Word Prompts Help Creativity / Week 16

I am a writer. My passion is poetry. I feel words connect people together and help us to understand the feelings we share.

Article Summary

Word Prompts Help Creativity / Week 16 is a weekly article I write.

In the article I provide a single word prompt hoping it inspires our muse to conjure up something wonderful.

It can be a poem, short story, song or whatever you decide to write.

There is one requirement. Relax and have a bit of fun. Sometimes we jot down the best notes when we are not pressuring ourselves.

I can't wait to read your next masterpiece.

"Writer's Block: A Super Cut" shared by Ivan Kander on YouTube

Best Laid Plans Go Awry

There's always something waiting around the next corner.

Sometimes it's fantastic, while other times it's a headache.

This week I found myself struggling with the latter.

I wanted to save a few dollars, so I switched cell phone carriers. What I didn't realize was all the problems I would face.

First it took me all day and numerous phone calls just to keep my own phone number.

Then when they finalized everything, I let out a sigh of relief.

The hard part was over. The rest would be as easy as eating a piece of cake. Or so I thought, until I walked out my front door.

Suddenly I had no service. My phone didn't switch to mobile data.

Wow! Isn't that what a cell phone is meant to do. To work on it's own without wifi.

I can't log onto Hubpages or any of my other apps. Literally the only thing working is my text messages. I can't even dial a phone number.

Well long story short, it's now working, but with a few clitches. I'm hoping these problems will resolve before too long.

So bear with me while I attempt to make it work. It seems my best laid plans often go awry.

Inspiration

This week I found myself completely stumped, not knowing what to write.

The Writer's Club Community (https://greythoughts.info/ ) selects a theme each week to write about and submit for possible publication.

This week's theme was environmental disaster.

I was completely lost. I had no ideas.

After days of nothingness, I began doing research. I searched the internet for past and current catastrophes that had a direct link to the environment.

Then I searched YouTube and listened to several videos.

I finally stumbled across an article that peaked my interest.

It was about a ship left to rust which is docked near Yemen close to the Red Sea.

It carries millions of gallons of gasoline and is rusting as we speak and oxygen is building up.

There were a few salvage operations planned, but each one got delayed.

There is only a skelton crew with a tiny generator on board.

This is an environmental disaster waiting to happen. It will leak 4 times as much as the Exxon oil leak.

In any case, I finally compiled enough information to get my thoughts motivated.

I did complete it and it was published this week.

So don't toss in the towel when nothing comes to mind.

Read, listen, take a walk, gather information and wait for the spark.

1 / 5

Word Prompt = Fate

For this week's word prompt I've chosen the word "Fate."

Fate can represent different things.

Maybe you miss your ride and meet the person who is your soulmate.

Or you've broken the law and your fate is in the hands of a jury.

Maybe you've been using your free will to stop fate, but it keeps knocking at your door waiting for you to accept it.

Maybe you've wronged someone and deserve the fate you get.

So, let's pick up our pens and see where this word takes us on our creative journey.

I'm not sure what we will come up with, but I have no doubt it will be fun to create.

Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant filled with odd little waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like.

— Lemony Snicket

Highlights This Week

This week the word prompt, "sunshine" created alot of different types of work.

We had short stories, poetry, hymns and an introduction to Renga, a form of poetry practiced in Japan.

Everyone's writing is exceptional! I am constantly amazed by the outcome.

One of our Hubbers, Umesh Bhatt, introduced us to a different point of view in regards to sunshine. One I had not even considered.

In his poem, "Where Is My Sunshine?" he tells us about one who never experiences the joy of sunshine.

He pushed himself so hard that he had no time left to enjoy this wonderful part of nature.

His poem teaches us not to have regrets in life.

To make the most of each moment and live life completely with no regrets.

The link to his work is below and I encourage everyone to take a few moments to read it.

• Where is my sunshine? - a poem inspired by Word Prompts Help Creativity / Week 15 by Brenda Alredge
  Umesh Bhatt

Rodric Anthony Knows Sunshine !

Rodric wrote an excellent piece about sunshine.

His work includes a hymn, "There Is Sunshine In My Soul Today", text by Eliza E. Hewitt, 1851–1920, and original music by John R. Sweney, 1837–1899 is quite amazing.

In the first verse of this hymn it says "There is sunshine in my soul today; For Jesus is my light; & Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine".

He includes a video of the song, so you can listen to the words.

