To kick off our challenge, today we focus on an unforgettable friend, someone from your life now or one from childhood or anytime in between, and we want you to describe him/her based on appearance. Use the chart below to identify this person’s appearance, everything from height and hair color to tattoos, jewelry, birthmarks, and such.
The maximum word count for every day is 750 words, the equivalent of three (3) double-spaced, typewritten pages. You can write fewer words but not more, not even 751, and remember, all words count, even the little ones.
If you’d like, use the handout below to create a cluster or mindmap of possible story ideas. Print out several blank cluster diagrams and use them to focus your story on a moment that involves a short period of time and only a few people. If you’ve not yet watched the Brainstorm Your Stories by Clustering video, you may want to do that first.
When you’ve settled on what you wish to write, create a draft of your story. Post your work in the comments section below. Then read a few of your fellow challengers’ stories and include a word or two of encouragement. Happy writing!
This is Jackie Raymond’s story.
Such a beautiful story. Adajo is delightful. A perfect friend for you. Interestingly, I have found several people recently in The Villages and Florida to be negative and grumpy. Now especially with COVID. I’m locked down myself with it just now and am catching up on all the stories I missed last week at the Challenge. I’m in Iowa watching the planting and tilling going on. It was a wet spring. My stories are resting as am I. Deborah
We had such fun while I was there and daily on the phone. For Day l, I posted the story of my one love and partner for life, but switched that story for my dearest friend Adajo. She left Sunday for a week in Argentina, a long waited and needed trip after her loving care of Art, my second boyfriend.
Jackie, what a delightful story. I so much enjoyed reading your tribute to Adajo. I have not seen her in a while. Is she okay? The moment I met Adajo on the Zoom screen, I liked her. She has a presence that pulls you in. Thanks for sharing. I did not know the two of you are long-lasting friends.
Thank you, Etya, coming from you, I’m honored. Your stories are truly inspiring. Adajo entertained me last Thursday when Norma, Adajo and I had lunch at my hotel in Orlando. What fun. Lucille was to join us but had another engagement. Instead, Lucille invited me for a “Little girls’ Tea Party” where we shared our experiences as four and five years olds where she in Iowa and I in Cincinnati, Ohio, made mud pies, baked them in the sun for days and finally had them with our Tea Parties. Adajo went to Argentina for a week with her daughter, Elizabeth… Read more »
Posting my story about my unforgettable friend Kathy who by the way I finally got her phone number after all these years. I called to reconnect and she was busy getting ready for her son’s wedding. I will keep you posted. I can’t wait to hear how she remembers how we met. Everyone always has their own experiences.
I am so happy to hear that. Please give Adajo a big hug and hello from me when she returns.
Delightful story, Jennifer. Glad you found Kathy’s number and were able to reconnect after all these years.
It’s great that you had a Moms group to belong to. Connecting with Kathy was a bonus. I liked your description of Kathy’s daughter as a sumo child and your adventures with Kathy.
Good story Jennifer. I’m a little disappointed that you put the sumo child in at the end. I already had a picture from your early description. Great job on the road to the river.
Here’s my story about an unforgettable friend named Janet. The picture is of me in the fall of 1950 at age five. At the top of the hill in the distance behind me is the house my dad built that is mentioned in the story.This has been quite a walk down memory lane!
Susan, a poignant story about your friend Janet. I could not stop reading to find out the end. I am so glad that you could find her in the 1950 census, and I really hope your friendship will continue.
Thank you. I hope so, too.
Such a beautiful story. I liked your comparison between a little girl who was lonesome and having adult friends to one who found a six-year-old friend. Good for you to go searching for a friend.
Thanks, Nancy. Without the 1950 census I wouldn’t have had a prayer – guess the timing was just right!
Day One Challenge
“Vampires were her next of kin, I thought.” – excellent comparison. Your described Anais so well and not just her looks, but her behaviour. Thanks.
Anais was an unpredictable friend. I liked your observations of her behaviour and your other friends’ reactions to her behaviour.
