I don’t know about you guys but I’m having a time coming up with stuff to blog about. I know, I know, there is so much going on in the world there should be something that has caught my attention, right? Wrong. Maybe there is too much going on – or it’s just so much of more of the same crap that it just isn’t hitting my interest meter or, who the hell knows?
Anyway, Bella challenged me to write about grilled cheese samiches and yeah, I took the challenge. See what I mean by no thoughts in my head. Actually though it was fun and it was a challenge, because really how often do you have to come up with 500 words on grilled cheese samiches – so, thank you Bella. We managed to shake some bats from the bellfry on that one.
But her challenge got me thinking – aren’t we all a little at a loss for stuff to post about, from time to time? Don’t all of us sit down at the computer, scratch our heads and say, ‘ah, duh, what the heck am I going to post about today?’ sometimes? It may just be me, but I don’t think so – in fact, I’m sure not because I’ve read others’ posts about burn out, missing brain cells, brain farts and empty-headedness too.
So, here’s an idea – why don’t we do an idea co-op? Okay, maybe it sounds lame and sounds like those silly writing prompts that we’ve all tried – but more fun. We’ve all done the memes that have gone around – pulled stuff out of our dusty trunks and put them up, posted vids, jokes, cartoons, celebrated wholly invented holidays, done the interview round robins – why not this?
Hmmm….now how would we go about it? I don’t know…how about you leave me suggestions here and for every suggestion I get, I’ll give one back? How does that sound? Or we could tag each other for ideas? I am actually kind of liking the idea. Imagine having an idea bank for those days when you really don’t have any ideas? Imagine having someone else give you a bunch of ideas that you can save for a rainy day post? Doesn’t it sound good?
I’ll start:
Bella - Write a letter to the editor about pending legislation that would require all adults to trim their toenails weekly.
A-Mum – Write a love letter to A-Dog from the viewpoint of a french poodle who has recently moved into the neighborhood.
Michael - You wake up to discover that all your daughters are sons & your wife is your husband – what happens?
Karen - You have been offered the job of creating & producing a talk show for former president, Jimmy Carter, describe the format, the guests, the topics and how you will promote it.
Christine – Write a rap song for Condoleeza Rice to be performed on the Letterman Show.
Spaz – Interview the most beautiful tree you know.
Roobs – You are Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz – Write the private conversation you had with the Wizard while the Tin Man, Lion & Scarecrow were out of earshot.
Jess – Write an editorial on a movement to outlaw parking tickets.
Anthony – You wake up to discover you get to be an American for a day – describe your day.
Red - You get the opportunity to create a reality show called, Build That Car – Outline the format, the rules, the contestants and the prize.
DT – You get to be the schoolyard bully for the day – who do you go after first?
Jennifer – Write a poem about the joys of microwave cooking.
Reggie – You’ve met your dream man; he’s handsome, smart, funny, makes 7 figures a year and is availble but he’s four feet tall – what do you do?
Buggsie – List ten things that would make it a perfect world.
Lucid - Write a letter to Dear Abby, asking for advice on something that really bugs you.
Daisies – Write a speech to be given to a group of 12 year old boys on the merits of feminism.
Grace – You have been given the assignment of giving Howard Stern a makeover – results?
Okay, so have at it, if you want – and gimme something puleeze! 
56 Comments
September 30, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Limited randomness. Sigh.
Let me know if you have some ideas left over.
Leftover ideas for what? Blogging or something else?
WC
September 30, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Lol. Good suggestions. Might as well use some of them to inspire my bored-to-death blogger friends to post more.
Thanks – but I wish you wouldn’t use any of them – since I thought them up specifically for those mentioned.
WC
September 30, 2007 at 2:01 pm
does this assignment have a word requirement because i can’t actually count you know..
and i’m assuming english will do, it doesn’t need to be in french?
Nope, no word requirement and of course English is acceptable – besides I can’t read French.
WC
September 30, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Alexys …. lol this is cute…. Ummmm questions. Alm I to write this letter to Dear Abby on my site or literally write to her? And if it is to be psoted on my site as if I really wrote her, am I to answer it as if I were Abby????
