A Year Away From Life

"Make sure you have that week off," I remember Casey* telling Melissa. "It's always important to take a week to yourself before switching jobs."I was in the backseat of Casey's car as she gave Melissa that advice.  Melissa had just put in her two weeks notice at the childcare center we all were teachers at.  Like many…

Writer’s Bootcamp, Bonus Day

Sinking Ship: You realize the boat is sinking, but that's not the worst thing that could happen. The worst thing happened last night.We stood there at the bow of the ship, our hands clasped around the railing as the boat careened to the left, the port side slowly sinking under water.  We were surrounded by…

Writer’s Bootcamp, Day Fourteen

Matchup!  Write a story featuring a Ouiji Board, a search engine, and a self-help book.A man came crashing through the lobby area of our office, Ouiji board clutched between his hands."This has to be divine intervention!  This is it!  I know it is it!" he cried out."Can I help you with something?" asked a fellow…

Writer’s Bootcamp, Day Thirteen

Breaking Down: A tire blows out as you're in the car with someone on the verge of his/her own breakdown.  Stuck in a small town, you're about to do something you haven't done in years.We were crossing the Nevada desert when she went into hour three of her rant."And then she had the nerve to…

Writer’s Bootcamp, Day Twelve

My Resignation: After years of unhappiness, you've finally had enough and have decided to quit -- but we're not talking about your job.  Write a letter of resignation to someone other than your employer: your school, your family, your favorite sports team, etc.To Whom It May Concern,After much thought and deliberation, I was decided to…

Writer’s Bootcamp, Day Eleven

The Stranger: You're walking home from work one night and taking shortcuts through a labyrinth of dark city alleyways to meet someone on time.  Suddenly, a stranger parts the shadows in front of you, comes close, and asks you to hold out your palm.  You oblige.There is one main rule anyone who lives in the…

Writer’s Bootcamp, Day Ten

Dollar Message: You're at your favorite department store buying a birthday present for a friend.  As the cashier gives you change, you notice a message with specific instructions scribbled on one of the bills.  What do the instructions say?  Do you carry them out and, if so, how?I didn't get it at first.The cashier deliberately…

We Now Return You to Your Regularly Scheduled Adulting

So this writer's bootcamp is turning more into a writer's reserves -- y'know, one weekend a month, called up when needed.  I can't help but take in the prompts with a bit of a silly attitude; I mean, really?  You want me to write an obituary for a character?  Or talk about a house's past?…

Writer’s Bootcamp, Day Nine

 Obit for Your Favorite Character: Write an obituary for your favorite fictional character (literary, television, etc) including how the death occurred.Lara Croft met her untimely end yesterday afternoon.  Croft was known for her worldwide adventures, her mastery in hand-to-hand combat, and her witty one-liners.Croft died due to complications from a poisonous spear, a rampaging T-Rex,…

Writer’s Bootcamp, Day Eight

 Full Disclosure: They toured the house with the real estate agent."We love it," he said. "Is there anything we should know about the house's past?"The agent looked down."Well, I didn't want to bring it up, but the house was built over an old Indian burial ground," the agent said solemnly."And how did you find this…