Serein Choo's Blog, page 21
September 7, 2023
How to Overcome Writer’s Block
Writer’s Block, every writer’s ban, that stifling abyss where creativity falters and words elude. The cursor blinks mockingly on a blank page. Yet, overcoming this impasse is attainable. Do not despair fellow writers/authors.
Step back, breathe, and embrace diversions. Nature, music, or a simple walk rejuvenates the mind. Take a break like actually take a break, sometimes things are block because you are too stress out, you have schedule, have a deadline to meet etc but these things are all set up by yourself. Don’t cause unnecessary stress (writing/editing is already stress enough). By the way, here are some tips to help you overcome writer’s block:
Freewriting: Set aside a specific amount of time (e.g., 10-15 minutes) and write without any specific purpose or structure. Let your thoughts flow freely, even if they seem disconnected or nonsensical. This can help loosen up your creative muscles and get you into the writing groove. Finding a prompt to write about is a good way. Change Your Environment: Sometimes, a change of scenery can do wonders. Move to a different room, go to a coffee shop, or simply rearrange your workspace. A new environment can stimulate your creativity which doesn’t help me much as I found that moving all my luggage (laptop/iPad, keyboard, mouse, notes etc) with me is really annoying but if you are okay with that, then go ahead.Set a Writing Schedule: Establish a regular writing routine. This can help train your brain to be more productive during specific times of the day. Stick to your schedule, even if you don’t feel particularly inspired at first or maybe don’t. It really depends on person, there’s no right or correct way to do this. I am more of a free spirited writer, if I may say. I like to write when inspirations strike, if there’s none, just do some editing/rereading to get some ideas.Break Your Project into Smaller Tasks: Sometimes, writer’s block occurs because a project feels overwhelming. Break it down into smaller, manageable tasks or sections. Focus on completing one small part at a time, and gradually build momentum. It’s really useful when you break it down like that, makes the task less daunting and easier to be done.Exercise and Relaxation: Physical activity and relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help reduce stress and clear your mind, making it easier to come up with ideas and write more freely. Even a walk at the park is sufficient, at least for me. Read and Research: Reading books, articles, or even watching documentaries related to your topic can provide you with new ideas and perspectives. Research can also help you feel more confident in your writing; researching some weapons, time period, or some random things related to your book, you might find some interesting ideas to add into your book as well.Talk About Your Ideas: Discuss your writing project with a friend, colleague, or writing group. Sometimes, verbalizing your ideas can help you clarify your thoughts and overcome writer’s block (don’t be shy, think of it as a pitch to make them interested and a way to get their feedback too!)Eliminate Distractions: Identify and eliminate distractions in your workspace. Turn off your phone, disconnect from the internet if it’s not needed for research, and create a focused writing environment. Listening to music helps too.Give Yourself Permission to Write Badly: Remember that your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, it’s often better to get your thoughts down without worrying too much about quality initially. You can always revise and edit later. First draft are the worst, but it will get better, second, third, fourth, fifth… until my perfectionist personality would let me off the hook I guess. Haha.Change Your Writing Tools: Try switching from typing on a computer to writing with pen and paper, or vice versa. Different tools can trigger different thought processes. I really like to write on paper, doodling ideas on them, or just writing out the summary is so relaxing and fun. Charting out imaginary maps, locations, or maybe an extra character here and there. Take Breaks: Sometimes, a short break can help you refresh your mind and come back to writing with a new perspective. Just be mindful not to let a short break turn into procrastination. Don’t fall into the procrastination hole! Set Realistic Goals: Avoid setting overly ambitious goals that may lead to frustration. Instead, set achievable daily or weekly writing goals to keep yourself motivated or a too easy to achieve goal (One word a day doesn’t count).Seek Feedback: If you have a partial draft, consider sharing it with a trusted friend or writing partner for feedback. Constructive criticism can help you see your work from a different angle. Although, it’s annoying to read them, but try to see it more positively and see it as a chance to improve instead of beating yourself down.Practice Patience: Writer’s block is a common challenge for writers. Be patient with yourself and understand that it’s a temporary hurdle. Keep trying different strategies until you find what works for you.Remember that writer’s block is a natural part of the writing process, and it can be overcome with persistence and the right techniques. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and keep practicing your craft.
