Thursday, May 26, 2011

Safety Harbor Library Story Circle

Our May Story Circle (3rd wed. 6 to 7:45 pm) was invigorating as usual. I was touched, tickled, and laughed at some of the stories. We usually have an assignment from the previous month, 300 to 500 words so that everyone can bring something to read. We talk about ways to improve our writing and then write for 12 minutes from a prompt (an idea of something to write about.)

Some find it intimidating to write from a prompt but join in and find the words begin to flow.

The Story Circle is open to the public. We are never sure how many will attend. No writing experience necessary, just the desire to recall, record, re-live. If you can't come, write for yourself at home. This was our prompt: What was your reaction/feeling when someone, after hearing you say something really important to you, said,"Oh, I know exactly how you feel?"

Write quickly, don't edit, don't worry about grammar or punctuation. This is your rough draft.

Here's is mine:
I had just lost my son. I knew he'd lost a son this past year, too. He was expressing sympathy in the only way he knew, I guessed. But he left me doubly devastated.
"What did he die of?" He asked.
Is this really a necessary question? I wonder.
"Cirrhosis of the liver."I told him.
"Oh, then it was self-inflicted. My son died of cancer," he stated, like it gave him a right to be sadder.
Did he know how I felt? Did I know how her felt? It sounded to me like he was making this a game of one-up-manship.
"I'm sorry." He said.
"Oh thank you I answered hoping my voice wasn't dripping with sarcasm."

We end our rough draft with: Good job, Jan.

Try it.

5 comments:

Amanda said...

This is a very moving story . . .

Amanda said...

Jan, I think I have this blog stuff figured out now.

travel tales said...

Most people don't know how to express sympathy. Your loss was horrible in that you lost a son in bits over time, helpless to stop the wreckage. Thanks for sharing.

Virginia said...

Jan, You are amazing to have said soooo much in so little words. thank you.

Bria Burton said...

I think writing from prompts is a great way to get writing. Thanks for sharing yours!