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April 14, 2015 | Blog |  5 Comments

Writing Prompt: Words That Stick

By Dina Relles

Do you regularly free write? Do you wish you did? Several times a month, we’ll post a writing prompt. Open a notebook or a blank page and keep your hand moving for 10 minutes. Don’t worry about grammar or punctuation – just write.

~~~~~

We stood around the white corian kitchen countertop littered with glasses full of varying amounts of red wine. That morning felt far away, when I awoke in the railroad apartment on West 12th Street, my ring finger freshly adorned. What followed was a long day of traipsing around the suburban synagogue grounds, debating guest counts, envisioning floral arrangements, peering into our future.

We were finally standing still for a moment, letting it all settle and sink in. It was then that my mother-in-law turned to me, her gaze intent but her smile warm, and said, “He will always make you feel safe.”

Through the archway that led to the den, I glimpsed my broad-shouldered man, his imposing frame belying a gentle demeanor, our engagement not 24 hours old. And I knew she was right.

Ever since, in cheap motel rooms with scratchy towels on the outskirts of Savannah, Georgia, on treacherous drives down an interstate assaulted by slanted rain, in the throes of a long labor turned C-section …it’s held true. He has always made me feel safe. My mother-in-law’s single sentence has played back in my mind again and again throughout a 10-year marriage.

We never know when we’re about to hear something that we’ll never forget, a line that will stick with us for life.

Today, free write about something read or spoken that has stayed with you. 

And something new: please feel free to leave a link to your free write in the comments section below. We’d love to see what you did with this week’s prompt!

~~~~~

Do YOU have a writing prompt to share with Literary Mama readers? Send your 150- to 300-word narrative and associated writing prompt to lmblogcontact (at) literarymama (dot) com. We’d love to read your ideas!

Tagged: Writing Prompt

5 replies on “Writing Prompt: Words That Stick”

Bethany Rohdesays:
April 14, 2015 at 1:18 pm

This was a delightful read and a meaty prompt. I enjoyed ruminating on the topic and free writing from it (as well as a little editing when I finished). I linked back to you here: https://worddoor.wordpress.com/2015/04/14/assisted-living/

Reply
Jena Schwartzsays:
April 14, 2015 at 2:52 pm

Dina, just thank you.
Here’s my freewrite:

http://jenaschwartz.com/2015/04/14/words-that-stick/

Reply
Lisa Sadikmansays:
April 14, 2015 at 6:58 pm

Thank you for such a thoughtful prompt Dina. Here’s my free write: http://flingome.com/2015/04/14/words-that-stick-honor/

Reply
Bethany R.says:
April 15, 2015 at 9:17 am

Sorry about the formatting on my first comment. I’m not sure how that happened.I didn’t insert those spaces.

Reply
Danasays:
April 15, 2015 at 12:34 pm

This prompt really resonated with me Dina, thank you.

http://danaschwartzwrites.com/2015/04/15/it-will-never-be-enough/

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