And never forget even the mightiest of writer, will experience this.
September 5, 2023
Carousel
This is a short story that I wrote for New Year’s Fiesta 2023 (Prompt Challenge) (Anyone interested can join in the fun as well). It begins like this:
“It’s New Year Eve and this year things will change.
A New Year’s carnival is in town and there’s something not quite right about it. People are disappearing and no one is noticing. No-one except you.
.
It felt like an interesting prompt and I thought I might join so here is my entry.
Warning : (Story has slight scenes related to drugs, alcohol and harm).
The smell of sickly-sweet cotton candy, wafted under my nose, the screaming teenagers on the roller coaster, the brightly lit capsules of a Ferris wheel not too far from where I stood. It bought back a lot of memories when I was a dumb stupid teenager where I met Joshua, the suppose love of my life at a carnival which came to town like this one.
The fireworks were setting off in the sky, the colours were blinding, but it wasn’t unwelcome. The year finally ended, and a new year began. All the bad luck and misfortune I have suffered is finally behind me and I am glad. I looked at little Eve, she was as adorable as I hoped.
The family drama of my surprise pregnancy, and the divorce and the battle of the fights and argument with the baby’s father, my family, his family which even gotten my grandparents involved wasn’t exactly pretty.
No blood was involved, okay maybe a little when my mother threatened my ex-husband, Joshua with a knife and she did graze him, but it did scare him off and I now have the full custody of Eve and my family’s support. It was just going so well.
Eve gurgled slightly, “Yes baby. Mommy’s here. I am here and always will be here for you.” I picked her up and gave her a little kiss on the forehead and then placed her back inside the troller, “Let’s go home. It’s late,” as I gave a look at a strange tent red and orange tent that caught my eye before.
It’s really unique. But hmm… people only entered but doesn’t come out. Is that show that great? But only teenagers went in. It must be some hipster place.
I shook off the thought. I need to head home before the stations are closed. Carefully, I pushed the baby stroller along the slight uneven walkway, yet I still managed to cause the wheel to be stuck in one of the cracks. Lifting the baby stroller wasn’t a pretty affair, I don’t know it was just kinda hard, and it was then, I noticed the sign outside of the tent, “Have a Glimpse of the Future!”
That’s sounds interesting. Maybe…
The wheel was unstuck, and I felt my legs moving on its own towards the tent.
It wouldn’t be bad. Just a little detour before going home.
Suddenly I felt someone holding onto my hand, I turned around to find myself staring at a little girl.
“Who are you, little girl?”
“I… am Eve.”
“What a lovely name. You had the same one as my daughter. And your eyes too. They are the same colours as me. What coincidence.”
“Don’t go in,” she said pleadingly, holding onto my hand tightly.
There were almost tears in her eyes.
“Alright. I wouldn’t,” I assured her.
Her expression suddenly beamed at my answer. I patted her head and wished her a farewell. She waved back at me and then as I turned around the little girl seemed to disappear and so does the tent. I couldn’t believe my eyes, I blinked and rubbed them but like those books and movies, it was truly gone. Vanished into thin air.
What had happened?
But I shrugged it off, nothing happened to me anyway.
Suddenly, a thought struck me, I hurried to the front of stroller to check on Eve. I sighed a breath of relief. She was still here with me. “My baby Eve,” I told her softly and she giggled in return. “I will always be with you. Don’t worry.”
“Are you sure?” a voice asked in the darkness behind me. I was worried, afraid to turn around because that voice was a familiar voice. It belonged to me. The hint of worry, depression, anxiousness. It was from a past self.
