Hope today’s post finds you happy and well.
I’m currently watching the news and listening to the plans for the gradual re-opening of my local area. Though I’m not particularly eager to be in close contact with other individuals, I do have a longing to aimlessly brows the aisles of the local bookstore or the fabric store. For now, the online library app will have to do.
Regardless of what happens next week, I’ll be doing Ye Olde Day Jobbe from my house for months to come (since office buildings are some of the last places to re-open) and dutifully wearing my mask whenever I leave the house. I’m surprised how quickly it has become second nature to slip on a mask as I pick up my keys and purse.
Since heading out to paint the town is not on the agenda any time soon, I think I’ll pour myself and refreshing adult beverage and give today’s writing prompt and random words a try after work today.
Care to join me?
For those of you working away on a story (whether a first draft or a polished version on its way to publication), if you’re not feeling random, we’d love to hear a bit – whether it’s a scene, a paragraph, or even a phrase that you are especially pleased with and would like to share.
If you don’t have a story in progress, or just want to work on something new, I hope either today’s random words or writing prompt will catch your creative fancy.
Ready?
What if: “Your character ruled the world for a day?
Feel free to interpret the “What” any way you choose (or ignore it completely) and include any (or all) of the following random words:
feelings parade blossom clock
parcel wonder crown canvas
fashionable ocean arrows hinge
country beginning disputed bonus
I look forward to seeing your stories in the comments. If you’re not feeling in the writing mood today, or don’t have time, feel free to post suggestions you might have for future “what-if” prompts. Ideas are always welcome.
Happy writing to all!
Eight Ladies Writing 
I hear you about going out, Elizabeth. I went to the deli just to get lunch yesterday, and I felt like I was taking an unnecessary risk, even though I social distanced and wore a mask. I guess we just have to hope that if we take precautions, we’ll get past the worst as quickly as possible.
And now for the sprints—yikes, I’m out of practice, and I didn’t get “bonus” worked in. But here we go.
The Parade
Maelys Jennings perched on the Main St. curb and watched as the parade began.
“I’m wondering,” she told her best friend, Keiko. “I have questions.”
“Such as?”
Maelys pointed to the fashionable vehicle that was currently tooling down the street at a velocity that would make a turtle look like a maniacal speedster.
“In what universe does Blossom McKenzie get to be the Clock Queen this year?” The parade, part of the celebration of a national holiday, was sponsored by the local manufacturing concern.
“The timing was poor, I grant you,” Keido said.
“Har,” Maelys said.
“I’m sympathetic to your feelings, but the voting was undisputed.” Keiko squinted into the sun.
“The voting was done by a parcel of unhinged lunatics. This would never happen in a free country.”
“The voting was done by a group of local businessmen who wanted to be invited to the annual bash put on by Clock King’s CEO, James McKenzie, so they elected his daughter queen. Business as usual. This always happens in a free country.”
“I’m just saying,” Maelys said with a sniff. “The crown’s a bit tarnished this year.”
“No argument here.”
The fashionable vehicle had reached them now and idled directly in front of them, for all the world looking like Blossom wanted to listen to their conversation.
“Hi, Blossom,” Maelys said.
“Hi, um,” Blossom said.
“Blank canvas,” Maelys murmured, who’d never had much enthusiasm for Blossom’s intelligence.
“Slings and arrows,” Blossom snarled, showing teeth in a way that did credit to her childhood orthodontist. “The two of you.”
“Unsuspected depths,” Maelys said, surprised.
“Like the ocean,” Keiko said. “And equally as wet.”
“Get stuffed,” Blossom said.
“Thinks she’s important,” Keiko sniffed as the fashionable vehicle moved on and the fire station’s ladder truck inched into view.
“If I were running the country,” Maelys said, jumping up to grab some candy that the volunteer firemen tossed to the crowd, “things would be different around here.”
Nice job, Kay. The missed word was not a loss. If nothing else, if Maelys ran the country, I’m sure that crown would not be tarnished.
Ha! Thanks, Kay! Love Maelys. Can’t help wishing someone would find her a role worthy of her talents.
I’d say the story itself is a bonus, so you got them all 🙂