Hey everyone!
I was going through my writing notebook and found a piece that I wrote at the beginning of last year. It was during a Saturday afternoon writing class with LA Writer’s Group, which I’ve talked about previously on this blog.
It’s a first draft, written in the space of 12 minutes, and upon reading it again a year later, I grappled with whether I wanted to share it here or turn it into something. I guess I can always turn it into something bigger later, even if I publish it here.
Thank you for allowing me to write out my thoughts as I think them. : )
I’ve been really into writing witch stories in recent years. Probably because I would love to live in a world of perpetual autumn. I love Salem. I love historical fiction. I love Halloween. And writing about witches helps me to keep that world alive, even after the trees lose all their leaves.
What was the writing prompt that inspired me to write yet another witch story?
So glad you asked!
Writing Prompt: Fractions
This is what I wrote.
“2/3 of a tablespoon of frog’s liver. 1/4 of a teaspoon of nutmeg, but no more than that.”
She pinched a little extra into the cauldron and winked at me. Her back was stooped and her straggly, white hair fell into separated tendrils over her shoulders.
“1/5 of a dove’s heart.” It made a splash.
“She won’t actually drink this?” I asked, disturbed by the liquid that bubbled and smoked, casting light that made shadows dance on the walls of the witch’s hideaway.
She turned to me then and smiled. “My dear, love is just desperation in disguise. And I dare you to find me a soul who wouldn’t do anything for love.”
“Well, I wouldn’t,” I said, folding my arms across my chest like a petulant child.
The witch turned back to her cauldron as if she knew some secret I didn’t yet know.
“All in good time,” she said, taking a sip from her spoon.
Final Thoughts
That’s it for this installment of Writing Prompts and the Stories They Inspired (a working title for this series.)
Please feel free to use the prompt for your own writing or to check out the LA Writer’s Group for really great classes and inspiration!
And, as always, I’d love to hear from you in the comments about your writing/reading journey.
Until next week! May your days be filled with happiness, creativity, and words!
Robyn Neilsen 