“NO! You lied to me.”
A beam of spotlight descended on a pair, appearing in front of my eyes were the previous little girl, Eve and a mysterious ringmaster with a mask.
“Don’t’ look behind you!” yelled Eve but she was too late. Someone grabbed my hand, and I looked into her eyes, I recognized those demons that once haunted me. They smiled and greeted me. The ugly green one waved its long dirty fingers at me. I called him Greed. And there the gentleman who always neat and tidy, called Pride and of course, there was the timid little imp in a unicorn pyjama named Coward. There was a constant friend who accompanied me all throughout my life.
Standing in front of me, standing there was my younger self, my teenage self.
The dark sunken eyes, sullen mood that I always carried.
She smiled.
I was taken aback.
“Even I shirked from myself,” my younger self said.
“I didn’t mean too. You are mean… surely you know. I didn’t mean to… be rude.”
“Did you?”
Little Eve came running towards me.
“Don’t believe anything she said to you. You mustn’t.”
My younger self caught my hand, “You don’t exist.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I am you. You and I. We are one.”
“Yes?”
“If I am the younger one says that you don’t exist, then you wouldn’t have existed.”
“But I am here. You aren’t making any sense.”
The three demons manifested themselves in front of me. Hiding behind Greed, Coward whispered, “You will forever be a wussy. Afraid of the past, afraid of the present and naturally the future too.”
Greed nodded and added, “You want everything the other girls have, the clothes, the boyfriends, the perfect and rich parents but you had none of them.”
Holding onto Coward, Pride teased, “And you are so afraid how others see you that you hide behind a façade. Creating a new you. Working multiple jobs to afford those lavish clothes and expensive jewelry.”
My younger self was shriveling into a ball on the ground. “Stop!” she cried out.
“Huh, you want us to stop?” stated Pride with a smirk. He glanced over to Greed. His ugly teeth were showing, and the demon said, “You were greedy for everything, and your body was tired, so you used drugs to help you.”
“And hiding it from everyone,” said Pride.
“Until you… were found out,” mentioned Coward. “Everyone left.”
It seemed their words hurt my younger self more than it hurt me.
.
Standing in front of her, protecting myself literally, I replied to their harsh remarks.
“I wasn’t weak. Because of Eve, I stopped using drugs and alcohol. Because of my baby, I went and begged my parents. We reconciled. And with their support I was able to leave Joshua and start anew.”
“Did you now. Could you really?” asked Pride as he approached closer. I tried to push him away, but he passed through me and squatted down next to my younger self. “Do you believe that you can do all that?”
“You are me,” said Coward who sat down next to her as well.
Greed with his filthy laugh, “You want everything, but surely not a mother. A young pregnant teen. Do you really want that?”
Pride added, “Your perfect image, broken by an oversize baby bump. What would others think.”
The spotlight was shining upon my younger self. She was sobbing. “Stop it. I don’t want to think about anything else. Joshua is the only one I need. As long he loves me. Everything always feels better.”
The ring master approached her, taking off his mask. It was Joshua.
“You called?”
Her eyes began to shine and said, “Joshua. Just stay here. I need you. As long you are here. I can be perfect.”
I was sick just looking at her clinging to him like that, but I can’t deny the fact that he was once a light in the darkness which I held firmly because of the demons that plagued me.
Just as she touched him, those demons disappeared.
But I knew it well, he was just a temporary relief. They will never disappear. I stepped in between them, breaking them off. Her eyes trailed after him, but I took her chin, “Look at me,” I said.
“You are going to be well in the future. I am you. I know what you are suffering now. Others might not, but I understand it the best. Those three, will always be lurking around the back, even if we just took one false step. But… we will survive all of this. Joshua he was nothing, other than the fact that he helped giving us. Eve.”
I pulled Little Eve towards me.