Let me know!
Hey Lucid,
Yes, put it on your site and pose it, write it, however you want to do it. Also, you are supposed to give me an assignment now.
WC
September 30, 2007 at 3:51 pm
wow…sorry for the grammer. spelling errors… my brain and fingers were not cooperating. lololo
No worries – doesn’t bother me.
WC
September 30, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Writer chick… I am sooo sorry God help me tonight… I was going back and forth from your site to Alexys and totally lost where I was ….”Sh*T” forgiveness please…. I wrote her name instead of yours in the first comment…
Ok, let me know what your requesting!
( speaking about blogging issues)
Have a great night!!!
LOL Lucid, I wondered about who Alexys was but I’m not offended about it, so don’t give it another thought.
As to the Dear Abby letter, do whatever you like, have fun with it – oh and btw, you need to give me a topic/assignment back.
WC
September 30, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Hoo Boy, I started reading this post and thought, no, she wouldn’t name me and give me an assignment but lo and behold ….
Thinking here, I DO have an assignment for you today and it’s one I’ve been trying to write for months and been getting closer to it but still not there. I almost think it might have to be a series and I wish others would write about it to so since you’re asking here it is:
Annie, Do you think of the people you have met on your blog or elsewhere online as real friends or “computer friends”? Do you think you/we can have real friends online – people that we might never meet in person – and be close to them or even closer than people we meet in person ?
There ya go. I hope that gives you some fodder and I would love to see others take that topic as well and then come and let me know on my site when and if they write about it.
Peace friends.
~ RS ~
Hey Roobs,
So, are you going to go for it? Because I’d really like to know what Dorothy and the Wizard really talked about. If you do, you must let me know when you post it.
And yes, I’ll take on your suggestion – it’s a good one.
Love
Annie
September 30, 2007 at 7:18 pm
ok here it goes… you are funny so why don’t you do a post on embarrassing dating moments
.. If not I will think up another ….
And thanks by the way
Okay Lucid, you’re on. Let me know when you post your Dear Abby letter.
WC
September 30, 2007 at 8:34 pm
hahah! oh goodness! I was like MsRuby there, thinking I wouldnt have an assignment, and I doooo. Im up for the challenge, MsChickie, dont you worry .. as far as something for you to write? umm . .. . . .. . .
yes, I have many brain farts when it comes to sitting down here and writing something. because of that, i have several on reserve for those very moments. i have many completed entries in my drafts box, just waiting to be posted.
as far as subjects for you? perhaps …
- the vast differences with living in socal and the midwest.
- which cartoon character would do the best job at running the world.
- describe your bathroom cleaning routine.
- are you green enough?
I can actually think of many things to write about, but the topics would be pretty off-color and maybe a bit too disturbing/disgusting for your lovely blog. . heh!
im sure you’ll get plenty of ideas from the commenters.
Hey Red,
Wow, I get multiples from you. Far out. I love them & I’ll take them. Thanks, Baby! Let me know when your reality show is posted, I may want to be a contestant.
WC
September 30, 2007 at 9:18 pm
What a fun idea, WC.
Maybe it has something to do with summer, because it seems like a lot of people haven’t been posting for awhile. Hopefully, fall will get everyone back in the mood.
How’s the book process going? Anything new?
~Kelsey
Hey Kelsey,
Long time no see. How are you, honey?
I think you’re right, the summer had us out of ideas and at the beach. You got anything for me? If so, I’ll think of one for you.
I’m still waiting to hear back on the agent thingies’ – I’ll let you know.
Annie
October 1, 2007 at 1:31 am
i can read it, it’s the understanding part that screws me up
an assignment for you? hmmm…..thinking, thinking…need to think some more….i’ll be back!
Well, I like the way it sounds.
Yes, do put on your thinking cap and get back to me.
