At a recent checkup, my doctor asked whether I spend much time in the sun.  I laughed, flashed a blindingly-pale arm, and said “I’m really more of an ‘indoors with a book’ type.”  However, during this time of year, with its sunny skies and extended hours of daylight, even I venture outside from time to time.

We’ve been having a bit of a heat-wave the last week or so – not like Arizona melt-the-pavement hot, but hot nonetheless – so my outside time is currently limited to dinner on the back deck once the cooling breezes have kicked in but before the bugs and wildlife have started roaming around.  In the lake that I can see outside my office window at work, there have been little groups of boaters (kayakers, maybe?) all week, as well as a gondolier who appears in late afternoon.  They’re too far away for me to tell for sure, but I’m betting they’re all having a good time.

Regardless of whether you prefer to spend your summer days inside or out, taking a few minutes for a little Random Word Improv is a great way to have a little fun and get some words on the page.  So, whether you’re relaxing with a frosty beverage, slaving away in a temperature-controlled office, dreaming of a tropical getaway, or just looking for a little distraction, find a comfortable spot, kick off your shoes, and let’s get ready to write.

Are you with me?

Today’s random words are summer themed, but don’t let that constrain you.  Bonus points if you manage to include the Loch Ness monster in your sprint (I’ve been in a Scotland frame of mind recently):

             sun                    sand                      cabin                     canoe

             heat                   melt                      ice cream            floaties

             bikini                raft                        breeze                  freckled

             hat                     campfire              lake                       towel

For any of you new to Random Word Improv, here’s how we play:

1. Pick as many words from the list as you want
2. Write the first line(s) of a story incorporating your words
3. Post your results in the comments section.

Okay.  Are you ready?  Let’s sprint!

*whistling aimlessly while you are off being creative*

We are definitely in strange times these days.  Point in case – when I arrived at work today, I told my boss “sorry I’m a little late, I was watching television” and my comment was not met with a frown.  Instead she said, “me too,” and we launched into a spirited discussion.  If you’d have told me a year ago that I would spend the morning watching congressional hearings on CNN, I’d have said you were crazy.  Obviously, the times have changed.

As I writer, I can’t help but think current events have far surpassed the limits of my own imagination.  I’ve also been interested by how often I’ve heard comments like “framing the narrative” and “piecing together the story” in political coverage.  I guess storytelling really is everywhere.

Since I’ve had enough politics for the day, it’s time to focus on something else.  Fortunately, my news feed tells me that it’s “Best Friends Day.”  That sounds like something good to celebrate, since where would be without best friends.  It also sounds like the perfect topic for a little Random Word Improv, since almost everyone is likely to have a best friend story or two in their history.

Care to join me? Continue reading →

Earth Day might have been celebrated back in April, but it feels like we should probably do a refresh on that after all of today’s climate policy news.  Fortunately, I’ve been able to find at least a little good to go with the bad.

At the day job, I spent part of today in a brainstorming session looking at ways to reduce our environmental footprint; when I got home our governor was on the news reiterating our state’s commitment to working to combat climate change (as were many other leaders and corporations); and on Facebook, one of our own Eight Ladies posted a photo of her carbon-footprint-reducing efforts – a new solar panel installation.   On a smaller scale, I’m off work on Friday, so I’ll be sparing the local air my usual 2 hours of auto emissions.  Baby steps.

With the backyard growing season well underway (especially for weeds), I looks like my day off is going to include a fair amount of yard work.  If all goes well, it will also include a fair amount of writing, and what better way to get at least some of those words on the page than with a little Random Word Improv?

Who’s with me? Continue reading →

Here in the states, we’re getting ready to celebrate Memorial Day, a day established to remember people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces (and often just deceased loved ones in general).

For some, this weekend is the unofficial start of the summer season.  Sure, summer isn’t for a few weeks yet and the current weather is foggy and brisk, but this three-day weekend is bound to have its share of picnics, shorts, water sports, and the occasional adult beverage.

I’m looking forward to the time off work, though it does mean that next week will be packed extra-full of things to do.  Ah well, for now, this three-day weekend means a few extra hours of napping, reading, and writing time.  What better way to kick all that off than with a little Random Word Improv?

Who’s with me? Continue reading →

I never know what is going to spark and idea for Friday Writing Sprints.  Today, it was an advert for a Solar Orbit Necklace from thinkgeek.com.  Not only is it pretty and sparkly, but it, “includes the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter”

Who could pass that up?  My favorite line from the description is:

“For those who are about to complain that the beads are not to scale, here’s the deal: we wanted you to be able to lift your head despite the asteroids in the belt being visible. We think that’s a fair trade-off.”

That seems fair.  You’ve got to love a copy writer with a sense of humor.  I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of the beads being sized to scale. Then my mind started to wander off to Science Fiction and Fantasy stories, then off to space travel, and then in a multitude of random directions.

With all that thinking going on, seems like the time is ripe for a little Random Word Improv.

Care to join me? Continue reading →

It’s late and I’ve been judging writing contest entries all evening.  At this point, I’m not sure if I’m in the Scottish highlands, a hackney workhouse, or adrift at sea in a pirate ship.  Judging from the blustery wind outside my window, I better bundle up, wherever I am.  Fortunately, I have a quilt, a cat, and a pot of tea to keep me warm while I work.

I’m hoping the weather takes a turn for the warmer tomorrow, since I have a fancy-dress work event to attend in the evening.  Navigating in high heels and a strapless gown is enough of a challenge without adding windy, wet weather to the mix.    Just once I wish the theme of the yearly event would be slippers and jammies rather than black tie.  I bet we’d all be more comfortable.

Since I’ll be wearing high-heeled sandals tomorrow, a pedicure is definitely in order; and what better way to fill the time while I’m waiting for my glittery polish to dry than with a little Random Word Improv?

Care to join me? Continue reading →