“If you don’t choose us. You will be stuck in the darkness, with those three demons, with a flickering candle in the wind, called Joshua for the rest of your life.”
Tears filled her eyes, but I saw within them, not of hope but a great depression that couldn’t be overcome like a deep cave without an end. She wasn’t looking at us.
Greed took out colorful pills of every colour like a rainbow which flowed endlessly out from his hands, while Coward handed her a glass of alcohol.
“Take them,” said Pride. “It will surely ease your life. Forget about all them. They are not real. You will never be like her. You will not have that kind of future. It’s out of your reach.”
“Yeah, you will be with us forever,” stated Greed with grimy smile, showing all its yellowish teeth. Even Coward said, “We can stay in the room. Protected from the outside world.”
“Don’t listen to them. We deserve a much better future.”
“That’s enough. It’s time for the closing act.”
The Ringmaster suddenly clapped, and the stage turned dark.
When the curtains were lifted. I was tied to a chair in the middle of the ring. And in the background were rows of guests who were in the same predicament.
“Ah you have woken up. You will the first act,” said the Ringmaster who still had Joshua’s face. As I have loathed Joshua, so do I now.
The man led out a beautiful, dressed girl dressed like a clown. She had a huge heart painted on her left eye, with a red and black suit matching boomer with a mesh neck ruff tulle ruffle collar. Because of the frills, it took me quite a while to recognize it was my teenage self.
The Ringmaster kissed her hand.
“Get ready now, my darling.”
She walked to my side, taking out a sharp long knife and held it close to my neck.
It wasn’t just me. Suddenly from all of the guests there, a shadow of their younger self appeared from behind. In each of their hands, there was a long sharp knife.
The Ringmaster was laughing, “What a show!”
“You are committing mass murder.”
He turned and looked at me.
“This is a circus. You are the main show. Killing dreams are my specialty. Or more specifically, killing a person’s future.”
“I am the present. She is the past.”
“That’s what you think.”
With a snap of a finger, Little Eve appeared.
“Sorry but to disappoint you but both are you are the future. This here, is the Present.” He snapped his finger and a clown appeared to bring the stroller close with baby Eve sleeping quietly within.
“She is the past,” pointed out the Ringmaster.
“How? It can’t be.”
“I am a Ringmaster of Dreams. My guests are usually teenagers but this little one stumbled into my tent by a chance of fate. She is too young to understand anything. She only sympathized with her teenage self and swore to never be like her. It was a first failure and it hurt my pride. You see, I never failed to kill a future before.”
“So, we make a bet,” said Little Eve.
“I use the past to lure you here, Young Adult Eve.”
Little Eve ran towards me, with tears flowing out from her eyes, “I tried to stop you. I didn’t want you to get hurt. I want us all to be good. I know we can.”
“Do you?” asked the Ringmaster, looming like a shadow. His eyes glowed and from under my seat, skeletons appeared, raising the height of the chair in line with the Ringmaster growing height as his appearance slowly changed and resembled that of Greed, Pride and Coward.
When it stopped rings of fire appeared surrounding the ring, as snakes showed up, snaking their way around the empty skulls, rib cages and bones.
“Let’s us see. I gave you the chance, but you failed. Teenager Eve doesn’t believe in your future. Killing you, she will never be an adult. It’s my success.”
He pulled away Little Eve, as Teenager Eve started slicing into my neck, blood speed out.
“Eve, you know you can be me. I am you. Believe in yourself.”
Tears were flowing from the corner of her eyes, but her hand didn’t stop.
“We can achieve a better future. You can change. I will be even better.”
“Big sister Eve. We can. Remember me,” stated Little Eve.
“How we love plants, the unicorn pajamas and the proms we will go with our dream guy who will fetch us in a suit like a prince,” I yelled.
“Believe in tomorrow,” said Little Eve.
“The pain you are suffering is only temporary!”
“Remember our quote!” We both shouted.
Her hand trembled and the knife fell and dropped onto the ground.
