Win a copy of Sky Jumpers!

Write on this prompt for a chance to win a free copy of Sky Jumpers!

Prompt: "Bombs Breath"

On September 22, I'll be posting a review of Sky Jumpers on my blog. For a chance to win the book, in the Comments section of that post, write using the writing prompt: "Bombs Breath" (a paragraph or two is fine)

My favorite entry will win a copy of the book 

(to be mailed by the publicist). 

The winner will be announced on 9-28-13.

Tip: the most unique and creative entry will be the one to catch my eye!

Why am I telling you now? To give you a head start. Write it now and paste it on Sep 22nd!  Good luck winning this great book!

The Christmas Box

I don't usually have time to read at Christmas (or do much of anything else) because I am so busy, but this year, I didn't direct our church's Christmas play, so I've had some time to focus on Christmas. I've gone to see some Christmas plays and I've been reading Christmas books.

One of them is "The Christmas Box" by Richard Paul Evans.What a sweet little book! I was immediately intrigued when the character found a wooden box that had a Nativity carved on the lid.

I recommend this book. It is a nice short read with a beautiful lesson.

The book also has inspired me to do a writing prompt.

Writing Prompt:
You find a beautiful wooden box in a dusty old attic. The lid has a Nativity carved in it. What's in it? who did it belong to? Write for 15 minutes.

Here is my response:

It was Christmas break and I visited Nan like I always did when I came home from college. As boredom overtook me, Nan suggested I go into the attic to see I could find something that I might like to have. It would be her Christmas gift to me. 

As I rummaged through the contents of my grandmother’s attic, I opened a hope chest and there underneath two handmade quilts was a wooden box. My hands felt a carving on top even before I saw it. When I pulled it into the light I saw an ornately carved Nativity scene on the top. The rich colored wood swirled into figures of Mary holding baby Jesus, Joseph watching her, two shepherds, animals, and an angel hovering above the stable. 

I sat for a long time in the quiet of the attic, touching each figure. The smooth wood was cool under my fingers. Finally, I opened the box. The lid pulled upwards easily, but I was disappointed to find that the box was empty. 

I sighed. It would have been cool to find something of value in there. As I sat holding the box, though, my thoughts turned deeper. It wasn’t yet Christmas and the emptiness of the box reminded me of the empty manger and how I should be anticipating Jesus’ birth. I smiled at that, but then a new thought hit me. The empty box seemed to represent the empty tomb. Suddenly everything from church and Sunday School made sense. The gravity of my faith hit me.

When the tears finally stopped, I wiped off them off with my sleeve, and hugged the box tight to my chest. I had found my Christmas gift.

Writing Prompt: Cup of Cocoa

How about a writing prompt? 

What can you write in five minutes?

cup of cocoa

Ready, set, go!

Photo by Toby Hamsher, 2012

Here's mine:

 

a cup of cocoa 

warms the body

a cold winter's day

doesn't seem so bleak

breathe in the steam

taste the chocolate

wipe the topping

off of your nose

and smile 

And yes, that's me in our local Christmas parade. Our church float's theme was 

"Cocoa warms your body, but Jesus came to warm your heart!"

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.

Writing Prompt - Water Dripped

I posted a writing prompt over at 1st Writes:

The water dripped...

Here is my response. Writing for only 5 minutes and 100 words. Let's see what we get!

The water dripped harshly in the filthy sink. Tink, tink, tink. The sound was driving me crazy. It was the only sound I could hear. I was laying awake in this hell hole of an apartment. I lay with the lights on, but even that didn't keep the cockroaches away. I couldn't believe I was living like this. Too proud to go groveling back to my parents. I had my wallet stolen earlier in the night. I lay on the filthy mattress and sobbed. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a rat scurry into the kitchen. I jumped up on the table. That was it! I had to get out of here, but I had no where to go. It was 3 am in the slums. No, I would have to wait till morning. I pressed my back against the paneling and waited and watched. Tink, tink, tink. I prayed I would make it.