Thank you Nancy. AnaÏs, certainly a handful to manage.
Terry, you definitely have a unique way of telling a story. Maybe it’s in your translation of French to English. But two things stood out throughout: Anais’ attitude and you in blue jeans and a yellow sports coat.
Yes, it had to be my moment in some weird way, although yellow is not recommended to wear on a set!
What a description of Anais, well done. i formed an opinion of her in the first paragraph. loved the description of your outfit. thanks for sharing.
Thank you Stella. The first paragraph gives the tone. I would be curious to know which words came up to form that opinion as a first impression!
I apologize for taking so long to respond-readjusting from vacation is my excuse-hehe..
almost the entire paragraph:”weird to be friends with “set the tone…”people attracted…invariably get burnt.”….”catch easy preys… abdicated their integrity.”…..”need for control.”…”vampire next of kin.”
guess my opinion?
Wow, Thierry, what a story. You brought Anais to life in all her complexityl And I loved your description of your outfit as looking like “eggs sunny side up.” You have a gift of bringing readers into the moment, not only describing the emotions of your characters but inviting us to share them. Bravo!
Thank you Susan. Those complexities are nonetheless the tip of the iceberg. After I write my story, I might want to write hers…maybe! Thank you for your precious feedback.
Better late than never! Here is my submission for Day One of the challenge.
“A short, sturdy young woman with thick black hair, heavy brows, and a penetrating gaze, Ellen suffered no fools and took no prisoners. She was intimidating, in the way a large, powerful dog is intimidating.” — beautiful description of a friend. You managed to describe a lifetime of friendship in such a short piece, leaving nothing out. The ending was poignantly touching –, “Ellen wore composure like plate armor. I was proud of her, even as my heart broke for her all over again.” It is a fine tribute to Ellen.
Interesting story. But what’s a narrowboat and why was there a fire being lit?
Beautiful story, Terry, and beautifully written. I have a friend like Ellen. Her name is Jane. We bonded the year Roots was first on TV and they had a fireplace and we didn’t and there was a gas shortage, so everyone had to keep their house at 50 degrees. Each night of the series we gathered at Jane’s. We put the kids in sleeping bags in front of the fire in one room and huddled under blankets in front of the TV in another. That was more than forty years ago and we’ve been friends ever since. Your story made… Read more »
What a wonderful memory, Susan! Thank you for your response. Your story reminded me of another memory, of visiting Ellen and George during the winter and getting snowed in. It was lovely to have an extra day or two of vacation from my job in Charleston!
Here is my late story for day 1!
Love story, Kit. Isn’t it amazing how one decision in our lives can lead to a whole host of experiences. You might have decided not to go on that interview, for example, or you might have taken a different job. I wonder if such close friendships, with their origin in the workplace, may not happen as often going forward now that people are working from home and colleagues are often thousands of miles apart. Another challenge of modern life!
Elsa came alive for me, and I wish I could know her too. Your description of her coordinated nail polish and lipstick perfection, coupled with the extravagant description of blonde hair was straight out of a magazine.
Hi Kit, I enjoyed your story about your friend Elsa. She was a nice distraction to have before your interview. I have had the opportunity to be in a buddy group with you. Like your friend Elsa you too are friendly and easy going.
Kit, how fortunate you are to have a friend like Elsa. I could picture her clearly from your description, and you reveal her character in what you write about her. Great story.
Here is my story for Day One–a day late.
Great story, Vern. I can see you bounding up the steps, happy for your new sense of freedom at day’s end, without a care in the world. Given the problems many landlords (and tenants) experience today, the fact that the landlord found your behavior “grounds for dismissal,” so to speak, says volumes. The fact that your friend stood by you says volumes as well. Times may have changed since those days, but good friends, then and now, are jewels to be treasured, for sure.
Thanks for the kind and encouraging words.