Annie
October 1, 2007 at 1:43 am
you’re at the dinner table with 4 other guests….describe the conversation happening around the table..your dinner companions are:
jesus christ
attila the hun
adolf hitler
billy graham
your host for the evening is:
the emperor of japan, you are in the imperial palace and the only thing he’s served is raw sushi and sake…
enjoy your dinner chicken
LOL – now don’t make it so easy on me, will you? Cripes, what a dinner party – I guess I’ll have to leave the hats at home on t his one.
Annie
October 1, 2007 at 5:16 am
First off the post would be titled: My name is June
The post would begin, “Let me tell you about my Beaver . . . ”
If I were able to finish the post, I’d immediately call my doctor (gynecologist?) for a consult.
Wondering if Ward is “the” man in the sack . . .
Oh, God, I think I’m making myself sick.
~m
If you were able to finish the post? So, is you is or is you ain’t? Let me know. I think you could really do something with this post. If nothing else, it’d be good for a laugh, yes?
Annie
October 1, 2007 at 5:28 am
*You’re at a new boyfriend’s house meeting his parents for the first time. You have to use the bathroom and find that after you do your duty the toilet won’t flush and you can’t leave that nasty looking thing floating in the bowl.
All you have is your pocketbook with you. What do you do?
If you don’t particularly like this one I have more. :0)
Don’t forget, you did turn me into a woman . . .
ps. this is based on a personal story told to me so I know of one ending
OKay, so is this payback? LOL. I’ll write this one if you write My Name is June. You are baaaaaddd.
Annie
October 1, 2007 at 11:02 am
Hahaha! Okay, I’ll do it. Give me a couple of days though.
OK, here’s yours (if you choose to accept, that is!) – one week of Britney Spears’ diary entries. Man, that makes me drool just thinking about it.
Hey Karen!
Otay, I’ll give it a whirl. Wish me luck – I may not be stupid enough to pull it off.
WC
October 1, 2007 at 1:23 pm
um i did one but apparently it was only on dts blog….
Hey DC,
You did one, what?
WC
October 1, 2007 at 1:50 pm
I used the prompt for me, AND I made one for you on my blog. Just for kicks, I’ll send another prompt your way:
You are stuck in a room with no windows, doors, or clever double entendres. You only have a slinky, two apple cores, and a phone book. Describe your escape.
Hey DT,
I may have to pass on this one – I’m not good at riddles and I never get them right anyway – but thanks for the thought.
WC
October 1, 2007 at 2:12 pm
hi WC!! I’m totally up to your challenge. just got to give me a day or two to think up some crazy wit on this one!
here’s your assignment:
Chewbacca is running for President of the United States. You are his campaign manager. Why should we vote for him? What is he for/against, and what is his stand on the new cheesy beefy melt from Taco Bell? All important things to think about. good luck!
Hey Reggie!
Now, how did you know that I always wanted to be a campaign manager? LOL. Okay, I’ll try my best.
WC
October 1, 2007 at 3:54 pm
This is just wrong.
Like I don’t have enough to wreak havoc on my poor dilapidated brain. Now I have to use it to think, because I’ll be damned if I’m the only one who doesn’t get this one.
Give me a few days, though. Recent ER visit and all (see blog for further details…).
Hey Jess,
No worries, you don’t have to play if you don’t want to – it’s not required. I’m just fooling around, don’t worry about it, okay?
WC
October 1, 2007 at 6:03 pm
WC-
It’s not a riddle. Just get out of the room in any way possible. The point was to be creative.
Yeah, I understand the point, but I think I’ll go with your other suggestion, this one just draws a blank for me. Sowwy.
WC
October 1, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Hi Annie I’m honored to be mentioned on your site girl! I’m off to bed I’m so tired but tomorrows’ post will be about my list of ten things to make it a perfect world. I love your posts Annie you always make me think.
Kathy
Hey Kath!
Oh cool, you’re going to do it? I can’t wait to see it. Get your rest – see you tomorrow.
Annie
October 1, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Okay, so I’ve seen you before in “comment land”, but now I see how the DT got inspired to hand out those assignments, hahaha…what a good idea; and now if you don’t mind, I’m off to go read about grilled cheese “samiches”
Hey Romi,
Glad you enjoyed it. I guess I was bored and it made me think of silly stuff.
