Final Prompts: “Farewell, Gratitude, Celebration”

Greetings Islanders,

After much soul searching for quite some time, I find myself at this truly difficult, but inescapable decision — I am discontinuing the Writer’s Island writing prompts, as well as the Matinée Muse writing prompts. I don’t know if this will be forever, only time and circumstance will decide that. Please know, should I ever resume the Island’s writing prompt services again, all of you who have participated will be promptly notified.

I have poured myself into, and thoroughly enjoyed conjuring up these prompts — seeing all of you come to the Island to write, to share… to participate in this community. But demands on my time, from many directions, are ever-increasing. Continuing to properly and effectively offer the weekly prompts has sadly, just become to much for me to do.

I’ve come to realize the time I invest creating and maintaining the Island’s writing prompts — along with moderating, numerous times each day, the link posts, sorting the spam from the legitimate posts that get trapped in Akismet, and correcting the legitimate links that are often mis-posted… this is all beginning to consume the limited time I have available for my personal writing and art. I feel the output and the quality level of my work are both beginning to suffer — becoming inconsistent.

My first loves, following my wife and children, are my writing and my art — these are my passions, they are my joy. I started Writer’s Island, spur of the moment last year, because we were losing Poetry Thursday — and I wanted to provide a temporary place for that particular community of writers to continue to come together, and share their work.

After a tremendous start, weekly participation in the Island’s prompts has now begun to decline. There are currently a plethora of sites, of varying quality, that provide a variety of writing prompts — so the former Poetry Thursday community has numerous places to be inspired and to share.

I desire to return to simply being a writer and artist. This experience has been wonderful, and it will be a sustaining memory for me. Thank you to all who enjoined their creative spirits to breath life into our Island prompts.

In the spirit of nostalgia, I offer three final writing prompts. This post, with these three prompts, will remain open all summer, along with the comments section, for you to post as many links as you wish. These final three prompts are from my heart: • “Farewell” • “Gratitude” • “Celebration”

May your seas be ever calm, and the wind always at your back. Peace!

 

…Rob

 

Prompt & Link: “Curiosity”

Watch for a Special Announcement on July 4th.
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9:00 AM Friday morning, June 27th 2008, on the U.S. West Coast, is quickly approaching — so… here I am with a new Prompt! This week’s, and the forty first Writer’s Island prompt is: “Curiosity“.

This word stirs my fascination, and piques my interest. For instance, is it truly lethal to felines? Does this word inspire your sense of wonder? Share with us what it is that excites your “Curiosity“ .

••>
We turn to a darkly gripping movie, Wanted,
for our twenty fifth and twenty sixth Matinee Muse prompts.

The first is: “Avenge”.
Have you ever, or ever wanted to retaliate, settle a score, get even,
or right a wrong or injustice perpetrated against another? If you did — how?

The second is: “Guardian”.
Who or what do you watch over, or feel the need to protect –
a person, an ideal, a way of life, maybe this planet on which we live?

The Matinee Muse prompts are now a regular weekly offering, so please enjoy!
Remember — this, and every week, click the poster to learn about the movie.
<••

Feel free to use any one, or all, of this week’s prompts — or use your own, if you so choose. Whatever moves your soul this week is what we all want to read.

So, create your poem, prose, short story, essay, commentary, or whatever — and post it on your blog. Feel free to include recordings of you reading your work — and any photo, artwork, or graphic representation you feel is relevant.

When you have finished your piece, please return here to this post and place your link to your work as a comment — and as you know, just the link, not the piece.

Please realize there is no need to rush, this post will be open to receive your links for the entire week, leading up to the next prompt.

May your muse, this week and every week, coax you to write your very best — write from your heart! We can’t wait to see what you create.

Prompt & Link: “Questionable”

REMINDER: in the months of July, August, and September, there will be a new prompt post only once a month here on Writer’s Island, posted the first Friday of each month — not every week. Prompts monthly, not weekly this Summer.

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9:00 AM Friday morning, June 20th 2008, on the U.S. West Coast, is quickly approaching — so… here I am with a new Prompt! This week’s, and the fortieth Writer’s Island prompt is: “Questionable“.