I liked your story, Vern. Good descriptions of the scene at your shared apartment and the circumstances. Those friends that step to fill a need in times of turmoil are indeed unforgettable. I am left anticipating more stories about the next location!.
Thanks for reading my work and for the affirmation.
this is my story for the day.
Lovely detail, Raymond. I could see the schoolyard and feel the intensity of all the kids focused on the sidewalk, on Victor, and on the game in general. No formal physical education program could have gotten young bodies in motion better than what you and your compatriots devised all on your own. And how serendipitous that you and Victor found each other again in college — long odds for sure, I would imagine. Did you continue to keep in touch as adults? If not, do you ever wonder where he is now?
What a vivid recollection of your friend and your school days. I would like to know more about your life back then. Interesting coincidence that you encountered Victor again in college!
Raymond, I enjoyed the detail of the game you played at your morning recess. It was kind of a sophisticated game of tag, but something that could be expected from the creative students of a good parochial school.
Thank you for your story, Raymond. You had an interesting friend and an interesting game.
I enjoyed your story. You did a good job describing your friend.
Well, after lap-top and printer problems all on the same day, I think the evil curse has been overcome.
Oh Dar, how totally delightful. And what an ending! All of need a Goldie in our lives–to remind us not to take ourselves so seriously, to help us remember to apply our creativity to fun as well as work, and to sometimes be more outrageous than we would otherwise dare. I hope Goldie is still a part of your life, still going strong, shocking the heck out of people and loving every minute of it. Thank you so much for sharing memories of your friend. You left me laughing out loud!
WHAT A STORY!
Well Miss Dar, what detailed descriptions..love, love, love the story. colorful and precise. great punch line…good going.
Dar, your descriptions are rich and lovely. Goldie sounds like someone to treasure. And of course, I love the punch line!
I love your punch lines. This story lived up to others I have seen from you in humor. Great description, too.
Dar, the punch line is priceless. Loved this story. Excellent!
Dar, what a great piece of writing. I could see it all. Goldie was quite a “character.” Sounds like she was fun to be around. Thanks for sharing.
Dar, I loved it. Your description of Goldie gave me a great picture. I was actually getting excited. The two-tone ending was hilarious. Definitely memorable.Finally. My first upload said file was corrupt.
Karen, I enjoyed your description of life in the Blue Ridge. As an Air Force brat who traveled constantly until I was in my teens, I’m a little envious of those “deep roots”. You do a good job of showing how growing up in one location could become confining. No wonder Sharon made such an impression in only a few months.
Good story, Karen. I enjoyed reading it.
Thanks
Karen, Great story. It resonates with me as we moved 2 – 3 times per year for my father’s job. I left many friends along the way. Sounds like you miss Sharon. Have you ever tried to find her on Facebook or Ancestry.com? I too was born in 1957, but I only had one sister born in 1960. Thanks for sharing your story!
Thanks. I have tried but no luck.
Hi Karen
I enjoyed reading your story about your childhood and early years of school. Your memories of Sharon have revived many memories about family, where you lived and school friends. We have glimpses of our past in the context of so many other memories.
One more try- My Unforgettable Friend
Beautiful story, Linda. Well done.
Linda,
Simple, to the point and touching. Sometimes, the less said can mean so much more,
I like Alayna, a true friend and what she did could never be forgotten. Good story.
Thanks Dar, As they say, you got that right. Do you think the story could have used more physical description?.
Hi Linda
Your story started as a mystery novel would. It drew me in right away. I enjoyed it. It’s great to have such a good friend.
Thank you.
My unforgettable friend. I hope you enjoy it.
Julie, I loved this story. You wrote it well.
Julie,
Are you one of the three friends?
I hope you don’t mind, but I have forwarded your story to my friend whose husband just died from Parkinson’s. They had always wondered why so many people where they used to live were being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and wondered if it ever had any relationship to the water. You told a good story and I’m sorry your friend has had to contend with this terrible disease,
What a beautiful, poignant, sad story. Filled with emotion swings. I was right there with you. I wish your friend well.