WC
October 1, 2007 at 8:12 pm
What on earth would gave you the idea that I would interview a tree?
Hm, ,………..
Ah…er….I dunno….You commune with nature so much I thought you might have an inside track to a giant oak or lovely elm. You don’t have to accept the idea – I just threw it out there. If you like it, go for it, if not, the heck with it.
WC
October 2, 2007 at 3:33 am
well i’d be hoping yoy leave your hat at home…it’s not polite to wear a hat at the table you know
Well yoy have a nice day, k?
WC
October 2, 2007 at 3:34 am
*yoy*???
wtf??
drugs!
What do yoy mean?
WC
October 2, 2007 at 4:04 am
Aha…… I thought there for a moment you had exposed my secret profession
.
Looking forward to the assignment.
Have a wonderful day Annie.
Oh no, I’d never do that. Sssshhh, I’m not telling anybody about your secret connections to nature.
WC
October 2, 2007 at 5:44 am
microwave cooking?? I don’t even have a microwave! This will take me few days and my brain is still waking up this morning, so I may need some time to come up with something for you as well. I think this is a great idea Annie!
Jennifer
Ooops…you want another one then? Let me know.
Annie
October 2, 2007 at 7:43 am
Oh no Annie, I don’t want another! I love a good challenge. I can’t promise to do a good job at it, but I’ll give it a whirl! lol
I have a topic for you as well. Would you please write about how you are feeling now that you find yourself going bald?
Off to Edmonton for a few days. With any luck my creative juices will be flowing when I return, along with everyone else’s.
Jennifer
OKay, whose been talking? Was it my hat collection that tipped you off? Dang! You’re on.
WC
October 2, 2007 at 12:03 pm
LOLLLLLLLLLLLLL Awesome! I just saw this, Annie…. Howard Sterns, huh? Okee Dokey…
Stay tuned.
What fun…
Ayup – I figured if anyone could do something with Mr. Shockjock, it would be you Gracie. Have at it and let me know when it’s up.
WC
October 2, 2007 at 12:10 pm
oops
Fast on the trigger finger this morning..
For you:
You’re going to be left on a deserted island. You may bring one person in all the world with you, and all you can back in your purse.
Who and what would you bring..
Oooh, that’s a good one. You got it.
WC
October 2, 2007 at 3:03 pm
hee hee … i love my prompt ~ it will be like the mwah mwah mwah sounds of charlie brown adults, i am convinced that is what my son hears when i talk, lol … okay, i’m saving it for when i’m stuck which i’m sure will be sometime in the next week or so given that i’ve been having troubles posting on a regular basis …
fun!!
i’ll be back with something for you when my brain is a bit less foggy …
Oh good, I’m glad you like it. I really would like to see what you do with this one.
Annie
October 2, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Ah before I forget (although I do know that you are going to be rather busy judged from above comments), I’m actually going to refer back to a comment you left on my blog.
“I think you could write an essay based on each of his questions.”
Yes, go back to Max Frisch and pick any question. I would have picked 22 for you, but I’ll leave it up to you.
http://spasmicallyperfect.wordpress.com/2007/08/11/guest-writer-max-frisch/
Aw man, I give you an easy one and you make me think. Not fair. *sticking out tongue* – fine, I picked my question.
WC
October 2, 2007 at 7:50 pm
I have to give a speech on sensitivity next week. I will let you in on how it went. A better topic could never be picked for me than how to be sensitive. Buhahahahaha!!! BTW, if you are looking for topic ideas, I could always send you some of my hate mail. It always give me ideas.
Oh yeah, now that’s something I’d want to see and hear. Send us a transcript, will ya?
It’s funny, Evyl, you’re the only person who I knew wouldn’t need any help from me.
Hate mail? Hmmmmm….
WC
October 2, 2007 at 9:05 pm
I’ll do mine, it’ll take me a few days though, thanks Annie.
Ooooh, far out. I can’t wait to see what Dorothy has to say.