“Unicorn grant magic to the stubborn heart, magic happens when you didn’t give up even though you want to,” stated Teenager Eve.
“Yes!” We both cried out.
“Well played. The three of you,” stated the Ringmaster. “Seems like I have failed not only once but twice. But I do keep my promises. You, Eves have win against seduction,” as he hissed. A split tongue appeared, as he turned into a gigantic snake that towered above all of us. Its body sparkled green under the spotlight. It opened its mouth, and we were quite literally staring at death, as it breathed at our face a whole lot of… Glitter.
“Darling you finally woke up,” said my parents.
“I had a-“
“Nightmare?” asked my mother.
“No. It was good dream. We won. All of us Eves with unicorn magic.”
They smiled even though they didn’t understand her.
“Let’s go home. It’s late,” stated mother.
“Yeah,” I replied. My father carried me on his back as I took a final look at the blue and orange tent at the opposite road, the carnival was in town, and no one noticed people went in and never reappeared from the mysterious tent. No one except me.
(2441 Words)
That’s all folks. Hope you enjoy this short story. Please do let me know whether you were able to guess all the relations between the Eves. Or until it was revealed that you had no idea at all.
What do you think about Eve?
What about the demons? or the Ringmaster?
September 4, 2023
Restaurant Tien Tien Lai
Restaurant Tien Tien Lai @ Pudu, Kuala Lumpur as at 01/08/2023
Hidden behind a building, is a small restaurant which have been operating for at least forty years (sorry but I didn’t know the exact years I estimated it based on my dad’s age). My dad came here to tapao (takeaway) since he was a kid (this was the place he grew up). He came here to reminisce the taste. It proved to be worth the trip as the taste was still just as he remembered and loved. We ordered, their sweet and sour fried fish, their steamed egg (which are my parent’s favorite dish) and vinegar pork ribs. They were all quite delicious!
Here’s are some other things on the menu, it’s old style so there’s no English so if you don’t Chinese/Mandarin, it’s better to bring a friend along who could order on behalf. But if you know Cantonese, you can converse with the owner and order with him.
We parked out on the street and walked around 5mins into the place. So if you are not sure what to do, it’s better to look up the map before going.
I do recommend to come here for a delicious meal.
Address: 490, Jln Pudu, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (They are closed on Tuesday so take note). We came around 7pm and there’s place was already full.
September 3, 2023
Quote of the Day
“Nobody is always a winner, and anybody who says he is, is either a liar or doesn’t play poker.”
Amarillo Slim (Poker Player)
No one wins forever. People fail, it’s common. Don’t make a big deal out of it and try again 
#MondayMotivation
Disclaimer: Quote doesn’t belong to me.
August 30, 2023
Happy National Day!
Home @ Malaysia as at 31/08/2023
I am a Malaysian girl. Bred and born. Sometimes it’s hurtful to listen how people say that Chinese aren’t native residents to the country (a whole history behind it) but, although my roots are in China, Hakka descent but I truly relate myself to as a Malaysian Chinese/ Chinese Malaysian, whenever someone asks me where I came from. My grandfather was from China but then he found his love here in Malaysia and married by grandmother who is a local Malaysian.
My father was the second youngest of his six siblings. He was born and grow up here in Malaysia, just like I am. We are proud Malaysians. Malaysia is not perfect, although we keep saying that we would like to move away, in the end, we never did. There are always some things you hate and love about your country. Let’s not dwell on the bad but focus on the good. There’s aren’t any natural disasters (except for floods); no earthquakes, volcanic activity, blizzards or hurricanes which is such a blessings and I love the weather, sun and rain all year long (no season, no spring, summer, autumn or winter).
So I don’t have to several set of clothes for cold and warm weather. I either take an umbrella or I don’t or I could still bring it with me if it’s too hot but Malaysian, I feel doesn’t shy away much from the weather except when it’s hot then we go hide in malls.
