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During the summer, Yellow Pencils is keeping things simple.
Each week, I'll post a Summer Writing Prompt. Take your notebook and pencil to a comfy spot, and have fun writing!
Use the prompt below to write a story or poem, however you feel inspired.
Summer Writing Prompt #1
The magical sand pail
This Saturday is the official start of summer!
Maybe you're out of school already. Maybe today is your last day. Congratulations!
Many of us like to keep writing during the summer. How do we do that? Let me count the ways….at least up to 5.
1. Carry a notebook and a pencil with you everywhere. A small notebook that fits into your pocket is perfect. Write down your thoughts, funny lines you overhear, and anything else that strikes you as odd or interesting. Yes, this counts as "real" writing.
2. Summer spelled backwards is Remmus. Write a story with a character with this name. Tie in the name with summer.
3. Have you played the cloud game? What shapes and characters can you see in the clouds? Don't just let them drift by…create a story for them.
4. Most dogs and cats love summer. Write a story from their point of view. Maybe your dog or cat wins a vacation to the Doggie or Kitty Spa across town. What happens? (Can you say disaster?)
5. Finally, write about your favorite summer foods. There are so many! Popsicles, ice cream, corn on the cob…you make your list. Then turn your list into a yummy, delicious poem.
Have fun. Enjoy the sun. And keep your pocket notebook handy.
Next Sunday is Father's Day.
It's a time to celebrate our dads, stepdads, grandpas, or other guys in our lives who are like a dad to us.
How would you describe your dad? What does he look like? Is he bald, or does he wear his long hair in a ponytail?
How does he like to dress? Does he wear his comfy old T-shirt? Does he have a favorite pair of beat-up sneakers?
What makes your dad unique? How does he laugh? Have you ever seen him cry? Does he like to cook? Ride a bike? Watch vampire movies? What does he hate to do?
Do you have a special memory of your dad? Something you did together, or something he told you that you'll never forget?
How are you like your dad? How are you different?
Write down in words a "portrait" of your dad, or someone special who's like a dad to you. Remember to include details that make this person like no other.
And don't forget to tell him, "Happy Father's Day!"
There's a new Little Free Library in my neighborhood!
These libraries let you take a book and leave a book. They're a great way to find new books to read, and to share books you want others to know about.
What if you could leave a book YOU have written in a Little Free Library?
Even though Little Free Libraries are little, let's think big!
Think of a title for your book. Write it down.
Now write a blurb. A blurb is the paragraph on the back of the book that acts like a "teaser," making people want to read it. It's like a movie trailer.
Here's the blurb for Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine.
At her birth, Ella of Frell was the unfortunate recipient of a foolish fairy's gift--the "gift" of obedience. Ella must obey any order given to her, whether it's hopping on one foot for a day and a half, or chopping off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not tamely accept her fate. Against a bold backdrop of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella goes on a quest to break the curse--once and for all.
Now it's your turn. What will the blurb for your book say?
After you've written down the title and blurb for your book, imagine walking to the Free Little Library and placing your book inside it.
Keep imagining, keep writing, and one day it will happen. Best of all, someone will choose YOUR book, and read YOUR words!
