Blog Posts - DUO Education: The Path to a Brighter Future

Writing Prompt 12 for 2014

6/23/2014

Hello everyone! Today's writing prompt is a little different than previous ones. Today, there is a list of words and you have to try to work them all into a story some how. It doesn't matter in which order you use them as long as they are all in the story somewhere.
Can you write a story that includes the words: mouse, banjo, dog, silly, jump, grandpa, food, moose, chase, and fish? Good luck! If you choose to use this writing prompt and would like to share it with me, I would love to see what you wrote.
If done well, I bet this would make a great little children's story!

Story Starter 11 for 2014

6/16/2014

Hello everyone. Many people, as young children, think about what they want to do or be when they grow up. Have you ever done that? That is the focus of today's story starter.
Take a moment to think back about your thoughts of what you wanted to be when you grew up. Maybe you are still in school and just had those thoughts yesterday. Or, maybe you had the thoughts many, many years ago. (For some of us, that might be a little farther back than for others.) Remember you excitement and hopefulness for the future. Try to remember your reasoning and motivation for choosing that particular profession and path in life. If you are older, did you accomplish that particular goal? Why or why not? Are you glad that you chose the path you did choose, whether it was that same goal or not? If you are younger, do you think you will accomplish the goal? Why or why not? Do you have a plan?
Now that you have the memory fresh in your mind again, write about it. When you were younger, what did you dream of being when you grew up?

Writing Prompt 11 for 2014

6/9/2014

Hello everyone. Mealtime is one of those times that often evoke memories. People remember things like family sitting down to eat at the table and talking about the day, or picnicking out by the lake, or going to the fair and eating fried dough. With all the smells, tastes, and memories, it is often a magnificent time to describe.
Writing descriptions is a wonderful skill to practice. Great description makes writing more appealing. It makes it easier to draw your readers into the story and help them relate to characters in your story.
I would be happy to read your mealtime descriptions. I will try not to read them while I am hungry. LOL!

Story Starter 10 for 2014

6/2/2014

Hello everyone. Summer vacation is almost here. School will be out and people will do what they do during the summer. Some people may even be camping.
One of my favorite summer sounds is the sound of water splashing up against the shore and trickling back. To me, it is a pleasant and soothing sound. So, I decided to use it as a story starter this week. LOL! Maybe it is wishful thinking; hoping to be able to go camping soon. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the assignment this week.

Writing Prompt 10 for 2014

5/26/2014

Hello everyone! Today's writing prompt has to do with characters. We can call it a character study. In order to strengthen your own writing, it is sometimes good to study the writing of those you enjoy.
Yes, this is another list. I find lists helpful. Sometimes you don't realize certain things until you write a list and take a look at it. It is like you have to see it to believe it. LOL!
So, write the lists. What makes the characters you enjoy so powerful, so good, so enjoyable?

*Today is Memorial Day! May we all take a moment to remember what that really means!

Story Starter 9 for 2014

5/19/2014

Hello everyone. Today's story starter is another broad topic. I do that so that there is plenty of room for imagination. "I couldn't believe my eyes. Smoke was everywhere!"
That isn't too specific. Where is the smoke coming from? Is something burning in the oven? Is the house on fire? Is a building on fire? Is there a forest fire? Is it a dream? Who is writing the story? What are the specific details? Is someone stretching the truth a little when they are saying "smoke everywhere?"
It certainly seems to be a climactic event. It isn't everyday when you see smoke everywhere. Tell us the story! I would certainly love to hear what you write as a result of this activity!

Writing Prompt 9 for 2014

5/12/2014

Hello everyone. Or, um… I mean... "Fight, fight!" Yes. Today's writing prompt is about a fight or an argument. It may not be a real fight. I don't know. That is up to you.
When writing, many climactic scenes involve an argument, disagreement, or fight of some sort. That is not always the case, but there is usually a problem of some sort. So, I thought today would be a great day to practice writing a vivid and believable argument scene.
Give your readers a sense of what is going on. Describe the setting and the reason for the fight. Who does the fight involve? Who is there? What is it about? Why is it taking place when and where it is? Who started it? Are there witnesses? How does the fight stop? What are the consequences of the fight?
As always, I would love to see what your results. Feel free to contact me or leave a tidbit of the scene in the comments section. Thank you.

Story Starter 8 for 2014

5/5/2014

Hello everyone! Some of us have had a dream where we were flying, so this story starter may not be a work of fiction. It is kind of a classic dream. However, for some, it may be a fantasy story.
Flying through the air, could be an exciting adventure. The story starter is very broad and nonspecific. It could mean that you were flying in an airplane or flying as yourself. Maybe you turned into a bird and were flying. Who knows?
I look forward to seeing some of your results.

Writing Prompt 8 for 2014

4/28/2014

Hello everyone! Description is an important skill for a writer to master. So, I thought I would give everyone an opportunity to practice. Today's writing prompt is to describe the last silly event that you witnessed.
Make your readers feel as if they were right there with you. Where were you? Who was with you? When was it? What time of day was it? What happened? What were you feeling? What could you see? What could you hear? What could you smell? Using the five senses often helps to make a description more vivid. Also, use specific words. For example: Instead of saying "dog," say "golden retriever."
One way to check out whether or not your description was effective or not is to ask people to draw a picture of it. If they draw similar pictures to what you witnessed, then you know you did a great job.

Story Starter 7 for 2014

4/21/2014

Hello everyone! I would like to apologize for not posting the past two weeks. I had a family emergency and also wanted to be respectful of Holy Week. But, I am now back and ready to post.

Today’s story starter is on Easter. It asks you to remember or make up a time when Easter was exciting for you. It is a great starter to get descriptive about an Easter day.

I wish you well with it. I would love to hear your stories, if you choose to use this story starter. Thank you!