We like the air-cond they provided.
Next, we have great food. There’s a variety of it here.
Malays, Indian, Chinese and others, just like the multiple races we have here. It’s peaceful, we learn to tolerate and be patient with others because that’s how harmony between the races bought about a peaceful country. With each addition, they add a little spice to our life. It’s no wonder Malaysia is famous for our diverse food too — Nasi Lemak, Nasi Kandar, Roti Canai, Murtabak, Curry Mee and many more. I can’t even list down all of it here.
It’s not easy for a country with multiple cultures to blend together while at the same time retaining our own originality.
My heart swells for my homeland, Malaysia, a treasure trove of unity in diversity.
I really love my country, Malaysia.
August 27, 2023
Quote of the Day
“You can’t try to do things, you must simply do things.”
Ray Bradbury (Writer)
I absolutely agree with this quote or else my story will forever be unfinished, forever in my mind. Unwritten.
Write regardless of the outcome.
Disclaimer: Quote doesn’t belong to me.
Other Writing prompts
You don’t have to stick to words for inspiration, listen to a song (create a playlist, share other playlists) and write a story relate to it.
Hear a tune, imagine what might happen after it comes to an end.
My prompt:
As the Christmas tune waned, a pixie-like creature emerged from behind a packet of chips, wings shimmering. Delighted gasps sounded as it danced, enchanting the moment. “What a pretty thing?” I exclaimed. Abruptly, it pivoted, eyes blackening, fangs baring. “You see me? Must I end you?” Its once-charming presence shifted to something ominous. I knew that I have to immediately run, because, there wasn’t only one but hundreds came out from aisle.
.
Look at some pictures and combine them to make up a story. Hey, it might be your new storyboard as well.
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" data-medium-file="https://sereinchoo.files.wordpress.co..." data-large-file="https://sereinchoo.files.wordpress.co..." srcset="https://sereinchoo.files.wordpress.co... 600w,https://sereinchoo.files.wordpress.co... 900w,https://sereinchoo.files.wordpress.co... 1040w" alt="" data-height="1300" data-id="861" data-link="https://sereinchoo.wordpress.com/?att..." data-url="https://sereinchoo.files.wordpress.co..." data-width="1040" src="https://sereinchoo.files.wordpress.co..." />My prompt:
Amidst the bustling city, janitor Samuel sought solace in the antique-colored glass windows adorning the bookstore. These relics refracted light, casting mesmerizing patterns upon timeworn shelves and leather-bound tomes. Amid this tranquility, a woman caught his eye—her aura odd, her feet oddly bereft of shadows.
Unperturbed by the unusual, Samuel resumed his usual sidewalk sweeping. However, fate intervened when the woman burst from the bookstore, pursued by towering shadow creatures. In a whirlwind of chaos, she grasped his hand, enmeshing him in a web of intrigue. Utilizing magic, she transported them to the nearest airport.
Together, they embarked on a journey to unravel a mystery that led them to a mountainous peak. “Where and what are we doing?!” asked Samuel, bewildered by the mysterious woman.
“They’ve seen you. You’ll be safer with me,” she assured him.
Meanwhile, a satellite station intercepted a dormant frequency for centuries. The honeycomb mirror that concealed all secrets, a shadowless man waiting for them, in the enigmatic mountain town—all converged in a tale of magic against science ready to be unveiled. (178 words)
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Go for a walk, imagine being a tree or suddenly you swap bodies with your nosy neighbor or with your siblings. If your everyday household item suddenly turning into a magical weapon, what might happen?
So start, have fun with writing. Open up your mind to possibilities.
August 26, 2023
Tips on Writing Prompts
Utilizing creative writing prompts holds no wrong approach (except for harmful intent)—their purpose lies in stimulating writing and igniting imagination.
To extract maximum benefit from these prompts, consider these six tips (at least it works for me). Experiment with them to enhance your writing experience!