Your turn! If you write on this, linky on 1st Writes!

Liar

This was inspired by Writercise's 100 Word Liar Exercise.

Writing Exercise: Write a short story with/about the word "liar". My response is below (approx. 200 words)


I don't have a title for this. Can you suggest one?
by Dawn M. Hamsher


Who told him?

"Brady Coons is a big fat liar!" I screamed across the lunch room. The stoplight on the wall was a yellow from the loud lunchroom noise, but with my announcemnt, the room fell silent and the light turned green.

With all eyes on me, I stalked over to Brady.

"Take it back!" I shouted.

"No way!"

"You will take it back or else."

The lunch lady, Mrs. Grubmacher was starting to make her way over. I'd have to do this quick.

"Or else what?"

I did the only thing I could think of that would really irk him. I kissed him full on the lips. He sputtered and began a sort of flailing dance to try to get the cootie girl germs off him. His friends had backed up. None of them wanted to be near him and risk Cooties.

Then to seal the deal forever I repeated the dreaded words, "Circle Circle Knife Knife, Now you got them all your life."

"No!"

***
I sat waiting outside Principal Jergin's office and smiled on the inside. How much trouble could I really be in? I didn't hit him after all. I just kissed him. And it was worth it. Now, no one would ever think that I "liked" Brady. My secret was safe; It was a brilliant plan.

"M" is for Monster

A to Z Blogging Challenge: "M" is for Monster

Writing Exercise: Write on the prompt “Monster” for 15 minutes. 

My response is below.

Monster Protection
By Dawn M. Hamsher

There’s a monster in my room,
But he won’t be my doom.

I imagine him 6’ 9”
With quite a dark hairy spine.
And evil eyes with green glow.
A flicking tail that hangs low.

Huge nostrils blow foul steam. 
Breathe like hot onioned sardines.
He hunkers and creeps in the dark.
He waits for my sleep to embark
On his quest to devour my soul.
 
But I have a plan to unroll.

I’ve hidden it under my cover.
Waiting for him to discover.
It’s something that’s sure to appease
 
A plate of bologna and cheese.

"C" is for Creative Writing

A to Z Blogging Challenge - "C" is for Creative Writing

I love creative writing, but I have to keep at it or I'll get dull. Here's what I do to get the creative juices going.

1. Write things I don’t normally write. I use writing prompts to stretch my mind.
2. Have a notebook and pencil handy wherever I go (car, bedside, work). I never know when I'll get inspired.
3. Write to get it down. I worry about grammar, punctuation and re-writing later

How do you get "creative"? Share in Comments Section.

Writing Exercise: Click on my Writing Prompts Page and pick one topic to write about for 15 minutes. 

I chose the writing prompt "mosquito" (and did a little research). My response is below.

Mama Mosquito
By Dawn M. Hamsher


Hummmmmm...my wings beat a tune as I drowsily drift over a backyard fence at dusk. I look around and am happy to see that this yard has everything I need for my task; flowers, a human, and water.

I start my evening with a drink of flower nectar for energy. Ahhh, the sugar revives my tired wings.

Next, I head over to get nourishment for the eggs inside of me. The human lying in the hammock is more than perfect! He is blond and sweaty -- those two things are very attractive to me. I can smell him from across the yard. 

Now, the trick will be to land on him and gently take the blood without him noticing. I have to be very careful for my life is at stake.

I land on his leg and inject my saliva and retrieve the blood. He never felt a thing. 

I'm feeling pretty heavy now. I better get to the water soon. 

The rain barrel's lid does not fit tightly, so I easily fly into the darkness. The water is about half-full and will be perfect for my babies. I hover lower to the still water and lay my eggs. Hundreds of my future children lay in a mass on the water. 

My task is done. I've lived a long 4 weeks and I'm tired. Soon my offspring will carry on without me. I imagine them emerging from the water and flying away. Ahhh, the joys of motherhood.

