’m going to offer two prompts again today.

Here’s our offering from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to title your poems (sixes) "Never (blank)" with you filling in the blank with a word or phrase. Then, write a poem (six) based off your title, which could be "Never look both ways when crossing the street" or "Never blush in public" or "Never ever" or "Never write a poem (six) with the word never in the title." You get the idea, right?

And here are today’s selections from The Writer’s Book of Matches:

#1: A mail carrier begins to suspect that a customer on his route is engaged in something fishy.

#2: I lie awake at night thinking that marrying her was the wrong choice.

Give it your best shot and create a work of genius. See you in the comments later.

MySixWriMo Day 28

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It’s Tuesday, which means two prompts from Robert Lee Brewer. Because his prompts today are poetry specific, I’ll throw in two to give us some extra choices.

Our duo from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to write a sestina. (Click here to find out the rules for sestinas.) So start figuring out your 6 end words and get writing.

But wait! Today is Tuesday, so you have one other option. You can write a poem about the sestina (your love, hate, frustration with, etc.).

And here’s two gems from The Writer’s Book of Matches (Writer's Digest Books):

#1: You see your brother, a recovering alcoholic, buying beer at a local store.

#2: A man and his wife stop to investigate a disabled vehicle on the side of the road.

Lots to pick from. Am I wrong to expect greatness? See you in the comments later.

MySixWriMo Day 27

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The end is so close, I can taste it. Have you gotten better as the month progressed?

I’m not sure my technique has gotten better—in fact, I’d probably argue that it’s gotten sloppier--but my imagination can flare from spark to inferno in seconds now. And that’s something I’m very happy to take away from this.

Now down to business. Here’s today’s prompt from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to write a poem (six) of longing. You or someone (or something) else should be pining for someone or something. Maybe a cat is longing to get outside the house. Maybe a teenager is longing to get away from his or her small town. And, of course, there's always the longing poem (six) of love.

If longing doesn't appeal to you, here’s today’s prompt from The Writer’s Book of Matches (Writer's Digest Books):

I do not hate you.

This prompt was another originally offered as a line of dialogue, but I want you to use it however you wish.

Good writing so far. I expect more to come. See you in the comments later.

MySixWriMo Day 26

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Can you believe this is our last Sunday of six-or-so’s?

Here’s today’s prompt from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to write a poem (six) involving miscommunication. It can be miscommunication between two people or misinterpretation of some sort. I will leave it up to you guys to deal with it however you want.

And here’s today’s prompt from The Writer’s Book of Matches (Writer's Digest Books):

I pray every day that it will stop, but it keeps getting worse.

This prompt was originally given as a line of dialogue, but I thought it had possibilities beyond that. You use it however you see fit.

Hope to see you all later in the comments.

MySixWriMo Day 25

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We’re in the home stretch! Let's see if we can keep the momentum going.

Here’s today’s prompt from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt I want you to pick an event and make that event the title of your poem.

And here’s today’s goody from The Writer’s Book of Matches:

A ten year old boy suspects his neighbor is wanted by the police.

See you in the comments.

MySixWriMo Day 24

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The end draws near, but there’s unfinished business. Stones unturned, stories unwritten…You know what I’m getting at: Take Two.

To refresh your memories, Take Two lets us go back to those prompts we never got a chance to explore. Or even those ones we could have done better the first time. Think of Take Two as something we don’t get often in life; Take Two is a second chance.

Here’s today’s prompt from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to write a travel-related poem. It can be human travel, the migration of swallows, the trafficking of drugs, etc. Some sort of movement from point A to point B.

See you in the comments.

MySixWriMo Day 23

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After today, just seven more days. That makes me a little sad. Sure, I’m ready to get back into my usual routine, but I’ve had some shining moments this month that are hard to let go. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned this month, it’s how to keep moving, and that means moving on after this month.

Here’s today’s prompt from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to write a poem (six or so) of regret. Get creative with this one, but there should be some form of regret either expressed or hinted at (even if ever so slightly). You do NOT have to use the word "regret" in the poem (six or so), though it's fine if you do.

Interestingly, the prompt I’d selected from The Writer’s Book of Matches is the antithesis of regret. Funny how things work synergistically like that, without any planning or intent. Here’s your second prompt:

I know it’s terrible, but I kind of like hurting people.

That one could leap genres without breaking a sweat. Can’t wait to see what you come up with later in the comments.

MySixWriMo Day 22

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It's straight to work today.

Here’s today’s prompt from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to write a work-related poem. Work doesn't have to be the main feature of the poem, but I want you to "work" it in somehow. And remember: There are different types of work. Of course, there are the activities that gain you fortune and fame (or not), but then, there's also housework, exercise, volunteering, etc. I'm sure you'll "work" it out.

We’re back to Lin’s Garden for one last eavesdropped prompt:

I refuse to let myself get emotional.

Use the prompts however the muse urges. See you in the comments.

MySixWriMo Day 21

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Hard to believe we’re more than two-thirds done. When we started, I never imagined how hard this would be. And I never imagined I’d find so many stories. As of this writing, I have fifteen stories with potential and only five I don’t plan to pursue. Not bad for twenty days’ work. I’d be happy even if the numbers had been reversed.

