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Happy Thanksgiving

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:38:39 +0000

Just wanted to take a moment to say Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!! Hoping you all have a wonderful time with friends and family tomorrow.

My holiday looks like this: food, family and football! Oh yea, and writing…have to get this paper done!

Something to think about: another writer friend and I are considering a week long writers retreat in Outer Banks, NC. We won’t want more than 8 writers, can get a house walking distance from the beach (private room and bath, balcony attached to each room), want to have a couple of workshops each day but the bulk of the time will be free time for writing. We’re looking at a cost of around $900 for the week. Let me know if this is something you’d be interested in as we proceed with the plan, secure dates, etc.

I will send the 12 prompts for December next week. If you’re looking for something to write about in the meantime, how about a Thanksgiving list? How many things are you thankful for? Start a list and keep adding to it every day this week. Number the list and drop me a line with your totals, or let me know the most unique thing you’re thankful for.

Happy writing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications

The right words at the right time.

301-645-9427

The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

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Prompts for November

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:53:58 +0000

Write for 12 minutes at least 12 times each month. Here are some prompts to get you started. Use these, modify these or make up your own. Fact or fiction, poetry or essay, it doesn’t matter, just write.

Sixty days are left in 2011, write what you plan to accomplish by the end of the year.
November is National Adoption Month, write a story (true or false) about adoption.
Write about your favorite sandwich.
Write an Ode to the veterans of a particular war.
National Author’s Day falls this month, write about your favorite writer.
I’m thankful for…
Which politician was/is the most influential and why?
You wake up tomorrow morning and you can fly. Write about your experiences.
You clean out the refrigerator, “I didn’t know that was in there…”
The Perfect Day
My mom is a great cook, but one time she made…and it was the worse meal ever.
You drive your new car off the lot, when you investigate the strange noise coming from the trunk you discover something unusual, what is it and how do you react?

Happy writing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications

The right words at the right time.

301-645-9427

The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

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October prompts

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:05:50 +0000

Twelve Prompts for October

I used my first computer in 1983 when IBM donated some to our college. I was fascinated. Do you remember the first time you used a computer, write about that experience.
What’s your favorite movie snack and why? FYI – mine is popcorn and Raisinettes.
Write about a fire that wouldn’t go out.
You are your car, what do you think of your owner?
Develop a character that is different from you (different age, race, gender, nationality, occupation, etc.). Be creative.
The Scary Neighbor…
Make someone happy anonymously…how does that feel?
My mother-in-law…
You wake up and all of your jeans are gone, what happened?
You’ve just been elected President of the United States. What are your goals for your first year in office?
Halloween…
My BFF makes me LOL…

Happy writing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications

The right words at the right time.

301-645-9427

The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

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Twelve Prompts September

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:06:18 +0000

Before I get to the prompts, don’t forget I have two Creative Writing classes coming up this fall.

Creative Writing PEP-7190 for adults (page 33 of CSM guide). Learn creative fiction and nonfiction including journaling, mystery writing and essays. Wednesdays, September 14 – November 1, 1:30 – 3:30, La Plata campus.

Creative Writing AAY-9400 for 10-15 year olds (page 16 of CSM guide). Fun writing class for kids who may or may not enjoy writing. Learn basic steps for creative writing. Wednesdays, October 19 – December 14, 1:00 – 3:o0, La Plata campus.

Now on with the prompts…

Breakfast, the most important meal of the day…
Visit the local library and write a story about the people you see.
Write a dialogue between you and a six year old. You start by asking, “What does pediculosis (head lice) mean to you?”
What musical instrument have you always wanted to learn to play and why?
Write about the first day of school.
Write a eulogy for newspapers and books and magazines, all paper media.
What is the worse book you ever wrote?
Your childhood teddy bear comes alive, what would he/she say about you as a child?
My first trip in an ambulance…
You make a $20 withdrawal from your checking account. Your receipt shows a balance of $1 million. How did it get there?
You character has fallen and she can’t get up. Why?
You’re vacationing with friends and wake up to find them all gone. What happened?

Happy writing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications

The right words at the right time.

301-645-9427

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

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Twelve Prompts August 2011 Edition

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:52:15 +0000

Write for at least twelve minutes, twelve times a month, fact or fiction.