Satisfy

Writing Prompt: What does the word "satisfy" mean to you? Write about it today. My response is below.

Today, the Lord pointed out the word "satisfy" to me in two different scriptures. Coincidence? I don't think so.  So, what is God trying to tell me?

I need to be satisfied in life?
I need to be satisfied in the Lord?
I need to seek Him more?
I need to satisfy the needs of my family?
Yes, to all those things.

OK, how do I do all that? 

1. I need to make time for scripture reading and praying daily.
(I haven't been doing that lately.)

2. I need to back off on blogging some.
(I've been getting ready for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, which is good, but I've spent every waking moment doing it, which is not good.)

3. I need to spend more quality time with my family.
(They are bowling right now and I didn't go...sigh.)

OK, I know what my priorities are. I just need to implement!
(Lord, give me the strength to do what I need to do. Help me to feel satisfied in You and to be there more for my family. Amen.)

Whew, I needed that. Thanks for reading my therapy post :0).  Getting off the blog for the rest of the day.

Lucky Leprechaun Lotto

Writing Prompt: Let's pretend that today is your lucky day! You just won a million dollars from Lucky Leprechaun Lotto! Write about what you would do with the money.

Due to my practical nature, I'd spend the money paying off debt, saving for old age, and giving to church. Since this would be boring, I've decided to write fiction instead. My response is below.

Lucky Leprechaun Lotto

By Dawn M. Hamsher

[Low Country News at 5]
Bill: And now we go live to Goose Creek, South Carolina, where Dalia has a “From Rags to Riches” good news story.   Dalia…

Reporter: Thank you, Bill. Welcome to Low Country News at 5. It’s March 17, 2011 and I’m Dalia Charlton. Boy, do we have a story for you on this fine St. Patty’s Day! I’m here with a very lucky man. This is Zeek "Bubba" Johnson of Goose Creek, South Carolina, who won the Lucky Leprechaun Lotto today, raking in a whopping one million dollars!

Bubba: Hi Mom!

Shanna: (butting in) Hi Keisha, Hi Ashley, Hi Holly Beth. I’m on TV, girls!

Reporter: (taking over) Mr. Johnson bought the winning ticket at the Quickie Stop on Redbank Road on March 2.

Bubba: (leaning in to the microphone) Mr. Johnson’s ma daddy. You can call me Bubba.

Reporter: (getting flustered) OK.  Mr…I mean Bubba. Bubba says he just felt lucky that day. He went into the Quickie Mart to get chewing tobacco and saw the lucky green lotto tickets for sale. He bought $10 worth. He recounts how he almost lost the winning ticket driving to the lake with the windows open.

Bubba: Yep, I was drivin’ my ‘81 Ford F-150 Pickup; I had the radio on real loud to the country station and the truck was kickin’ up dust. I had my lotto tickets stuck in the visor when I hit a pot-hole and the tickets went flying.

Reporter: You stated that you slammed on the breaks and then had to search the truck inside and out for all the tickets? (Bubba nodded) But one was never recovered?

Bubba: Yeah that right. Sure glad that one wasn't the winner! 

Reporter: Bubba, the Low Country wants to know what you plan to do with the money?

Bubba: I'm gonna buy me a mess o' Coonhounds. Then I'm a gonna buy a new Hemi and get me new aluminum hunting dog crates for the truck bed.  I seen ‘em on the internet. And, I’m gonna buy my mama a brand new trailer, one of those new double-wides. And I’m thinkin’ about getting’ 2 new shotguns.

Shanna: My turn!

Reporter: And this is Bubba’s girlfriend, Shanna Tate who is beside herself with happiness.

Shanna: Yep, I was there in the trailer when they called off the numbers.  I started screaming and jumpin’ up and down.  Then I had to call all my friends, like Suzette and Renee...

Reporter: (interrupting) Did you want to comment on what you’d like to purchase with the money?