Hi Julie
Your friend seems to be very supportive of you and your writing. It is so sad when diseases are caused by environmental factors that could have been prevented. This is an important story to write.
Very much enjoyed hearing about your friend and mentor. The story is scarily fascinating.
Migraines, then Parkinson’s Disease. And a connection to well water in Iowa? Wow!
I could have posted 3000 words on this one. Had to do allotta crimping. As I told Patricia, this was a NO-BRAINER.
It is so hard to lose a friend, John, and wonderful that you had so many good times together. You’ve written a lovely tribute to a very special man.
John, I don’t know if 3000 words would have told a better story. It is so clear cut, a beautiful portait of Joe and your bond to him. What a great life shared together and that lives on in sharing it with your fellow writers.
Hi John, I enjoyed your story. Good description of your good friend. I found your story about the missions like a Tom Cruise movie. So sorry for your loss, I can tell you really miss him. Writing does bring up a lot of emotions sometimes.
John, what a sad story. I am so sorry about your friend’s passing. He sounded like a good man. well done1
I very much enjoyed your story John. Having been a member of the United States Air force myself, it was good to hear some blue stories (Air Force Blue) The story was easy to follow and kind of exciting to read with all the scary trips you described. I wonder how many other stories you have. Thanks!
I would like to know more about Joe and his ways of getting dates and what he did on those dates. Did he get dates for you too? Perhaps this story was part of the 3000 words that you had to edit out to comply with the 750 word limit.
John, I would love to read more about Joe. A beautiful story about how friendship endures. Thank you for sharing.
The description of your experience is captivating. Your friend Joe is described well in the story: the difference between what he was like in his youth and when he matured to become the superintendent of security forces. He seemed to have your back during the night at the airport, bringing you closer through your experience together.
John,
I could feel the enthusiasm and excitement you had when Joe was around. I had such a friend for a few decades until one day I hear he had died of a heart attack. I wish I had had some awareness of his imminent death as you did. Your story reminds the reader to share their respect and feelings before it’s too late. In my case, I had to fly to New Jersey, and let his wife know how I felt about her husband, Gene. Thanks for sharing. Vern
John, There is no end to the unique stories you have, and I feel blessed that you share them with all of us. And I’m sorry Joe had to leave us so early. Great story John!
Although I found all the military adventures interesting (would have loved to see the car speed out of the locked-up garage), when you mentioned your friend’s stomach problems,
I knew this was not going to end well. My sympathies for your loss. Great story and description.
Better late than never. KMD
I have included a link to the Painting of Madam X.
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/madame-x-madame-pierre-gautreau/XQFBdVEh0NHo0A?utm_source=google&utm_medium=kp&hl=en&avm=2
Beautiful story, Kelly Marie.Well done.
Wow! This is right out of a love novel. Are you sure this was copied from somewhere? It was an excellent writing which was enjoyable to read. Thanks!
A beautiful love story of a moment in time. One to not be sad it ended, but rather, thankful that it happened and left footprints on your heart. I’m sorry your image never got painted but it may have ended up being a very sad reminder of ‘what if’
Through your description, I felt like I was right there in the restaurant with the both of you having breakfast. It seemed like it was love at first sight. It’s strange how things work out or don’t work out sometimes.
What a unique, special experience. You wrote it well. I could feel Isaiah’s presence.
Beautiful character description of your initial meeting with Isaiah and how you reacted to those first impressions.
My curiosity was piqued at: “I was wondering what he saw in me that resembled this portrait”.
That would be an interesting tangent in which to explore the depths of the relationship in the story.
KellyMarie, what a special story. I think you would have been beautiful in a painting like Madam X. It sounds like Isiah was intriguingly handsome! Thanks for sharing.
I Made an edit, please see my story above. Thank you. KMD
Here is my story. I tried posting it earlier, but for some reason it did not happen.
I really liked your story. It shows how we all get Americanized and the good life. Also, so well written. Thanks for your story.