WC
October 3, 2007 at 12:46 am
K, this is hi-larious! I already read Mum’s post from the french poodle and got a great laugh out of it, she’s so creative! So, I’m off to write. Annie, you are a blast
Oh Yay! Can’t wait to see it.
Annie
October 3, 2007 at 12:46 am
PS I’m dumbfounded at how you ever in a zillion years came up with all of those nutty, outrageous post topics! I’d love to pick your brain someday.
Well, I’m not sure there is much to pick and honestly not sure where any of the ideas came from, but they seemed to work. Hopefully, we’ll all have fun doing them.
WC
October 3, 2007 at 11:52 am
Hi Annie I did my post today! Sorry it took a few days but it’s crazy here just looney tunes! lol
my new wordpress blog site is
http://buggsie.wordpress.com I had a little problem w/the other site and so I started that one. Hope you are well
Kath
Hey Kath,
I’ll update your addie in the blogroll. Great job on the post.
Annie
October 3, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Hello, Chica.
i saw this challenge and thought, okay. P’raps. Then i remembered-
i’m not funny.
i don’t have skillz with rhyme.
And i know next to nothing about Rice except that she is republican, which is especially scary because she is black. i mean, like how does that even happen?
But i thought i should give it a try, since you asked and you’re my pal. Then i did some research and even though she is a black republican, working behind one of the most dreadful presidents EVAH, she has really done a lot considering she was coming up during the fight against segregation. And despite all that she experienced still wanted to serve her country.
Besides, i still don’t have skillz or knowledge to write a rap. So i appreciate the task, but am unable to accept. Next time you could have me write a piece on toilet scrubbing or egg scrambling- things i know backward and forward.
~christine
Hello mi amiga,
Well, I disagree, I think you are very funny. But it was just an idea and participation is not required. And maybe you don’t really need any ideas because you seem to have so many, unlike me.
However, there is no rule that says you can’t make a suggestion that I might want to try.
Your pal,
Chica
October 3, 2007 at 7:16 pm
I am done. Just posted it.
This was harder then I thought. See tree-language is different from human language.
And I just read it. Wonderfully done. Really lovely.
Annie
October 4, 2007 at 7:18 pm
[...] dear friend Annie left a writing prompt (idea) for me on her blog. Your turn, kiddo. [...]
October 5, 2007 at 7:26 am
Hell, it’s gonna take me all day to read all of the above! but I bet I can catch up this weekend!
Take your time, no rush. It was a fun idea.
WC
October 7, 2007 at 10:15 pm
[...] giving out writing assignments the other day, and lucky me was appointed one. I gladly accepted the challenge, and this is what I came up [...]
October 8, 2007 at 8:40 am
I just found you through Red’s site and wanted to say that you were very creative in coming up with the writing ideas for your readers. It was a neat idea to assign people with writing tasks. I’ve only read a couple of them so far but they have all been great – looking forward to reading more of them. Maybe you should create a list of blogging topics and open it up to all bloggers to use when they hit the writer’s block. I bet they’d appreciate it and I know a couple of them who are also great writers and I’d love to see their takes on some of your ideas. So – great post and great fun! Thank you – I will be back to read more.
Hey Teeni,
Thanks for dropping by – welcome. I don’t know about creating a list for other bloggers, because this list came out of my friendships of these particular bloggers, knowledge of their likes and dislikes, the topics they like to blog about and so on. So there were a lot of things I knew about these folks before I came up with ‘assignments’ for them. Just writing a general list probably wouldn’t be too interesting. Although, I suppose I’d be happy to make suggestions to anyone who asked.
Glad you enjoyed the post – it turned out to be a lot of fun.
WC
October 8, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Hi!
What do you think about love? >:)
Well that’s a pretty broad question….
I think love is lovely. That love is the only thing on earth that can make you happy enough to fly and sad enough to make you want to die. It is a blade that can cut deep and a salve that can heal all wounds. It has a power to make you an ass or a poet. A lady or a slut. A man or a mouse. It can rule your world, define your world, change who you are, make you better and make you worse. It’s the good, the bad and the ugly. It is the most unstable of human chemicals, whose properties and powers are still not all known. It’s a puzzle and an solution. A question and an answer. A total mystery, really.
