Both my daughters are creative; photography, poetry, writing, crafts, art. They have the gifts...they must have gotten it from their fathers, certainly not from me.
There are days that I wonder why I think I can write fiction, days where I really think I should just quit and go back to being a voracious reader. These days usually happen after reading the writing of others. My brilliant writing friends who turn words into a mellifluous flow that fires the mind and ignites the spirit.
Flash fiction has been helping me find my creative center. Every time I write something that starts out sweet and turns dark, I know I've been tapping a hidden creative core. A core that I hope will continue to be exposed, regardless of how vulnerable it makes me feel. I don't know where the stories come from, and I'm not always pleased with them, but at times I surprise myself and I really what I've written.
My favorite flash fiction prompt sites are listed below. The first is my sister site, Write 4 Ten where you can find a daily (M-F) word prompt for ten minutes of writing. The next is Lillie McFerrin's Five Sentence Fiction, one of the first flash fiction sites I found and wrote for. Next is Angela Goff's Visual Dare at Anonymous Legacy, a site I've only found recently. Finally, Sweet Banana Ink where you'll find a multitude of flash fiction to read as well as a spot to write. Click the logos to visit the sites.
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Thank you so much for the Sweet Banana Ink shout out, Donna!! <3
ReplyDeleteIts strange, I was never called the creative child, yet people seem to have a belief in my writing skills when they have never read a word. Only you really know whats inside :)
ReplyDeleteDont compare yourself, we dont need two writers who are the same.
I think every writer feels like that sometimes, I know I certainly do! I never thought of myself as creative either, but I do like some of the writing I come out with. I always enjoy your writing, too :)
ReplyDeleteYou're always so supportive of other writers and writing sites, Donna :)) I don't think of myself as creative either (though I can certainly tell you I'm not detail oriented!).
ReplyDeleteMy stories and writing come from the interactions I've had over the years. I remember people and their experiences, the secrets they've told me. These conversations will become the stories I write (confidentiality always protected of course). So my writing doesn't come from being creative, it comes from a wide variety of experiences with a wide variety of people.
I greatly enjoy your flash fiction. I'm hoping someday you will compile it into an eBook that I can read in bits when I have just a moment or two here and there. Your stories always wake up my mind and there are certainly times when that needs doing.
ReplyDeleteI just got the proof in the mail for my newest book and Believe it or not Donna, I feel the same way when it comes to my writing. We all have doubts. Hang in there. You're doing great!
ReplyDeleteI think as writers we all have doubts about our writing. I never thought of myself as creative either. I didn't decide I "could" be a writer until late in life. I've never tried flash fiction. I think I'm going to try one of those sites. Who knows, it may spark a story. :-).
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your comments...nice to find out that I'm not the only one. Lyric, welcome to another late in life writer!
ReplyDeleteI am glad I am not the only one who has everything go dark on me...
ReplyDeleteI have no idea why... maybe I am a dark sided person..x