Thank you Ray.
What fun, what memories well told Etya. I could smell those steaks bbq’ing.
Thank you, Dar.
Hi Etya
Your friend seems to be a wonderful person to be around. It’s great that your friendship still continues. I like the description of her petite size.
She truly is. I am glad that she is still around. Thanks for reading.
Etya,
I enjoyed your story. I particularly enjoy your honest descriptions. For example: “In the early eighties, Vera’s figure is slim. The top of her body is broader than her bottom…” Well done.
Thank you, Vern. I appreciate your comments.
Etya, I loved your story. What a great friend! And you characterized Vera so well. I could see her myself.
Thank you, Julie. I appreciate it.
Etya, you really got me this time. The opening paragraph had me laughing my ass off. The comparison to her boobs and her smile overwhelmed me.
The rest of the story was insignificant, except for the part in Staten Island. I graduated from Wagner College in Staten Island in 1973. In fact, my Day 2 story is about one of my teachers at the school.
John, I knew you would appreciate the opening line. Thanks for reading.
Etya, yes, your friend Vera did come in all sizes and the pictures of her through the years vividly describe that. Great story. Jackie R
Thank you.
Great story of friendship! I can picture tiny Vera storming at you for bringing steaks, bustling around as the perfect hostess.
Thanks, Linda.
Etya:
Nice physical description in the line ” Her face with puffed-out round cheeks looks almost meaty”. Subtly, it offers foreshadowing of the meaty events coming later in the story.
I appreciate it.
Challenge Day 1
Loved your story Stella. What a wonderful friend. That’s what it’s all about. Wonderful descriptions as well. Good job.
Hi Stella, Nice descriptions in your story about your friend Donna, her clothes and your sadness. It is so true how a pain shared is lessened.
Everyone needs a friend like Donna when we are on the verge of falling down the rabbit hole. You described everything in your story using all the senses. Even though the story begins with sadness it is a story of great strength in overcoming it all in the circle of a woman friend’s compassion..
Stella, your descriptions were rich with detail. Beautiful story about a really good friend.
Nicely done, Stella. I enjoyed your story and the description of your friend. I am glad you had her by your side during your difficult time.
Excellent descriptive writing, Stella! We all need a friend like Donna. Thanks for sharing.
Good scene with keen descriptors of Donna.
DAY 1-An Unforgettable Friend.
Attached is my story titled: Pearl, A Rich Strike, Indeed.
She sounds like you Norma…I’m sorry your friend Pearl has moved on. I’m glad you have the memories and you described her well, as I knew you would. I like Miss Lead Foot.
Norma, your visual arts skills blended perfectly in your description of Pearl. I especially loved the pantyhose reference. Great job.
Norma, what an excellent description of Pearl. Sounds like my kind of friend – I drove a cherry red Trans Am in college! Thanks for sharing.
WOW! Excellent deceptions. She sounded more like a diamond in the rough. Loved it. Thanks Jackie R
Good story, Norma. excellent description of your friend. I could imagine how she looked easily.
Aw Norma-what a description , inside and out, love it.
Unforgettable Doug
this story will be a keeper forever. I want to know where Doug is now. He sounds like fun.
Thank you, Dar. Definitely fun. He lives in Vermont with his wife. Covid has made visits difficult.
Cathy, such a cute story. Doug sounds like a special friend. Your characterization was great! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Juile. He’s still a special friend. I’m so blessed.
Cathy, what a nice recollection of your friend. You did great describing him. I also felt how much you cared for your friend.
I’m glad my feelings came through, Etya. He is indeed a special friend.
Incisive character description and a nice set up for the payoff of the story.
Thank you, Steven. I write with a payoff in mind but now I’m wondering if it’s always necessary. This writing journey is revealing, isn’t it?! Kind of archaeological.
I struggle with that.as well. Not all stories need to have a payoff. Some can be just as powerful ending with a question.
