September, September...the month where one would either drown in falling leaves or in the scents of blooming spring. But whatever your seasonal predicament, you are gathered here today to witness the presentation of prompts and submissions that defy seasonal variation. So, before we end up talking about crazy unseasonal weather, let's plunge into the company of delightful pieces of writing that are waiting to be read by eager eyes!



Most Creative Response

Miscellaneous Prompt

'Among the Graves' by `innocencedied2nite


The style in this prose piece reflects the author's skill at weaving a tale as she takes us through a story about a girl who likes to visit cemeteries, inspired by a fellow deviant's poem. This piece has managed to incorporate the poem effectively and creatively, and it is with great pleasure that 'Among the Graves' is the Most Creative Response for September!

“Why must you go there, sweetling?” her mother sobbed out one evening.

“They ask me to. They need someone to look after them. They need their flowers,” was all she could say.




Scenario Prompt

A litter of puppies is born.

'Tabula Rasa- New Life' by ~Leonca


The author continues on a magnificent journey following the *simplyprose prompts. In this latest edition, she reveals more of the characters that are developed since the first chapter through engaging description and tense dialogue.

“Hey Mr. Vance, glad you could make it. I’m Jim, but, uh, you can call me Jimmy though. That’s uh, that’s a nice dog you got there. Kinda wolfy, isn’t he? A real looker. I wouldn’t mind if you’d leave him behind though. Don’t want to be starting any fights, you know.”

'MEGADOG RISES' by *Fred-S-Kaed


Warning: This is meant to be read with an open mind, in order to fully digest a romp of a story that this author has spun for the fun of it and to appreciate the silliness of the language that he employs.

And that is why you shouldn’t secretly raise llama-ferrets in your basement.

"Puppy" by =FangBanger02


The author delivers on this prompt by narrating through the eyes of a dog witnessing the birth of puppies, in this well described, short scene.

I lay down and put my head on my paws. The room we were in was familiar, yet the light was far too bright, and there were strange smells and sounds everywhere.


'Of city and country dogs' by ~vital-organs


The author captures the essence of the prompt with good description and dialogue wrapped around the scene of a litter of puppies being born.

When the rain fell, it beat upon that roof a dozy percussion, and the two, as children, had often camped in the safe confines of the little barn just to soak it all in.



Character Prompt

This character has a close relationship with one parent, and a terrible relationship with the other. He or she also has a severe phobia.

'Tea Time' by =cel3131


In this entertaining story, the author uses dialogue effectively to create a family situation and to convey the fear that the main character has of his ex-wife. I think fear of ex-wives officially counts as a phobia after reading this piece.

"Oh Jordan, you overacted, it was just a little stab wound."
"Ma, she tried to kill me!"

'Miri's Scars' by ~Zelme


This story explores the often complex relationships between a fueding mother and daughter, set in a family scenerio and illustrated with simple, yet powerful words.

She sends the girl to her room, and later she lies in the dark next to Eli and wonders why she does not feel the way the mothers in the parenting magazines do.

'Because of the Piper' by *Teeceeoh


There is a small sense of tragedy within this piece, as the author tells the story of a young boy within a family that is eventually divided, centred around the fear of planes.

Jack's mother sighed as she put a slice of jam sponge in front of him. "Still, Jack?" was all she said.

Yes, Jack thought. Still. But he took a bite of sponge and said nothing.

'Taking Dad Home from the Bar' by ~Leonca


This piece uses an effective stream of consciousness style that highlights the fear of the murderer in response to blood, in an interesting display of irony.

No. It was your hand. It was your hand on the trigger. It was my hand on your hand but it was your hand on the trigger. It was your hand that did it not mine it was yours. It was you.

'Two Days in the Life' by ~GraniteQuartz


Like night and day, this story uses great opposites and contrasting situations to describe the character's experiences with her parents.

Just like the sunshine breaking through the curtains, a big grin breaks out on my face, "Really? Is it eggy bread?!"
Mum laughs, "Yes! Come on, I'll egg the bread and you can set the table."
"I'll make tea too."



Word Association Prompt

Strong, seductive, aroma

'Once upon a summer' by =cel3131


It might be cute, cheesy, sappy and full of squishy feelings, but the author manages to set out this story well with great description that draws the reader in.

The aroma of lilacs wafted in through the screen, filling the small tent with their scent. She breathed in deep; the smells of flowers, nylon, skin and sunshine filling her lungs.

'Ignite' by =illuminara


In this story about hard times for husband and wife, the story flows well with realistic dialogue and interactions, reflecting the storytelling style of the author.

“Whoa, cowgirl,” he said with a drawl as strong as the scent of a wet dog. “Bad day?”
“You could say that.” I rolled my eyes, then flung the matchbox to the floor. “This dang thing won’t light--again.”


Miscellaneous Prompt

Use a poem's poetic language/imagery and weave it into a piece of prose

'Overcoming Darkness' by ~julietcaesar


A comment from *ThornyEnglishRose:
The writer of this piece does an excellent job of weaving the language of her chosen poem into an original piece of prose. Atmospheric, intriguing and ultimately uplifting, this is altogether a great response to our very challenging prompt.

As you mentally fall with the moon-rays, you see them land in fields of snow, freshly piled from the night before. The brilliance reminds you of falling angels that ride on meteors. From what you remember, they flew as flakes to carpet the earth they had nourished all year, as their last gift to the world they made at the command of God.


Now that this newsletter has come to an end, we must sadly part ways and be re-engaged with the seasons around us. At the end, we hope that you the reader would understand that prose can also be as unpredictable as the seasons, in a good way, of course. That's the truth of what you find in a typical *simplyprose newsletter, and this is just one example!

~julietcaesar