Today’s question is by way of an exercise to inspire the writing Muse. I hosted my writing group’s meeting on Tuesday and used a bag of multiple buttons as a 10 minute writing prompt. There were hundreds of buttons in various colours, styles and shapes. Each participant choose one to three buttons and then had to use them in one of the following ways.
- Describe the button in as much detail as possible.
- Tell a story of the garment the button came off and the person it belonged to.
- Give the button(s) personalities to match their appearance and tell a story about them.
The result was a variety of stories, each with individual ideas stemmed from the chosen button(s).
So today’s question is: you can use the photo herewith and pick a button or two or pick out buttons of your own and tell their story. I would love to read your stories – so comment below.
I will share one of my stories as the other one is not complete.
My Perfect Doll
Adeline picked up the purple button, a tear running down her cheek.
“Poor Sandy, your beautiful coat is ruined.”
Picking up her favorite blonde haired doll, Adeline ran downstairs calling for her mother.
“Mummmmeeee….” the last syllable became a long whine, as she ran through the living room into the kitchen. The room was filled with the aroma of chocolate cookies.
“Mummy…”
“Oh my goodness, whatever is the matter?”
“Sandy’s coat is ruined – look. Now she isn’t perfect.”
She held up the doll dressed previously to perfection and opened her clasped hand to reveal the large purple button.
“Well, I wouldn’t say she is ruined, darling. It’s just a matter of sewing it back on.”
Adeline’s tears stopped and she looked up at her mother full of hope.
“Really, you can mend it?”
“Yes, of course I can. Sit here and have a nice warm cookie, I I get my sewing box. Sandy’s coat will be as good as new in no time.”
Comforted by her mother’s words, Adeline took a cookie and watched fascinated as the button was sewn back onto the doll’s coat.
“There all perfect again, I love you Sandy. And thank you Mummy.”
Her mother shook her head as Adeline disappeared back upstairs. I really need to teach her not everything has to be just so or prefect. She turned to the kitchen counter and began cleaning the counter top, every inch was meticulously scrubbed.
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 
August 9, 2019 at 4:28 am
When I worked with K-3 writers, I always carried by button tin inherited from my mother. Each student would receive one large button. Next they would draw the person or animal wearing it and glue the button in place. It could be a nose, a toenail, a wing decoration. Anything.Then they would write a story or poem about the character. They had a lot of fun.
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August 9, 2019 at 6:32 am
Oh this sounds like a fun project. Getting the kids imaginations flowing.
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