Tip No. 1 – Go in without perfectionism. It’s okay that it’s not your best work. Just write. It won’t bite.
Tip No. 2 – Don’t limit yourself. It doesn’t have to 100 words, novel, poem. Just writing some thoughts regarding the prompt is writing too!
Tip No. 3 – Think big. Think out of the box. Don’t limit yourself to the things that you usually write, write comedy, write a short mystery, sprinkle into some sugar and spice – aliens, vampires, sea creatures, maybe even your mom or your annoying neighbor into the mix. Maybe you could get a wonderful concoction.
Tip No. 4 – Switch up your method of writing. Try first person perspective, try words that you never used before, try incorporating different elements. Instead of starting your sentences with a scene, how about jump right into with the thoughts of the characters?
Tip No. 5 – Mix and match prompts. Why can’t you? Don’t just stick to one. Try getting two and you might get a discount on inspiration.
Tip No. 6 – Try to write regularly. Even I have a problem with this but still, prompts are really good way to start small and slowly grow from there. You know you only need 7 continuous day to create a new habit.
Hope it helps to make the journey to writing prompts less daunting!
August 25, 2023
Writing prompts Benefits
I think writing prompts are really helpful to get your creative juices running. They are simple, fun and helps with writing. How you might ask?
Benefit 1#Writing prompts serve as creative stimuli, sparking ideas and helping writers overcome writer’s blocks.
I can that this is true which I can attests. Sometimes you an also incorporate it into your story. When you are stuck at a peculiar scene, look at some prompts, it might spark some inspirations. I started ‘Flower and Coin’ through a prompt, and that beginning kept on expanding and now I have a whole novel.
Benefit 2#They provide a starting point, encouraging exploration of various themes, genres, and perspectives.
With so many types of prompts to choose from, you can select those that you usually don’t write. Experiment with other genres, think of difference scenarios to put your characters in, mix and match different prompts to make it more interesting; there’s so much you can do with prompts. Read how other interpreted the same prompts. I can guarantee that it’s very interesting what others might write about the same thing. I once had the same friend who totally make a sappy scene turned into a total comedy show while I on the other hand, experimented with writing sadness, the grief that the particular character would go through.
Benefit 3#Prompts also diversify skills, prompting experimentation with unfamiliar styles.
With a short word count/no word count, you can try to use prompts to improve your writing, writing within limit, writing without limit, how to start a story, what makes a story interesting etc. Writing in a first person perspective or a third person perspective etc. Explore other ways, methods that you don’t usually use. It’s just a creative learning process.
Benefit 4#Regular use hones skills, fosters consistency, and nurtures a writing routine.
Prompts are great when you are starting small and wanted to tried out things. Start with a mini goal, like how to wow your audiences within 100 words.
For example, start writing a scene where a stranger was stuck in the car and what happens inside it in less than 100 words. Make it interesting:-
A college professor, stranded in the rain, reminisced about meeting his wife on campus. Memories flooded back: their first encounter, late-night study sessions, love blossoming. Suddenly, she materialized, umbrella in hand. He blinked, “Is it true?” he wondered. But shock gripped him as she confessed—”I am not a human but an alien from Nebula 1.” Her supposed death a ruse. Now, she sought his company on her distant planet, “Will you join me?” He nodded as droplets of rain all but hung in the air. No gravity exists at that moment except for the one under his and her feet.
Slowly from there, you experiments with word counts. Start with around 100, 200 and slowly increase the word count (but remember as well to not be limited by the word count). It’s all about experimenting and finding a way for you to write creatively, with consistency. Since it’s not writing a lot, it is less daunting and once you overcome the fear of writing, then you can start writing consistently. Make a routine and try to stick to it, eg. writing one prompts in a week, two times a week. write one thousands words in a month etc.).
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Ultimately, prompts broaden horizons, boost confidence, and inspire unique narratives. You should try some prompts today!
