Category Archives: Writing Prompt

“Don’t Push the River…

Posted on September 21, 2017 by vanbytheriver

…It Flows by Itself.” Released by author and Gestalt therapist Barry Stevens, it was the self-help book of my generation. The pages are well worn, dog-eared, book-marked and highlighted in my copy of the 1970 book. I often recommended it … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Beauty, Books, Education, Entertainment, Nature, News, Photography, Writing Prompt | Tagged , , , | 67 Comments

Broken #WritePhoto

Posted on September 8, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Stone, brick, concrete Elements durable Forged sturdy Crumbling still Patterns repeated Exposing a foundation Of questionable strength. Thursday photo prompt – broken #writephoto Comments Closed. Stepping away for a few days. See you next week. Van

Posted in Art, Entertainment, Inspiration, News, Photography, Writing, Writing Prompt | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Island #Writephoto

Posted on June 30, 2016 by vanbytheriver

From John Donne, London, 1614. Meditation 17 Devotions upon Emergent Occasions ‘No man is an iland, intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a clod bee washed away by … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Beauty, History, Inspiration, Writing Challenge, Writing Prompt | Tagged , , , , , , | 36 Comments

Still Water … #Writephoto

Posted on May 27, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Still waters run deep. Or do they ? He never answered her question. “What are you thinking ?” Sarah tried. She had been looking lovingly into his eyes for a long time. He gazed back. Tom was the strong, silent … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction, Relationships, Writing Challenge, Writing Prompt | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

The Chest # writephoto

Posted on May 12, 2016 by vanbytheriver

They were never intended for our eyes. They were evidence. Family secrets. A life ruined. But there they were. The telltale photos. Glued onto yellowing pages. Hidden at the bottom of the chest. Beneath embroidered lace, sterling silver platters. Two leather-bound albums. … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Depression, Family, Mental Health, Writing Prompt | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Kalamazoo

Posted on April 30, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Yes, it is a real place, a lovely city in western Michigan. The only reference I’d ever heard of it was in a very old Glenn Miller song “I’ve Got A Gal in Kalamazoo”.It’s the first thing I thought of … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebration, Travel, Writing Prompt | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Personal Loan

Posted on July 14, 2015 by vanbytheriver

“I need $200.” Mike thought it might be drug money, but Bobby was a friend, trying to clean up his act. It was just a loan. They worked the same summer job, for very different reasons. Bobby’s wealthy family insisted; … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction, Writing Prompt | Tagged , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Look Away, Dixieland

Posted on July 9, 2015 by vanbytheriver

Dear South Carolina, As your legislators debate the Confederate flag issue, please take a moment to reflect. You were settled in 1663 as the Carolina province. You were one of 13 original colonies. We shared a flag. From 1777, with … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, History, Writing Prompt | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

One Last Move

Posted on June 25, 2015 by vanbytheriver

“Kansas ? Really ?” He was five years from retirement. “It’s the last move, Ellen, we really have no choice.” Mark was right. There were bills to pay, he loved his work, Florida could wait. Stress, depression, illness did not … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Flash Fiction, Health Issues, Work and Career, Writing Prompt | Tagged , , , , , , | 60 Comments