WC
October 9, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Thanks for responding, WriterChick. I understand what you mean about choosing particular topics because you know those fellow bloggers – that is pretty cool. Anyway, I’m a little jealous that I hadn’t started coming over here sooner so I could participate. So I’ll just have to keep coming over so that if you ever do this again in the future I can be considered a friend and part of the list. Never too late, right?
Although I would never consider myself as good as your other writer friends, I know it would still be fun.
Aw Teeni,
You’re such a sweetie. You want I should visit your site and give you an assignment? And never disparage yourself as a writer – we all have our good stuff and not so good stuff.
WC
October 11, 2007 at 12:13 am
WC,
Yes, it has been a long time. I’m doing well. I’ve been working away at my writing project, so I haven’t had as much free space in my brain to think about blogging.
I did finally merge my blogs together, though, so you can take “Moe-Lite” off your blogroll because I closed down shop. Everything’s at the other blog now. http://modestmoe.wordpress.com
And my post idea for you: If you could write like anyone (other than yourself) who would you pick and why? Would you still what to write mysteries, or would you write something else entirely?
Do you have an assignment for me?
~Kelsey
Hey Kelsey,
Glad you’re doing good. Glad you’re still at your project too – can’t wait to hear about it.
I’ll update my blogroll.
Cool idea for a post.
For you???? Write about the happiest day of your life, from the viewpoint of the Easter Bunny. How’s that?
October 12, 2007 at 10:08 am
Are you kidding? I’d love if you could give me a writing assignment – as long as I have a little while to do my homework. But no pressure on you – anytime you can get around to it is fine with me!
Okay Teeni,
What do you think of this one?
Annie
October 12, 2007 at 10:10 am
I just re-read my comment and it almost sounds like I’m some kind of sub asking my dominatrix to give me a task. Sheesh. Well, I guess I’m just sick that way then. LOL. Think I been hanging around Red’s too much. And I peeked at some of her other blog. Eeep. LOL.
LOL – don’t worry, I don’t keep whips or chains or anything like that. Although, I might make you walk my dog.
Annie
October 13, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Awesome! I will try to do it justice. And I hope your dog is not too big.
My doggie is petite, actually and in her case, size doesn’t matter because she will drag anyone of any size or gender down the street. Amazingly strong for a little one.
Please let me know when you’ve posted – I’d love to see it.
Annie
October 13, 2007 at 1:51 pm
hahahha! I love being a bad influence.
I know you do, darlin’ and you’re so frickin good at it too.
WC
October 22, 2007 at 10:16 am
[...] Microwave Life My friend Annie challenged me to write a poem about the joys of microwave cooking. Now this was quite a challenge [...]
October 22, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Just wanted to drop a note and let you know I haven’t forgotten to do my assignment – I’ve started it and it’s turning into something different than I expected but hubby is off this week so we are spending some time together which means less time for me on the computer. Things should go back to normal next week. Sorry. Forgive me?
Hey Teeni,
Nothing to forgive – do it when and if you have the time. It’s just for fun.
WC
November 6, 2007 at 8:53 am
[...] 6th, 2007 by teeni One day, I happened upon WriterChick’s blog after she had handed out writing assignments to her blogger friends. I was so impressed with how she assigned each of her friends a task that was uniquely chosen for [...]
Teeni,
You did so great on this assignment – I’m really impressed!
Love,
Annie
November 11, 2007 at 9:07 am
i’m eric. joining a couple boards and looking
forward to participating. hehe unless i get
too distracted!
eric
Hi Eric,
Did you want me to give you a topic to write about or are you just dropping in to say hi?
WC
November 14, 2007 at 12:10 pm
[...] loved Annie at WriterChick Talks‘ writing assignments that she gave her buddies – what a great idea. She is a fabulous writer as are all her buddies who [...]
December 15, 2007 at 2:05 am
Hey,
I’m Gerry.
Just saying hey – I’m new.
Hi Gerry,
Welcome to blogland. What’s your url?
WC