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Thursday, January 9, 2020

Words For Wednesday -- on a Thursday (It's me, people...)

Hola,

Seriously... What's in a word?

An old question to be sure and the answer, I think, depends on the reader and how they're feeling at any given time.

I mean, one woman's Zinfandel can be another man's Chardonnay; and are either of them wrong?(Especially when both are quaffable on a lazy summer afternoon...)

Many moons ago, I fell in literary lust with a blogger friend called Elephant's Child who continues to be a stalwart supporter of an idea floating around that then thereabouts blogosphere.

Quoting from EC's page, she says this ongoing (and brilliant) meme was, "Started by Delores a long time ago. Words for Wednesday is now provided by a number of people and has become a movable feast.

"Essentially, the aim is to encourage us [writers] to write. Each week, we are given a choice of prompts, which can be words, phrases, music or an image. What we do with those prompts is us to us. A short story; prose; a song; a poem or treating them with disdain. We can use some or all of the prompts.

"Some of us put our creation in comments on the [originating] post, and others post on their own blog. I would really like it if as many people as possible joined this fun meme, which includes cheering on the other participants.

"If you're posting on your own blog - let me know so that I, and other participants, can come along and applaud."

A few months ago, EC asked for volunteers to come up with the prompts for this upcoming year, and having enjoyed and looked forward to participating on so many occasions, it was my turn to step up and offer the words for the five weeks in January.

I was going to post this post last week, but I'm tres glad I waited for the second Wednesday, as it's so much fun reading so many people go so many (even dark!!) ways -- with the same damn words :)

When people go down the words path, the principle of the meme is simplicity itself: Take the offered 6 words (or if you're a glutton for punishment) 12 words and just run with some or all of them.

Like many writers, I struggle with those stupid, frustrating major doubts (can I, or can't I? And if I can, why don't I? -- and why don't I have the balls to find out?) Therefore, I personally adore that some of my best on-the-fly writing in the last two years was born from the often weird and wonderful prompts on Words for Wednesday.

I'm now a season-ticket-holder-for-life-fan, so when EC asked for volunteers to supply new prompts for the new year. I saw 2020 and offered to help come up with the words.

However, as I'm slightly evil, I also wanted to push the boat out a bit further and had a ton of fun coming up with my 5 sets of 2 x 6 words. And, what an absolute blast it's been so far.

(Here's what you've been missing so far. Got some prose in you this week? I dare you. Leave it below in the comments and make sure to share it with EC, but knowing her, she'll read it first anyway!! :)



PS. What's in a word? Seriously.

Whatever you want it to be, and I for one am relearning a passion for prose again, especially as I read how one person's soft Koozie (to keep their beverage cool) is another's birth name... and how annihilating a Zinfandel can be so much fun.





10 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you Mark.
Your prompts are challenging, frustrating and a HEAP of fun. I am fascinated at the different paths they take people down. And frequently (ok always) awed by the talent on display.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

And of course there is a wine word in the mix...
Missed you for the IWSG post yesterday.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mark - been and done the words ... I always enjoy them ... but need to concentrate a little more next week ...

All the best for the coming year - cheers Hilary

Mark Koopmans said...

@EC: You're more than welcome. Thanks again for keeping this wonderful tradition growing strong.

@Alex: Yikes!! I've got 11 Drafts set up for the rest of the year so I don't slack off again!

@Hilary: Likewise on both fronts!!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Love the word salad. I'm tempted, but oh so short on time anymore. I need to learn to function on 4 hours of sleep.

CWMartin said...

This could be interesting... time wise though, I'm a bit constrained by "getting to know" my new baby.

Jo said...

I already did your words for this week. As it happens, Zinfandel is one of my favourite wines. Can't read your list of words here. Just as well I can on EC's blog.

Andrew R. Scott said...

"Like many people, my demons take me off course and push to do just about anything but the one thing that I love to do, which is find the zone and sit there typing until my arse goes numb."

I have the same demons! (But I type with my fingers, so that does not tend to make my arse go numb... or perhaps I have misunderstood your technique? :) )

Michael Di Gesu said...

I can so relate... I have a hard time getting into writing mode, too. But I need to finish my WIP and it MUST BE DONE,,,, LOL

Take care, Mark and we hope to see you soon!

Lee said...

G'Day, Mark...I thought it time I paid you a visit...introduced myself in a proper, good-mannerly way!

Time has marched on, and it is now already March. I do hope I...and the rest of your readers...are graced once again with your presence and your words. :)

Demons...yes...I, too, have more than my share!

Thanks for your Words for Wednesday. :)

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