This is such a wonderful thought and a really interesting thing to think about. I have a feeling I'll be using this as an exercise to get to know my characters better when I write. It's so simple but it could open up all these new layers to them. Gives me a lot to think about :)
I’ve been packing up go-bags and searching for important papers and things because I live near the Palisades Fire. Over 40 years of “stuff” has come pouring out of drawers and cupboards and closets. A time for choosing what’s important to carry - and what to walk away without. (Luckily, so far, we haven’t had to leave, though it’s been close).
Barbara! How did I not remember how close you are there where you live! Oh man I’m so sorry! I hope you don’t have to evacuate. But yeah…the stuff. Sending love to you and yours. Stay safe, friend. xo
I haven’t been posting - or writing. Too busy watching the fires and preparing. Not a time for contemplation. But your post is so apt. I read the Tim O’Brien when Nick was in high school - it was assigned to him and I picked it up. I do think I joined my writing workshop just after that. Today is the first day we’ve had a break from growing devastation. So much just gone. Can’t really take it in yet.
I’m glad you’re safe and hope you remain so. The destruction and displacement around you must be disturbing to see. What a start to 2025! I know you have Europe to look forward to at least.
Years ago, when I was doing research for a series of stories I wrote that take place during the Vietnam war era, I read his book. It floored me. Thanks for this series of prompts and a reminder about his book. I have been facing some physically difficult days and not writing ( started embroidering again after forty years) . I love these promots and can imagine a series of flash pieces, each one about donething different that I carry. Great material for stories.
Thanks so much and glad to hear that you are enjoying your time in your writing retreat.
Vati, it’s so good to hear from you. Happy to remind you of the book. I like your idea of doing a whole series of pieces with this prompt. We all possess so much deep and interesting material. Unique to only us. Thanks for reading. I hope things ease for you soon. Take care. xo
Things I carry: Mickey Mouse watch, sleek laptop with all my writing, extra four pounds on my waist, nicotine gum, expectations, fear, money, grief, dead men I loved, drive, memory of sitting on my Dad's lap feeling his heart beat as he sang Home on the Range.
Lovely set of prompts, Kathy. Your post moved me, as I've been feeling the weight of the world. Your series of launch pads will help work through the 'stuff'. Happy residency! Peace...
This is great to hear. i'm so glad. I should have included "the weight of the world" as something we carry. I'm going to add that now. Thanks for reading and the good wishes. Take care.
Oh what a prompt, Kathy. Today is my “mark up” day for radiation—and in my heart and on my back and in my mind I’m carrying my sister and her experiences with breast cancer treatment nearly 30 years ago.
Annie, oh man! I'm sending you so much love and support today as you go through this and as you carry your sister and what she went through, with you. I'm thinking of this marking up as a means of directing the healing radiation to where it needs to go and heal you. Today, I'm feeling gratitude for modern treatments and wishing you well. xo
You are spot-on! I think of her treatments 30 years ago and often I use words like “crude” or “defacing”…and yet, she was a pioneer, enduring experimental bone marrow treatment for example. And I know I’ve benefited from the precision of today’s imaging…and research she willingly participated in. I wish I could tell her. 🩷
I gave this beautiful book to a young combat veteran, and it rocked his emotional world. He said it gave voice to things he was never able to think about before.
My word for 2025 is SPACE and the things we carry is relevant to me in a personal way! I will use these prompts this week Kathy! Thank you!
Oh fantastic! I love that word! Happy writing, Tammy, and thank YOU. xo
This is such a wonderful thought and a really interesting thing to think about. I have a feeling I'll be using this as an exercise to get to know my characters better when I write. It's so simple but it could open up all these new layers to them. Gives me a lot to think about :)
I’m so glad you find it potentially useful for your writing, Annette! Thanks for reading!
This is wonderful, Kathy!
Thanks so much for reading, Mike! Glad you enjoyed!
Wonderful column and thought-provoking prompt. Thank you.
I really appreciate the read and kind response, Mary. Thank you!
I’ve been packing up go-bags and searching for important papers and things because I live near the Palisades Fire. Over 40 years of “stuff” has come pouring out of drawers and cupboards and closets. A time for choosing what’s important to carry - and what to walk away without. (Luckily, so far, we haven’t had to leave, though it’s been close).
