Writing Prompt: Superhero - UPDATED

Photo by Toby Hamsher, 2012

Here's a fun writing prompt inspired by my daughter's homemade costume for Halloween...

 If you could be a new superhero, who would you be? Give the character a name, powers, and goal in life.

My response:

When my daughter was eight, she created her own superhero named Goo Girl. She made a blue costume with mask and cape. She even wore it out in public. Her power was slinging goo at the enemies. Goo Girl still likes costumes and super heroes (as you can see). 

I've been thinking for days on this writing prompt. What superhero would I create? To me, the best heroes are in real life, everyday people who do little things that help others. So, here is my superhero:

Spirit Girl  - She is sensitive. Her unique intuition can spot people in distress with just one glance even if they show no outward signs. She is fearless. She has no problem approaching the person in need and engaging them in conversation. She is resourceful. Whatever the person needs, Spirit Girl can supply the need or get the person the appropriate help for her power is from the Holy Spirit.

What I Learned from Word Problems

Source: cae2k.com

As I read Moody Writing's post Words: The More the Muddier, I thought of my school days doing math word problems. (Ugh! How I hated them.)

Word problems do teach you a lot. You must read the problem carefully to determine the pertinent information needed to solve the problem. 

Hey, I can relate this to writing! Let's see...


What I Learned from Word Problems:

1. Only include important information. Unlike word problems that might add extra tidbits to confuse the reader, writers should forgo the filler!

2. Drop nuggets of information throughout your writing. Word problems don't just give you the answer, they make you figure it out. Readers like to "discover" things as they go.

3. At the end, the writing should add up. There should be no loose ends.

4. Problems are good. Every piece of writing needs some sort of conflict and resolution.

Contemplating A to Z Challenge April 2013

My writing buddy, Pam asked me last night, “So are you doing the A to Z Challenge next year?”

What! We’re supposed to think about that now? We have 5 more months!

In truth, I have been thinking about it, wondering what I am going to write about. I’m not stressing about it, but I’d love to find the perfect topic or theme. I’d like something original that no one else has done before, like Brianna’s Bible Bloggers series, but I’d like to stay within the boundaries of what my blog is already about (mostly writing stuff). For the past two years, I’ve done A to Z on writing tips (2012 was Writing Tips & Sticks Series).

So, here are my 2013 ideas so far:

   1. General Writing Tips

   2. Character Development Tips

   3. Attributes of a Writer (a funny look at our writing self)

Which appeals to you the most? Vote for which one you'd like me to do! (Leave in Comments Section) 

So, how about you? Are you doing A to Z in 2013? 

Writing Group Joy

source: catholicmom.com

I just have to give some shout outs to God!

Our writing group, 1st Writes, is just bursting with the holy spirit! Pam started the group three years ago and while its always been inspiring, this year is just amazing. The seats are full, the discussion is lively, and the writing is plentiful.  It is a joy to watch God move in our group.  I am so thankful to be a part of it!


In addition to our normal meetings, our group decided it will publish an Advent Devotion Booklet for our congregation. It will have 24 devotions focused on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. 

We were a little nervous at first, wondering if some of us would have to write multiple devotions just to get enough. We worried for nothing. When word got out, writers from all over the church signed up, filling every slot! 


I can't wait to see how God will work during Advent as the whole church reads the daily devotions. Our church has never done anything like this, so it is very exciting. 

Prayer: God, thank you for being a part of our writing group and a part of the Advent Devotions. Please fill us with the holy spirit and help us write the words you want. Use this booklet for your glory and purpose. Amen. 

Mental Floss

I am not usually a magazine reader. I prefer books. I like a deeper commitment to my reading material. Now, my husband, on the other hand, loves magazines. He has a five minute attention span, so articles are perfect for him (I'm not slamming him, I'm just stating a fact).

But, I have a confession. I think I am hooked on one of his magazines. It’s called Mental Floss.

The first time he brought the magazine home, I thought, “A magazine of random, useless information. Yep, right up his alley!” Well, it is random and useless, but it is also interesting. For example, there was a riveting article on the making of Jaws, the movie, that I couldn't put down.

The articles are well-written and fun!

If you need to floss your brain, check this magazine out! You can also find interesting facts on their website, as well get a free trial issue.  

Mental Floss Website

Little Known Punctuation Marks

Check out the article 13 Little-Known Punctuation Marks We Should be Using over at MentalFloss.com.

So, what do you think? Would you use any of these?

Few of My Favorite Things

One of my new blog buddies, Melissa over at "On Bruised Knees", shared some of the things she loves. I thought I'd do the same. What a great way to start out the day.

Here are a few of my favorite things...

Photo by Toby Hamsher, 2011

Sunday afternoon naps in the back yard, Maximillion sunflowers, watching bees and butterflies, freshly tilled garden soil, visiting a friend, petting a bunny, hugging my daughter, praising my God, Pumpkin apple muffins, new haircut, dreaming of the day my book is published, my writing group (1^st Writes), my awesome hubby who is the love of my life, sitting by the campfire, sleeping in the pop-up, hearing barred owls say, “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all”, waterfalls, hiking, bike rides with friends, hot tea and coffee, a good paying job, blessings.

What are a few of your favorite things?