No doubt, this word would appear wide open for interpretation. What is it you’ve had your doubts about, or stirred your uncertainty? Where does “Questionable“ take your imagination? Share with us what you envision.

••>
We turn to a bittersweet, but inspiring movie, Brick Lane,
for our twenty third and twenty fourth Matinee Muse prompts.

The first is: “Coercion”.
Have you ever felt pressured, or pushed, against your will
toward someone or something?

The second is: “Awakening”.
Does this spark a vision of self-discovery or revelation –
or perhaps you envision a stirring of memory, or return from dormancy/death?

The Matinee Muse prompts are now a regular weekly offering, so please enjoy!
Remember — this, and every week, click the poster to learn about the movie.
<••

Feel free to use any one, or all, of this week’s prompts — or use your own, if you so choose. Whatever moves your soul this week is what we all want to read.

So, create your poem, prose, short story, essay, commentary, or whatever — and post it on your blog. Feel free to include recordings of you reading your work — and any photo, artwork, or graphic representation you feel is relevant.

When you have finished your piece, please return here to this post and place your link to your work as a comment — and as you know, just the link, not the piece.

Please realize there is no need to rush, this post will be open to receive your links for the entire week, leading up to the next prompt.

May your muse, this week and every week, leave no doubt that you will write your very best — write from your heart! We can’t wait to see what you create.

Prompt & Link: “Superstition”

REMINDER: in the months of July, August, and September, there will be a new prompt post only once a month here on Writer’s Island, posted the first Friday of each month — not every week. Prompts monthly, not weekly this Summer.

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9:00 AM Friday morning, June 13th 2008, on the U.S. West Coast, is quickly approaching — so… here I am with a new Prompt! This week’s, and the thirty-ninth Writer’s Island prompt is: “Superstition”.

That word conjurs ominous, foreboding images for me. Maybe visions of good luck? Where does “Superstition“ take your imagination? Share with us what you envision.

••>
We turn to a surprisingly interesting movie, The Incredible Hulk,
for our twenty first and twenty second Matinee Muse prompts.
The first is: “Transformation”.
Have you witnessed, or envisioned a total change in someone or something –
perhaps in yourself or your feelings or opinions?.

The second is: “Alter Ego”.
Does this spark for you a sense of yin and yang, good and bad –
or perhaps it appears as dark and light, or timid and bold?

The Matinee Muse prompts are now a regular weekly offering, so please enjoy!
Remember — this, and every week, click the poster to learn about the movie.
<••

Feel free to use any one, or all, of this week’s prompts — or use your own, if you so choose. Whatever moves your soul this week is what we all want to read.

So, create your poem, prose, short story, essay, commentary, or whatever — and post it on your blog. Feel free to include recordings of you reading your work — and any photo, artwork, or graphic representation you feel is relevant.

When you have finished your piece, please return here to this post and place your link to your work as a comment — and as you know, just the link, not the piece.

Please realize there is no need to rush, this post will be open to receive your links for the entire week, leading up to the next prompt.

May your muse, this week and every week, bring you the good fortune to write your very best — write from your heart! We can’t wait to see what you create.

Prompt & Link: “Unexpected”

9:00 AM Friday morning, June 6th 2008, on the U.S. West Coast, is quickly approaching — so… here I am with a new Prompt! This week’s, and the thirty-eighth Writer’s Island prompt is: “Unexpected”.

That word paints some startling and exciting images for me. Where does “Unexpected“ take your imagination? Share with us what you envision.

••>
We turn to an honest and touching movie, When Did You Last See Your Father,
for our nineteenth and twentieth Matinee Muse prompts.
The first is: “Overshadowed”.
Does that put you in mind of someone/something being unseen or overlooked?
Perhaps you envision the idea of being unappreciated.

The second is: “Reconciliation”.
Does this spark for you a sense of reuniting, maybe even healing?
Maybe it stirs an uplifting or meaningful personal experience or memory.

The Matinee Muse prompts are now a regular weekly offering, so please enjoy!
Remember — this, and every week, click the poster to learn about the movie.
<••

Feel free to use any one, or all, of this week’s prompts — or use your own, if you so choose. Whatever moves your soul this week is what we all want to read.