MY LIFETIME FRIEND
Jackie, what a lovely story. One never forgets those first moments with a true love. It’s wonderful you had so many happy years together.
Meeting an unforgettable lifetime friend, Norman
Jackie,
Such a lovely story. I too am a “Southern Belle” – Kappa Alpha’s little sisters from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. I dated several of the members. Norman sounded like a very special man and it was meant to be that you met him. Thanks for sharing!
My youngest son, Billy, graduated from Stephen F. Austin in the 1990ish. He was not a KA, his father and older brother were KA, I was a Theta, FSU way, way back.
A nice memory, of your lovely Norman,..I know you miss him,
Meeting an unforgettable lifetime friend, Norman
Jackie I loved how you honored your lifetime friend Norman, and can picture him hanging over the ledge watching you as a young co-ed. What a great love story!
Story about a friend
Nancy, great characterization of your friend Marie. I hope things will turn out well for her. Keep writing!
Nice story, Nancy/ I enjoyed reading it.
An engaging read of an intimate encounter.
Nice character revelation of Marie and her plight in life.
Here is my story.
Sheila, you did a nice description of your friend Ginny. I enjoyed your story. Thanks.
Sheila, nice story. Sounds like Ginny had issues with perfectionism. You were a saint driving to Michigan and back. Great characterization of Ginny. Thanks for sharing.
Quite the amusing portrayal of Ginny. Her delicate and immaculate features perfectly align with her propensity for cautious driving.
You painted a nice picture of your petite friend.
.
As writing often goes, I started to write about one of my closest childhood friends. In the process, I found myself writing that part of the story that involved my 4th grade teacher.
It was a delight to pay a visit with Mrs. Spector again. I hope I painted her as well as she is remembered.
Steven, I can feel your anticipation, waiting for the other shoe to fall, hoping against hope recitation would take precedence over retribution. At least for that day, Mrs. Spector must have seemed more to you like Mrs. Spectre!
Steven, you are a fascinating storyteller. I enjoyed your portrayal of the innocent one. Thanks for sharing.
And once again, you tickled my fancy….loved you imagining yourself in front of a firing squad (lol) and I’m kind of sorry you got caught..
Steven, A well-written scene with beautiful detail and the suspense that we expect from your writing. Thanks for sharing.
Great story, excellent description of Mrs. Spector. I think I was more, The Wreck of the Hesperus in my demeanor and relaxed in my dressing attire.
Loved your story, Steven. Great description of your teacher. Thanks for sharing.
Steven, I love it..what a description of Mrs. Spector-the hair part in particular really got me.
A great portrayal of Mrs. Spector engaging all of the senses. Also, nice description of your thoughts and feelings. I especially liked this line;
My mind spun out of control, a gyroscope off its axis in fear I’d be singled out for fighting during recess.
Here is my story for Day 1 Challenge
Rose, I enjoyed your fun story. I remember those days learning to drive a stick shift. I was laughing with your riders but also felt your frustration. Great writing! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful story, Rose. loved how you brought her to life and the humor you interjected throughout.
Rose, the first time I got stuck when learning to drive stick, I started to cry. What a wonderful memory. Thank you for sharing.
Nice scene description on that Sunday with the school bus.
Hello, fellow writers. I would like you to meet my friend Janet.
Millie, I enjoyed your story of Janet bullying you into finding a dress to impress. She sounds delightful and exhausting in equal measure. You did a wonderful job of bringing her to life for me.
Millie, I loved your friend Janet. She was very savvy when it came to being fashionable. It’s always good to have at least one of those friends to help us. Thanks for sharing.
Millie, I enjoyed this story a lot. Your friend Janet looked like a fashion plate from your description. Loved her outfit. Your green dress sounded stylish and fashionable.
Millie, great description of a shopping friend, Janet and I would do well together.
I enjoyed the story and your description of Janet.I could relate. Like you, I am most comfortable in jeans and t-shirt. On occasion I have been grateful for fashionable friends to help me look suitable for a special occasion. Well done.