This hymn is uplifting. You will be touched by the gracefulness and beauty of this song. I hope you give the video a listen.

"When Jesus smiles...I feel sunshine in my soul."

In his poem, "Types of Sunshine" he shares moments of his life expressing the sunshine & joy with each one.

The sun itself can warm our heart, but so does everything else in our lives.

Like our children, marriages, those unique moments we share, our mothers and others who touch our lives.

He talks about how we feel a bit of sunshine & warmth when others read our work.

I love this part:

My sunshine is anything that brings me joy and happiness in life, ....

To the cookie bite in my mouth!

He tells us that poetry speaks to you when you read it through the eyes of the writer.

This last part is something I hope touches many across the world.

"Let the sunshine of love and joy fill your heart and know that you are not alone in the world"

I am posting a link right below this for those who wish to read Rodric Anthony's work.

• Sunshine In My Soul Today!
  Rodric Anthony

John Hansen's Sunshine Has A Twist

John writes us a poem that will put a smile on your face.

He tells us he couldn't shake this phrase stuck in his head, so he went with it letting his muse create this wonderful poem.

It flows so naturally, and shows us how sometimes love isn't a bowl full of cherries.

The moment he tells the one he loves, "I love you" things take a turn in a direction he wasn't expecting.

This is when his sunshine burnt his shoulders as she tells him he is older & pulls out a folder.

Here are a few parts of his poem:

"I was starting to feel bolder

So, “I love you!” is what I told her.

Her response was somewhat colder,

But Frank you are much older.”

You need to read this one to understand. It is so very cute and will make you smile.

I am providing the link below.

• Sunshine Burnt My Shoulder ~ a Poem
  John Hansen

Stephen King on Writing: Creative Writing Advice by The Write Channel with Nicola Monaghan"

Previous Word Prompts

• Word Prompts Help Creativity / Week 14
  "Childhood" - Brenda Arledge
• Word Prompts Help Creativity / Week 15
  "Sunshine" - Brenda Arledge

Responses to Word Prompt

• Fate-Whatever Happens In Your Life
  Nithya Venkat
• Poem-Take Charge of Your Fate and Make your Own Life
  Vidya D Sagar
• Cheating Fate ~ a Dramatic Poem
  John Hansen
• The Fascinating Story of a Pirate's Hidden Treasure
  Ravi Rajan
• What Is Fate? – a Poem in Response to Brenda’s Prompt
  Rozlin Mohsin
• Kismet- the Play of Fate- Response to Brenda's Prompt
  Misbah Sheikh
• Fate - Poetry Per Brenda Arledge's New Prompt
  Pamela Oglesby
• Fate, the mysterious entity - word challenge week 16 by Brenda Arledge
  Umesh Bhatt
• One Day at the Coffee Shop—Flash Fiction Based on Word Prompt, ‘fate’
  Chitrangada Sharan
• Poem: Fate's Path / Response to Word Prompts Help Creativity / Week 16
  Brenda Arledge

© 2021 BRENDA ARLEDGE

Comments

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 18, 2021:

Fate

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 16, 2021:

Fate

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 16, 2021:

Take a moment to read Nithya Venkat's work on fate.

https://letterpile.com/poetry/Fate-Whatever-Happen...

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 15, 2021:

Fate

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 05, 2021:

Take a moment to read Vidya D Sagar's work

https://letterpile.com/creative-writing/Poem-Take-...

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 05, 2021:

Fate

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 04, 2021:

Rawan

Thank you.

Join us if you like.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 04, 2021:

Rawan

Thank you.

Join us if you like.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 04, 2021:

I het it when you post here, but i can't comment.

You have to comment yourself in the comment section under author view

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 04, 2021:

John

I can't find it either.

I sent him a message to repost it, but I still didn't see it.

Rawan Osama from Egypt on June 04, 2021:

Amazing

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 04, 2021:

Fate

Ravi Rajan from Mumbai on June 04, 2021:

Here it is Brenda. The story not able to reach the feed is a weird issue.

https://letterpile.com/creative-writing/The-Fascin...

Ravi Rajan from Mumbai on June 04, 2021:

Thanks John

John Hansen from Queensland Australia on June 04, 2021:

I can’t find Ravi’s story on my feed but I loved it.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 04, 2021:

Fate...

Ravi repost your story

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 04, 2021:

Take a moment to read John Hansen's work

https://letterpile.com/poetry/Cheating-Fate-a-Dram...

And...