So, create your poem, prose, short story, essay, commentary, or whatever — and post it on your blog. Feel free to include recordings of you reading your work — and any photo, artwork, or graphic representation you feel is relevant.

When you have finished your piece, please return here to this post and place your link to your work as a comment — and as you know, just the link, not the piece.

Please realize there is no need to rush, this post will be open to receive your links for the entire week, leading up to the next prompt.

May your muse, this week and every week, surprise you with ample inspiration to write your very best — write from your heart! We can’t wait to see what you create.

Prompt & Link: “Extravagant”

9:00 AM Friday morning, May 30th 2008, on the U.S. West Coast, is quickly approaching — so… here I am with a new Prompt! This week’s, and the thirty-seventh Writer’s Island prompt is: “Extravagant”.

That word paints some powerful and engaging images for me. Does “Extravagant“ take your imagination to grand and wondrous places or things — perhaps an extravaganza? Maybe it makes you reflect on a darker meaning, such as unnecessary excess? Share with us what you envision.

••>
This week we turn to a bittersweet, but true story, Savage Grace,
for our seventeenth and eighteenth Matinee Muse prompts.
The first: “Class”.
What does this conjure for you - societal stratus, or maybe an elegant demeanor?
Perhaps it brings to mind an academic gathering or subject.

The second is a phrase: “Fall From Grace”.
What tragic, or sad image or circumstance — or series of choices or events
does this stir in your soul?
Maybe it revisits a woeful devastating personal experience or memory.

The Matinee Muse prompts are now a regular weekly offering, so please enjoy!
Remember — this, and every week, click the poster to learn about the movie.
<••

Feel free to use any one, or all, of this week’s prompts — or use your own, if you so choose. Whatever moves your soul this week is what we all want to read.

So, create your poem, prose, short story, essay, commentary, or whatever — and post it on your blog. Feel free to include recordings of you reading your work — and any photo, artwork, or graphic representation you feel is relevant.

When you have finished your piece, please return here to this post and place your link to your work as a comment — and as you know, just the link, not the piece.

Please realize there is no need to rush, this post will be open to receive your links for the entire week, leading up to the next prompt.

May your muse, this week and every week, lavish you with inspiration to write your very best — write from your heart! We can’t wait to see what you have for us…

Prompt & Link: “The Return”

9:00 AM Friday morning, May 23rd 2008, on the U.S. West Coast, is quickly approaching — so… here I am with a new Prompt! This week’s, and the thirty-sixth Writer’s Island prompt is: “The Return”.

That phrase paints some powerful and emotional images for me. Does “The Return” take you back in time? Maybe it inspires memories of joy, or sorrow — or anticipations of the future? Share with us what you envision.

••>
This week the long-awaited movie, Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
inspires two Matinee Muse prompts — our fifteenth & sixteenth.
The first: “Legend”.
What larger than life, mythical figure or tale does this conjure forth
from the heroic depths of your imagination?
Or perhaps it is a more ominous vision.

The second: “Parallel Universe”.
What fantastical, mysterious tale of wonder, or perhaps foreboding,
does this stir in your soul?
Maybe it sparks a chilling personal experience or memory.

The Matinee Muse prompts are now a regular weekly offering, so please enjoy!
Remember — this, and every week, click the poster to learn about the movie.
<••

Feel free to use any one, or all, of this week’s prompts — or use your own, if you so choose. Whatever moves your soul this week is what we all want to read.

So, create your poem, prose, short story, essay, commentary, or whatever — and post it on your blog. Feel free to include recordings of you reading your work — and any photo, artwork, or graphic representation you feel is relevant.

When you have finished your piece, please return here to this post and place your link to your work as a comment — and as you know, just the link, not the piece.

Please realize there is no need to rush, this post will be open to receive your links for the entire week, leading up to the next prompt.

May your muse, this week and every week, revisit you with inspiration to write your very best — write from your heart! We can’t wait to see what you have for us…

Prompt & Link: “Impulse”

9:00 AM Friday morning, May 16th 2008, on the U.S. West Coast, is quickly approaching — so… here I am with a new Prompt! This week’s, and the thirty-fifth Writer’s Island prompt is: “Impulse”.