Yesterday was my mom’s 70^th birthday and August 14^th will be my 47^th. Write about your ideal decade of life.
Elvis…
Spend the day smiling at strangers, write about their reactions.
Your air conditioning went out, now what?
MTV debuted on August 1, 1981, I thought it (and rap music) were a passing fad. What did/do you think?
Clowns…
Write about a time when you remained neutral.
The first penny was minted on August 2, 1909; the US Mint has considered getting rid of the coin. Write an opinion piece, “The Penny: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down.”
Condiment of the year: mustard, ketchup, mayo, salsa, etc.
Birth order affects personality. Are you the baby, middle child, oldest? How has it affected your life?
Write about a time when you relaxed and smelled the roses.
Ask for forgiveness in a letter. Mail it if you dare.

Happy writing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications

The right words at the right time.

PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021

301-645-9427

The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

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July Writing Prompts

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:21:35 +0000

Before we get to the prompts for the month, I wanted to give you a little update on what’s happening with me. I’ve decided, after a 20 year break, to get my Masters in Counseling. I begin classes with Liberty University online on August 22^nd!! I’m thrilled, nervous, anxious all at the same time!

I will continue to work part-time (love a job that’ll pay for me to go to school). Also, I’m teaching two Creative Writing courses at the College of Southern Maryland this fall. Are any of you reading this and thinking I’m crazy?

Perhaps.

It just seems like the timing for all of this is right. That does mean, however, that I won’t spend as much time with this newsletter and my Let’s Talk about Race writing and speaking.

I plan to keep posting the twelve prompts each month…thanks to those who shared what they wrote from June. I’m also always available to answer your writing related questions, speak to you about your writing and do the happy dance with you when you have success. As for editing and writing jobs, I will weigh requests as they come in and decide if I can do it.

Now, on with the prompts for July. Remember, fact or fiction. Write for at least twelve minutes twelve times this month.

July is Anti-boredom month. Write about how you will not get bored with your writing.
Write your definition of freedom.
The Liberty Bell crack on July 8, 1835 while being rung during the funeral of John Marshall. Write a newspaper article about the event.
Stick your tongue out at someone. Write their reaction.
How did your fingerprints get at the murder scene?
HOT
Write a recipe for Peculiar Pizza.
Your favorite Disney character is coming for dinner. Write about the event.
To tan or not to tan, that is the question.
Write a letter to a person in office about an issue important to you. Mail it if you dare.
Canada.
Write a journal entry for December 31, 2011.

Happy writing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications

The right words at the right time.

301-645-9427

The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

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June Writing Prompts

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:00:41 +0000

Twelve prompts, twelve minutes, twelve times each month…if you’ve never participated before, this is your month to play along! I’m trying something new this month, one word prompts…write whatever comes to mind! Let me know what you think. Remember, fact or fiction, doesn’t have to make sense, just write for twelve minutes non stop.

Summer…
Weddings…
Why Father’s Day deserves more attention than Mother’s Day.
Write about a time you ran a red light, literally or figuratively.
Write a radio adventure, remember listeners can’t see anything.
“Life is like a yo-yo…”
Ode to the Ball Point Pen
How has ET changed your life (movie premiered on June 11, 1982, but you don’t have to write about the movie)?
Sound off about a person who really gets your emotions flowing (positively or negatively).
June 25^th, it’s six months before Christmas, what should we do about that?
Look through a magazine and write about the objects or people in the photo.
Potty Training…

Happy writing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications

The right words at the right time.

PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021

301-645-9427

The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

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You Gotta Want It…Badly

Thu, 19 May 2011 22:58:07 +0000

Today’s article is a reprint from the newsletter Fuel by Dawn Goldberg at Write Well University. Sign up for the newsletter and learn more about Dawn at http://www.writewellu.com/. Thanks Dawn for sharing with Write Words.

You Gotta Want It Badly

No matter how much we want and love to write, unless we’re terribly disciplined or have deadlines (or an editor/agent looming over us), our default activity is not writing. In other words, if we have a spare minute, a break between activities, the rare gift of an unplanned hour, do we write? Or do we fill it in with stuff that “needs to be done”? Or take a much-needed nap? Or call a girlfriend and relax? Or make plans for dinner?

I will write – after I take a shower and get dressed – and after I make the bed – and after I do the dishes.

Why do I delay? Why do those things come before writing?

For one, those other things are calling at my attention, nagging me, so I tell myself that I’ll write better if those nags are quieted. But the list of nags must be quite long because there are a lot of times that I never seem to write.

