For Your Journal: Writing Prompt

Do you keep a journal – or wish you could get one started? Literary Mama wants to help.

Three times a month, I’ll post a writing prompt. Open a notebook and write for 10 minutes. Don’t worry about grammar or punctuation – just write. Then let the writing simmer and your mind wander for awhile.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll discover a character for your next short story or a theme for a narrative essay. Or maybe you’ll use the idea to create a special holiday card or photo album for someone in your family. However you decide to use your journal entry, I know you’ll enjoy re-reading it months–and years–down the road.
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My five-year-old daughter slammed the door and threw her backpack on the kitchen floor. Ignoring my greeting, she simply looked at me with tear-filled eyes. A few seconds later, the tears flowed and she choked out a recap of that afternoon’s kindergarten recess:

“She said she wasn’t my friend.
She said I couldn’t swing with her.
She said my hair looked stupid.”

And then: “Why was she so mean?”

Journal Entry: Write about a time your child was hurt by a friend. How did you respond and what specific actions did you take? Explore any feelings and memories the episode brought to mind of your childhood friendships.