Barbara! How did I not remember how close you are there where you live! Oh man I’m so sorry! I hope you don’t have to evacuate. But yeah…the stuff. Sending love to you and yours. Stay safe, friend. xo
I haven’t been posting - or writing. Too busy watching the fires and preparing. Not a time for contemplation. But your post is so apt. I read the Tim O’Brien when Nick was in high school - it was assigned to him and I picked it up. I do think I joined my writing workshop just after that. Today is the first day we’ve had a break from growing devastation. So much just gone. Can’t really take it in yet.
I’m glad you’re safe and hope you remain so. The destruction and displacement around you must be disturbing to see. What a start to 2025! I know you have Europe to look forward to at least.
Years ago, when I was doing research for a series of stories I wrote that take place during the Vietnam war era, I read his book. It floored me. Thanks for this series of prompts and a reminder about his book. I have been facing some physically difficult days and not writing ( started embroidering again after forty years) . I love these promots and can imagine a series of flash pieces, each one about donething different that I carry. Great material for stories.
Thanks so much and glad to hear that you are enjoying your time in your writing retreat.
love, Vati
Vati, it’s so good to hear from you. Happy to remind you of the book. I like your idea of doing a whole series of pieces with this prompt. We all possess so much deep and interesting material. Unique to only us. Thanks for reading. I hope things ease for you soon. Take care. xo
The things they carried is such a monumental novel and a game changer in the way soldiers are portrayed.
Agreed!
Things I carry: Mickey Mouse watch, sleek laptop with all my writing, extra four pounds on my waist, nicotine gum, expectations, fear, money, grief, dead men I loved, drive, memory of sitting on my Dad's lap feeling his heart beat as he sang Home on the Range.
Melanie! Wow. This is lovely. It's so moving. Feels like a microfiction or a personal essay in micro form. Thanks for sharing this.
Lovely set of prompts, Kathy. Your post moved me, as I've been feeling the weight of the world. Your series of launch pads will help work through the 'stuff'. Happy residency! Peace...
This is great to hear. i'm so glad. I should have included "the weight of the world" as something we carry. I'm going to add that now. Thanks for reading and the good wishes. Take care.
Thank you so much for this, Kathy. It's so useful. I am doing one of Matt Kendrick's wonderful courses right now, so will save this for a rainy day.
Thanks for reading, Bonnie! I'm glad you find it useful. I'm determined to take one of Matt's marvelous workshops someday!
Oh what a prompt, Kathy. Today is my “mark up” day for radiation—and in my heart and on my back and in my mind I’m carrying my sister and her experiences with breast cancer treatment nearly 30 years ago.
Annie, oh man! I'm sending you so much love and support today as you go through this and as you carry your sister and what she went through, with you. I'm thinking of this marking up as a means of directing the healing radiation to where it needs to go and heal you. Today, I'm feeling gratitude for modern treatments and wishing you well. xo
You are spot-on! I think of her treatments 30 years ago and often I use words like “crude” or “defacing”…and yet, she was a pioneer, enduring experimental bone marrow treatment for example. And I know I’ve benefited from the precision of today’s imaging…and research she willingly participated in. I wish I could tell her. 🩷
She gave you and others a great gift. What a beautiful legacy. xo
I gave this beautiful book to a young combat veteran, and it rocked his emotional world. He said it gave voice to things he was never able to think about before.
How wonderful! I think that was O'Brien's motivation for writing it. He'd said, so many civilians got it wrong. Thanks for sharing, Lexi!
I love what you wrote. Much to think about and write about… I’m a Kerouac fan, and flash fiction fan, too.
I really appreciate the read and comment, Regina. Thank you!
This is such a great prompt, Kathy! I’ll use it for my novel’s MC this week, very helpful. I hope you’re having an amazing time at Kerouac House! ❤️
I am. Thanks so much, Kelli! I'm excited you'll use the prompt for your novel. Happy writing! xo
What a wonderful prompt! The things we carry is a never ending source of inspiration and a great way to add more emotion and meaning to a story.
Thanks so much for reading, Claire!