But there will be time enough to dwell on this on May 1. April is about moving forward.

Today’s prompts (Two for Tuesday) from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides deal specifically with poetic forms. Not necessarily right for writing sixes, but I’ll post them for those who want to challenge themselves:

1. Write a haiku. The haiku is not just a form but a genre of poetry. (Click here to read more about the haiku.) People sometimes go into writing a haiku and end up with a senryu or a faux-ku, but it's all good (and all poetry).

2. Write about the haiku. I know there are some poets (in this very group even) who are anti-form. So, I'm giving them the option to write their anti-haiku manifestos. Of course, if you pay attention to this 2nd prompt, it doesn't need to be anti-haiku; your poem could be questioning or even praising the haiku. Or something.

I offer the following homegrown prompt as an alternative:

Start with a stereotype, then turn it on its ear.

Good luck with day 21. We’re doing great. See you later in the comments.

MySixWriMo Day 20

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I feel like I’m on a roll. Let’s see what today will bring.

Here’s today’s prompt from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to write a poem (six) of rebirth. There are many different types of rebirth available, including the changing of the seasons, the beginning of the day, religious or spiritual rebirth, a reconfirmation of good in people, re-learning how to love, etc.

For our homegrown prompt, I offer another eavesdropped beauty plucked from Lin’s Garden:

And I said to myself, “That is the last time.”

You can use it however you want: dialogue, narration, or otherwise. Use it in the beginning, middle or end. Then post your masterpiece in the comments.

MySixWriMo Day 19

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Hope you’re all having a good, productive weekend and that the words are flowing.

Here’s today’s prompt from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

…today's prompt is to write an angry poem (six). That is, a poem (six) about someone or something that gets angry. Could be a person, animal, or even them there angry clouds.

I’m still in the mood to mix things up, so rather than the usual offering from the Writer’s Book of Matches, I’m providing a prompt based on a snippet of conversation overheard at the Chinese buffet yesterday. Here it is, straight from Lin’s Garden (best Chinese food in southeast Wisconsin, IMO):

“You’re freaking me out.”

I have more gems from Lin’s (along with happy memories of their awesome steamed dumplings). Expect them to pepper the prompts over the next twelve days as we head toward the finish line.

Good luck and see you in the comments

MySixWriMo Day 18

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Take Two was fun. Now it's back to business as usual.

Here’s today’s offering from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to write a poem (six) with an interaction of some sort. The interaction does NOT have to be between people, though it can. For instance, you could write about the interaction between a bee and a flower; or an owl and a field mouse. Or just write about a traffic cop getting into an argument with a speeder. Just as long as there is some sort of interaction going on.

And here’s today’s offering from The Writer’s Book of Matches (Writers’ Digest Books):

“I’d be surprised if their marriage lasts a year.”

The bitchy part of me finds that irresistible :) See you in the comments.

MySixWriMo Day 17

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I’ve decided to make today our first Take Two day.

Take Two lets us go back to those prompts we never got a chance to explore. We’ve been moving along at a fast pace. Now it’s time to go back and take a closer look.

I’ll post today’s Brewer prompt, but no new selection from The Writer’s Book of Matches. Your task is to either select today’s Brewer prompt or pick any prompt from the last 16 days of MySixWriMo and write your six sentence masterpiece.

Here’s today’s offering from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to write a poem (six) with the following title: "All I want is (blank)," where you fill in the blank with a word or phrase of your choosing. Some example titles, then, could be: "All I want is to eat fried chicken"; "All I want is world peace"; "All I want is for everyone to tell me I'm beautiful"; or "All I want is a handful of quarters."

I like the idea of Take Two, so expect it to appear again in a week or so.

Good luck, have fun, and see you in the comments.

MySixWriMo Day 16

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We’re over the hump! Today officially marks the start of the second half of MySixWriMo. How are you doing? Have you found anything fabulous?

Here’s the prompt du jour from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to pick a color, make that the title of your poem (six), and write a poem (six) that is inspired by that color.

And here’s what I hand-selected from The Writer’s Book of Matches (Writer’s Digest Books):

A trash collector uncovers something extraordinary in the back of his truck.

Good luck, everyone! Hope those creative fires are burning. See you in the comments.

MySixWriMo Day 15

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Every day spent writing is a good day, so let’s not tarry.

Here’s today’s prompt from Robert Lee Brewer at Poetic Asides:

For today's prompt, I want you to take the title of a poem (story/six) you especially like (by another poet) and change it. Then, with this new altered title, I want you to write a poem (six). An example would be to take William Carlos Williams' "The Red Wheelbarrow" and change it to "The Red Volkswagon." Or take Frank O'Hara's "Why I Am Not a Painter" and change it to "Why I Am Not a Penguin." You get the idea, right? (Note: Your altered poem (six) does NOT have to follow the same style as the original poet (writer), though you can try if you wish.)

And our prompt from The Writer’s Book of Matches (Writer’s Digest Books):

“Can you recommend a good book?”

Hope to see you in the comments.