Ravi Rajan's piece on fate

https://letterpile.com/creative-writing/The-Fascin...

I haven't read them yet, so read them & comment.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 04, 2021:

John

Thanks for sending me the link.

I will read this afterbit. We took off for a vacation and we ran into a bit of a snag with a hotel that I need to deal with.

I'm posting link in the article & will comment as soon as I can.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 04, 2021:

EK

Lol! You've created a special little world for us.

I can understand what you are saying...take care.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 04, 2021:

Ravi

Thank you.

I will post a link in the word prompt article.

I will read & comment as soon as I can.

We are on vacation & I need to finish up a few things.

Talk with you soon.

John Hansen from Queensland Australia on June 03, 2021:

Here is a link to my response, Brenda: https://letterpile.com/poetry/Cheating-Fate-a-Dram...

EK Jadoon from Abbottabad Pakistan on June 03, 2021:

By saying 'world of poet', I am referring to all of you who take part in poetry word prompt challenge. You all are poets who take part in word prompt challenge, and we can say 'the world of poets'. I hope you understand.

Ravi Rajan from Mumbai on June 03, 2021:

Hi, Brenda this time I have attempted to write a historical flash fiction story based on your wonderful prompt "Fate".Hope you like it.

https://letterpile.com/creative-writing/The-Fascin...

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 03, 2021:

Fate

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 03, 2021:

Post links to fate here

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 03, 2021:

EK

I'm not sure what you are talking about with the world of poets.

As far as I know I'm not a member either.

You are welcome to post your poetry here if you have anything on the prompt.

Hace a great day.

EK Jadoon from Abbottabad Pakistan on June 03, 2021:

Sorry Brenda, I couldn't join the world of poets. But I am reading all the responses and enjoying them.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 03, 2021:

Misbah

Thanks

Have a wonderful day!

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Poets on June 03, 2021:

Hugs

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 03, 2021:

Post link to fate

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 03, 2021:

Take a moment to read Misbah's work

https://discover.hubpages.com/literature/Kismet-th...

Misbah ...I left you a comment.

We are traveling, so I hope it makes sense.

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Poets on June 03, 2021:

Oh! never mind, Brenda. You can read and comment whenever you want to, dear friend. No problem

Love you heaps!!

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 02, 2021:

Take a month to read Rozlin Mohsin's writing.

https://letterpile.com/poetry/What-is-Fate-A-Poem-...

Welcome Rozlin!

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 02, 2021:

Misbah,

I haven't read yours yet.

We are on the road.

I will get back with you.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 02, 2021:

Take a moment to read Misbah's work

https://discover.hubpages.com/literature/Kismet-th...

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 02, 2021:

Thanks Misbah.

I will get this one posted & comment when I can.

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Poets on June 02, 2021:

Brenda, here's the link to my article

https://discover.hubpages.com/literature/Kismet-th...

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Poets on June 02, 2021:

Brenda, Here's the link to my article

https://discover.hubpages.com/literature/Kismet-th...

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 02, 2021:

Post links for fate

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 02, 2021:

Take a moment to read Pamela Oglesby's writing

https://letterpile.com/poetry/Fate-Brenda-Arledges...

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 02, 2021:

Post links here for fate

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 01, 2021:

Post links for fate

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 01, 2021:

Post links for fate

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on June 01, 2021:

Post links for fate

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 31, 2021:

Take a moment to read Umesh Bhatt's poem for Fate.

https://letterpile.com/poetry/Fate-the-mysterious-...

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 31, 2021:

Post links for fate here

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 31, 2021:

Post links for fate here

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 31, 2021:

Vidya

Thank you.

Yesterday I was about to toss in the towel on this new service, but then I did a bit of research.

I found a few settings that were not set.

Gee...this should have been done by the company.

Anyways...I'm trying it again.

Have a great day.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 31, 2021:

Chitrangada,

I found it.

Thanks again.

I'll look for it in the newsfeed.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 31, 2021:

Take a moment to read Chitrangada Sharan's short story on fate.

https://letterpile.com/creative-writing/One-Day-at...

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on May 31, 2021:

Hello Brenda!

Here is the link to my response to the word prompt, ‘Fate.’ I could not find this article on my feed earlier. Therefore, I posted the link on your other article, where you have yourself posted poems on ‘Fate’. I am sorry about that. You may please remove that comment/ link. Now, this article has appeared on my feed, and thus sharing it here. Hope you like it. Thank you.

https://letterpile.com/creative-writing/One-Day-at...