That word triggers some powerful and spontaneous images for me. Does “Impulse” suddenly ignite your creative urge — your creative fire? Share with us what you’re compelled to compose.

••>
This week we turn to the mythical new movie, Prince Caspian, as the source
of two Matinee Muse prompts — our thirteenth & fourteenth.
The first: “Betrayal”.
What conspiratorial, dark, and dangerous tale does this conjure forth
from the shadowy depths of your imagination?
Or perhaps it takes you to a sad and painful place.

The second: “Liberation”.
What soaring, heroic tale of daring does this stir in your soul?
Maybe it sparks something personal and intimate.

The Matinee Muse prompts are now a regular weekly offering, so please enjoy!
Remember — this, and every week, click the poster to learn about the movie.
<••

Feel free to use any one, or all, of this week’s prompts — or use your own, if you so choose. Whatever moves your soul this week is what we all want to read.

So, create your poem, prose, short story, essay, commentary, or whatever — and post it on your blog. Feel free to include recordings of you reading your work — and any photo, artwork, or graphic representation you feel is relevant.

When you have finished your piece, please return here to this post and place your link to your work as a comment — and as you know, just the link, not the piece.

Please realize there is no need to rush, this post will be open to receive your links for the entire week, leading up to the next prompt.

May your muse, this week and every week, drive you to write your very best — write from your heart! We can’t wait to see what you have for us…

Prompt & Link: “Faithful”

9:00 AM Friday morning, May 9th 2008, on the U.S. West Coast, is quickly approaching — so… here I am with a new Prompt! This week’s, and the thirty-fourth Writer’s Island prompt is: “Faithful”.

That word conjures some deep and moving images for me. I never want to influence your take on the week’s prompt, but how does “Faithful” inspire you, or spark your creative fire? Share with us what you see in your mind’s eye.

••>
This week we turn to the captivating new movie, The Fall, as the source of our
twelfth Matinee Muse prompt: “Fantasy”. What is real, what is imagined?
Can one always tell the difference? Where does fantasy carry you?

The Matinee Muse prompts are now a regular weekly offering, so please enjoy!
Remember — this, and every week, click the poster to learn about the movie.
<••

Feel free to use either, or both, of this week’s prompts — or use neither if you so choose. Whatever moves your soul this week is what we all want to read.

So, create your poem, prose, short story, essay, commentary, or whatever — and post it on your blog. Feel free to include recordings of you reading your work — and any photo, artwork, or graphic representation you feel is relevant.

When you have finished your piece, please return here to this post and place your link to your work as a comment — and as you know, just the link, not the piece.

Please realize there is no need to rush, this post will be open to receive your links for the entire week, leading up to the next prompt.

May your muse, this week and every week, be true to you, so you write your best — write from your heart! We can’t wait to see what you have for us…

Prompt & Link: “Ferocious”

9:00 AM Friday morning, May 2nd 2008, on the U.S. West Coast, is quickly approaching — so… here I am with a new Prompt! This week’s, and the thirty-third Writer’s Island prompt is: “Ferocious”.

That word conjures some powerful images for me. I never want to influence your take on the week’s prompt, but does “Ferocious” send a shiver up your spine or ignite your imagination? Share with us what you see in your mind’s eye.

••> This week we turn to the new movie release, Mister Lonely, as the source of our eleventh Matinee Muse prompt — “Identity”. What is real, what is persona — is there a difference… how are you affected by identity?

The Matinee Muse prompts are now a regular weekly offering. So please enjoy! •Starting this, and every week, click the poster to learn more about the movie <••

Feel free to use either, or both, of this week’s prompts — or use neither if you so choose. Whatever moves your soul this week is what we all want to read.

So, create your poem, prose, short story, essay, commentary, or whatever — and post it on your blog. Feel free to include recordings of you reading your work — and any photo, artwork, or graphic representation you feel is relevant.

When you have finished your piece, please return here to this post and place your link to your work as a comment — and as you know, just the link, not the piece.

Please realize there is no need to rush, this post will be open to receive your links for the entire week, leading up to the next prompt.

May your muse, this week and every week, be fiercely motivating so you write your best — write from your heart! We can’t wait to see what you have for us…