Secondly, I might be afraid of writing. I’m not where I want to be in my project. It’s stalled. I want it to be perfect, compelling, and impactful, and I’m afraid it’s not. Or it feels hard to get started, so it’s much easier to do other things.

And – here’s what I’m afraid of the most – maybe I don’t want to write badly enough more than I want to take a shower, get dressed, make the bed, and do the dishes.

When I was teenager in Texas, I’d get up in the summer early and go run. The heat, no matter how early in the morning, was oppressive. Step outside, and one hits a wall of heat. Yet, I’d invariably get up and go run in that awful furnace. Why? Because I’d rather do that than deal with my parents when they got up in the morning. Running in the heat was preferable to being around my parents. I would rather run.

So what do we need to create so that writing IS the default activity and it is THE thing we would rather do than anything else?

1. Be aware of what DOES get in the way. Pay attention. Are they always the same things (chores like cleaning the house, work tasks like returning emails, etc.) that you do instead of writing?

2. Understand why you would rather do those things. Are they nagging items? Are they delaying tactics? Are you afraid of something?

3. Just do it. Make writing more of a routine, and it’s harder not to do it. Kind of like brushing your teeth. You do it every day. The day you might miss, you run that tongue over your teeth, and you’re constantly reminded that you didn’t do it that day. So write regularly, and it will be harder to not do it.

4. Set up rewards. Yeah, it might seem childish, but it works. Don’t schedule that massage until you’ve reached your word count goal. Don’t eat the piece of chocolate until you finish a page. Your spouse cooks dinner if you write today. Make it so that you WANT to write because of what you get after you’re done.

5. Visualize the end of the rainbow. What if you finish that character sketch? Wouldn’t you feel great to have finally figured out your main character? You’d be so far along – farther than you are now. You don’t have to see to the end of the ultimate rainbow (an entire finished project), just today’s little rainbow.

6. Make writing pleasurable and fun. Don’t want to sit at your desk and write? Go outside with your laptop or – gasp – a notebook and pen. Get a chocolate malt and enjoy while you write. Go to the park, the beach, the mountains, a tea room, a cool coffee place…. some place gorgeous and inspiring. However you design the pleasurable and fun aspect, only do those things when you write. So save that chocolate malt only for your writing times.

7. Set concrete goals. It’s a lot easier to write with a measurable goal in mind instead of just write until….whenever. And, as soon as you hit that concrete number of words, number of pages, number of minutes, you are done!

8. Think of your writing project as an adventure. Where are your characters going to go today? What outrageous article title can you come up with? How brazen can you be and get away with it?

It’s a blend of figuring out what gets in the way as well as thinking about what you could do so that you really want to write – and not do anything else.

Happy writing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications, LLC

The right words at the right time.

PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021

301-645-9427

The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications, LLC to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

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Twelve Prompt Thursday

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:37:10 +0000

Simple Rules: write for at least 12 minutes, 12 times a month, fact or fiction. Use these, modify these or make up you own.

I’ve been doing a lot of running and walking outside, pollen is killing me. Let’s start May by writing an “Ode to Pollen.”
I only eat red meat about once or twice a month. I had the BEST hamburger on Monday! Start your freewrite, “If my hamburger could talk…”
Interview someone of another generation. Ask, “What do you wish I knew about you?”
Teacher Appreciation Week falls during the first week in May. Write a thank you note to your favorite teacher.
The Pulitzer Prize was established on May 7, 1917. Write your acceptance speech.
We’ve all gotten away with something. Write a letter of confession.
Sit outside and write about what you hear and smell.
Write about some spring cleaning you have to do – physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc.
May 12^th is Limerick Day; write a limerick for the Merry Month of May.
“The penny is useless…”
Write 101 uses for Duck Tape.
Write about the worse advice your mother ever gave you – have to do something in honor of Mother’s Day this month.

Happy writing,

Angela Dion

Dion Communications, LLC

The right words at the right time.

PO Box 21, White Plains, MD 20695-0021

301-645-9427

The highest compliment you can give is to recommend Dion Communications, LLC to a friend. I appreciate your referrals.

Subscribe to our free e-newsletter and receive the free 9-page e-booklet “Write Killer Queries” http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe

Workbooks and audio CDs for writers.

Prompts for writers