Shanna: Oh yeah! Bubba is gonna buy me a real gen-u-ine diamond ring!  He also told me buy something nice for myself, so I'm gonna get one of those there tiaras at Claire's and wear it to make all my friend's jealous. Then, Bubba is gonna take me to a nice restaurant, like Bessinger's BBQ!

Reporter: Well, we’re out of time. This has been live, on location in Goose Creek. I’m sure this fortune won't be wasted on Bubba and his kin. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Back to you, Bill.
 

Spring is Coming

Writing Exercise: Observe the changes in nature (Spring) and write about it. My response is below.

Spring is Coming
By Dawn M. Hamsher

The lake is slowly melting, it’s not yet spring. A gentle rain falls softly on us. It’s warm for early March and we walk the dogs on the gravel path around the lake, smelling earth and wet leaves. The dogs run ahead, through pines and naked hardwoods, sniffing. 

 

I look out on the lake. The center looks like white frosted glass, where the ice has not yet melted.  Further in, the ice is marred by pock-marks and at shoreline, it has completely turned to liquid.  Small streams of water flow at the edge of the whole lake, warmed by the earth. 

My feet squish on wet gravel and mud. I see two ducks, one male, one female at the water’s side. I breathe deeply. I feel at ease. I can begin to shrug off the long, harsh winter. Spring is coming.

Engraved

Writing Exercise: Meditate & write on a passage of scripture.
I've chosen Isaiah 49:16 (NIV). "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me."

Engraved
By Dawn M. Hamsher

How wonderful to know that God loves me so much that I am engraved on his palms! I am not written in pencil or washable ink.  I am engraved and therefore, never out of His sight.

How comforting to know that God has me cradled in His hands. His hands are strong and powerful. No matter what is going on in my life, I can rest in His capable hands, for He is in control.

How joyous to know that if God has engraved me on his hands, then he has also made me permanent in the Book of Life. I look forward to eternal life in heaven.

How sobering to know that my engraving then must rest in the nail holes in Jesus' hands. Those holes were put there by human sin, including mine, when Jesus was nailed to the cross. Though, Jesus' death was necessary to reconcile us to God, it is sad to think that my sin helped kill Jesus.

How humble I feel to be redeemed. I don't deserve it, but God loves me that much that nothing I did or can ever do will separate me from my Lord since I chose to follow Him.

How thankful I am to be permanently engraved on the palm of God's hands.

God would like to engrave you on his hands too.  Just ask Jesus
to be your savior and it will be done.

Alien

Writing Prompt: Write on the word "Alien" for 15 minutes.
My response to the exercise is below.

The fuzzy creature scurried across the floor, half running on four paws, half rolling on its entire body. When rolling, electrical charges sparked across the top of its roundish body. The creature was only the size of a softball, but fast like a green lizard.  It's fur, if you could call it that, was an odd shade of green and reminded Jerry of soft wires. He didn't know how to describe what he was seeing. The greenish colors on the fur changed like oil sheen as he moved. 

The alien seemed to be drawn to electricity. He rolled to the TV, then to the lamp, then to the portable fan, like he was searching for something. Then he rolled into a corner and stopped. Our old house has electrical outlets directly on the floor. Was he over top one? I peeked slowly around the corner. The creature was still for a moment.  My heart was pounding. Then, I heard "Zurpppp" sound and I saw a spark. Then a metallic popping noise began to radiate from the creature, seeming to hum a rhythm. 

I reached for the camera, which was sitting on the lamp stand a few feet away from me. I had to get a photo of this or no one would believe me. Slowly, slowly. I had it. I carefully held it up to me eye and pushed the button to turn the camera on.  The camera made a small sound, which caused the creature to rear it's small head in my direction.  It's three purple eyes were bugging out. There was a loud pop and all the lights in the house went off and in that startled second, he was gone.  I was left holding a camera that was ready to take a photo.