Dastardly Deeds

     Sitting here watching CNN, my gut kicks in as I see the world's inhabitants reasoning out why they war with one another. I myself appreciate the comfort of an American lifestyle, where I can get up from my bed, make a cup of coffee, and not worry about a bomb dropping on my head after my leaders take a breather in the name of  peace talks. However I cannot help but feel empathy, compassion and anger at what is unfolding in other parts of the world. As I stir in my coffee creamer, add a little sweetener, and settle into my office space, I wonder about these leaders.
   
     The world is full of those that follow, and those that lead. Millionaires, billionaires and whatever air is after that have the privilege of sitting in their comfortable space and make decisions on who gets bombed and why. I have a theory that those same decision makers also have a part in weapons distribution. They do say that money makes more money, and if they stop war, there would be no need for weapons. hmmm

     So, we continue to fight one another in the name of the right to do it. That makes sense I guess, in the greater scheme of things. In America we have our guns and would go to war to keep the right to have them. Who cares if little girls are being killed on their front steps in the summertime eating a Popsicle. We have our freedoms, so she would be considered collateral damage, right? hmmm

     I have friends that don't watch the news, they say that it is too depressing. I myself am a news addict, and wonder how can you not watch what the world is up too. But, I have my writing, a way for me to breathe about what is going on around me, and shake it off, well sort of. Sometimes I find myself in tears as I watch, but I think that means I'm only human, hmm, maybe these leaders are not human? Maybe they are really aliens from another planet, that have invaded human bodies and that is the reason for their lack of compassion for humankind. Maybe I have had too much coffee.

A Prompt.

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Today's Prompt: Your character is 15 years old and just found a gun in the bushes in the park.

Class Reflections: Not Enough Time

It is not enough to learn to develop the process of writing without keeping in mind the working of your craft, and this cannot take place if you do not sit down and write. Pressures of the day  keep us busy doing everything but writing. If we  call ourselves writers we have to grab minutes from our day to devote to our words. Here are a few ideas to keep up with your time.

1. Keep a notepad, small enough to fit in your pocket. When inspired pull it out.

2.  Listen. You will be surprised how much conversation or sound goes on around you when you turn off the car radio, or take the ear buds out at the market. The world is full of sounds.

3. During lunch hour, 15 minutes belongs to your writing. I go to http://www.750words.com to pound out anything that comes to mind. It's a free site that gives points for making a 750 word goal. I  like the idea to "just write" about anything.

4. Think simple. You don't have to become a Hemingway. Some of the simplest thoughts can become a story, or poem, or a novel over time. For Instance: write a letter or short note that you will not send, think of something that you  and never found, write about it, write 6 word phrases that reflect a concrete image, become a favorite flower and write about it's growth, and or its death. Do this in 10 minute or 15 minute intervals, commit the time.

5. DO IT!

We found this
at rescuetime.com and thought it may come in
handy for writers. Time is
a writers enemy when there are deadlines.