Here’s a list of prompts that you might want to try (within 100 words).
“In a world where memories can be bought and sold, a person wakes up one day to find all their memories missing.”“Write a scene where two strangers are stuck in an hotel room during a power outage.”“A character discovers an old, dusty vacuum cleaner in their attic that seems to hold the key to a family secret.”“Imagine a future where technology has advanced to the point where dreams can be recorded and shared. Write a story about the consequences of this technology.”“Write from the perspective of a flower in a flower pot. What is life for it?”There’s a more comprehensive prompts go to > link (Reedsy) There’s even some live writing prompts where you can submit your story and read the older ones that were previously submitted by others.
August 22, 2023
Chinese Myth: CowHerd and Weaver Girl
It’s double seven (7th Day of the 7th Month on the Chinese Calendar where Chinese will celebrate Seventh Evening/Qixi Festival (Chinese: “七夕节”, Pinyin: Qī xī jié). A unique Chinese counterpart to Valentine’s Day emerges, albeit with a tinge of melancholy in contrast to the Western narrative of valiant love. Rooted in a distinct tale, as shared by generations past, at least the ones I heard from my parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. Every year they tell how, Niu Lang (Chinese: 牛郎; pinyin: niú láng) and his wife, Zhi Nu (Chinese: 织女/織女; pinyin: zhī nǚ) meet.
Once upon a time, there were seven goddesses who lived in heaven. They were all sisters, daughters of the Heavenly Emperor and Empress. And ZhiNu was one of them. It was forbidden for them to go to the mortal realm but one day, they sneakily took a trip to the mortal world and decided to bathe together in a lake which was located near a cowherd’s home. They laughed and splashed water around and their actions caught a cowherd’s attention, NiuLang who was passing by, saw them and took one of the daughter’s fairy clothing, imbued with special powers, enabled her to fly back/returned to the Heavens.
Without it, she was stranded while all her sister went back to Heavens.
NiuLang proposed a trade: her hand in marriage in exchange for the enchanted fairy clothing. ZhiNu agreed and as promised after their marriage, NiuLang returned her fairy clothing. Over time, ZhiNu’s heart warmed to him, and they bore two beautiful children. Content in the mortal realm, she chose to stay instead of going back to the Heavens.
While she was in the mortal realm, the other sisters became worried about her because it was illegal for a goddess to marry a mortal man. However, no matter how hard they tried to hide it, her absence was noticed by her mother, the Empress of Heavens. She was ordered back to the Heavenly realm to continue her weaving duties.
She didn’t want to part but her duties were important as well. And she was threatened by the Empress that if she didn’t leave, she would punish the moral, NiuLang.
Heavy hearted, ZhiNu left, leaving behind her husband and children.
Saddened by her parting, NiuLang lamented his fate and suddenly his ox started speaking and helped him in his journey to go to the Heavens to reunite with ZhiNu. However, his plans failed as the Empress found out and using her ‘hairpin’ she drew a rift/river and separated the pair from ever meeting again but the cowherd did not give up. Together with ZhiNu’s six other sisters, he begged the Empress to allow them to meet again.
His determination softened her heart and allowed the couple to meet every 7th day of the 7th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Many magpies came together on this day, to form a bridge for them to see each other. Once they reunite, it starts to rain because both lovers and the magpies are sad as their meeting was both important yet short.
There are many variations to the story but essential the story roughly will go like this.
Designated as the Qixi Festival, this day holds China’s most romantic and traditional essence, now dubbed the Chinese Valentine’s Day. This year, it falls on August 22th in the Gregorian calendar. As NiuLang and ZhiNu reunite around this time, people usually use this day/date to pray/offer prayers for potential connections or a safe reunion. Admirable is NiuLang’s enduring pursuit of ZhiNu despite numerous obstacles. His tenacity teaches us not to falter in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
See you next time.
P.s Picture is drawn personally by me (Serein Choo) Please do not use without permission.