VIDYA D SAGAR on May 30, 2021:

Again a wonderful word prompt Brenda. I am sure our friends will come up with interesting responses. You are doing a great job giving us these inspiring word prompts, Brenda. Hope the issues with your phone get resolved soon. Take care

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 30, 2021:

Post links to fate here

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 30, 2021:

Take a moment to read my response to fate.

https://letterpile.com/poetry/Poem-Fates-Path-Resp...

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 30, 2021:

Peggy,

Thank you so much!

I'm so glad our Hubbers write these interesting articles...they are amazing.

I enjoy reading them too.

Have a great Memorial Weekend.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on May 30, 2021:

Just as Bill mentioned, your word prompts are spurring people on, and I am getting to read some delightful posts because of it. Happy Memorial Day weekend!

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 30, 2021:

Chitrangada

Thank you for enjoying the article.

It is so interesting to read everyone's work. We all have a different style and viewpoint.

The phone is working great while I have wifi, but it will be a challenge later this week when I will be roaming.

I'm hoping for the best.

Take care & have a great Sunday.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 30, 2021:

Bill,

Thank you.

I really enjoy helping others get inspired.

I admire each piece I read...they are wonderful.

Our holiday weekend has been a bit chilly. Back to wearing a coat & the heat kicking on...until tomorrow, the last day.

But they say the last one is the best.

Have a great Holiday weekend too.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 30, 2021:

Liz

Thank you.

I'm delighted to know you are reading the responses.

It is wonderful.

Have a great day.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 30, 2021:

Misbah

Thank you.

I really appreciate your kindness & I hope this phone straightens out.

No one ever answers phone for customer support or answers my emails. There is no local office I can walk into to get help.

It might be one of these times that I wish I would've remembered those words..."If it sounds too good to be true...it probably is"

I hope fate brings a few interesting ones.

Have a great Sunday.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 30, 2021:

Pamela

I'm glad you enjoyed reading everyone's work.

I think our muse has a timing all on it's own, or maybe it doesn't like being rushed.

I'm glad you find yours each week though.

Have a great weekend.

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on May 30, 2021:

Great article and ‘fate’ sounds like a great prompt for this week.

The responses to the previous prompt by fellow writers, is also very interesting and diverse.

I am glad that you managed to continue this, in spite of your phone issues.

Thank you for sharing another interesting post.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on May 30, 2021:

It really is a joy reading the responses to your word prompts. Bravo to you for that service, the inspiration you provide.

Have a fantastic holiday weekend!

Liz Westwood from UK on May 30, 2021:

Your word prompts are generating some great work. It will be interesting to read what Fate brings.

Misbah Sheikh from The World of Poets on May 30, 2021:

Hi Brenda,

I am glad that somehow, you managed to write this article for this week's prompt. You are so kind. I wish your phone will not create any further problems for you. Fate is a wonderful word. I mean Who doesn't believe in fate.

Let's see what fate makes us write.

Lots of Love

Blessings to you

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on May 30, 2021:

It seems each week when I read your new prompt I think I can't come up with something, then as the days go by something starts to reveal itself. I think my muse takes a while to work, much like you described in your difficult week. I enjoyed reading all of the sunshine articles, and I thought they were all very good.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 29, 2021:

Rosina

Thank you.

Everyone's work for sunshine was great.

It's hard to tell what the word fate will bring.

Take care gal.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 29, 2021:

John,

Thank you.

I'm not sure I did the right thing by switching carriers, but we all learn from our mistakes.

Right now when I have wi-fi it works better, but this is not the ideal situation.

I'm looking forward to "fate"...it should bring a few good writes.

I imagine your muse will have a bit of fun with it.

Rosina S Khan on May 29, 2021:

I like the word prompt "Fate" for week 16. Let's see what fellow writers come up with along with their creative muse. This week there have been wonderful and enjoyable responses to your word prompt "Sunshine". I loved them all. Stay well and happy, Brenda. All the best.

John Hansen from Queensland Australia on May 29, 2021:

I hope all the bugs are sorted out with your phone soon, Brenda. I am glad you managed to write and publish this article. "Fate" is a wonderful prompt.

BRENDA ARLEDGE (author) from Washington Court House on May 29, 2021:

Ravi,

Thank you.

I look forward to reading what you come up with.

Have a great day .

Ravi Rajan from Mumbai on May 29, 2021:

Thanks, Brenda. Fate is an interesting prompt to ponder.